# Moving to Coquitlam from Vancouver — The Honest Guide > You want more house, better schools, a backyard, and you don't want to lose the things that made Vancouver livable. Here's the honest read on what actually… **Source:** https://soldbycraig.ca/moving-to-coquitlam-from-vancouver/ **Author:** Craig Johnston, REALTOR® (BC Licence V99960) · The MACNABS · Royal LePage Elite West **Site:** https://soldbycraig.ca --- Vancouver → Coquitlam ## Moving to Coquitlam from Vancouver You want more house, better schools, a backyard, and you don't want to lose the things that made Vancouver livable. Here's the honest read on what actually changes. [See what changes](#what-changes) [Map my equity first](/home-evaluation/) 1% Ranked Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® 2% Nationwide Top 2% Team Member — Royal LePage nationwide 44 Local Lived in the Tri-Cities 47+ years ★ Team The MACNABS Quick Answer What should you know about Moving to Coquitlam From Vancouver? You want more house, better schools, a backyard, and you don't want to lose the things that made Vancouver livable. Here's the honest read on what actually… **Craig Johnston, Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®** and 47+ year Tri-Cities resident, can walk you through the local context. Free Strategy Call ends with a written one-page plan in 24 hours. Also read [Burke Mountain homes](/burke-mountain-homes/) [Heritage Mountain homes](/heritage-mountain-homes/) [Westwood Plateau](/westwood-plateau-real-estate/) [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) ## What Vancouver buyers actually get You get more house. That's the headline. For what a Vancouver East or Marpole buyer is spending on a 2-bed condo, they can buy a Burke Mountain townhome. For what a Kitsilano detached costs, they can buy a Westwood Plateau view home. The math is simple. The lifestyle shift is less simple. You lose some walkability and density of options. You gain space, schools, trails, and a quieter daily rhythm. Whether that's a win is a values question, not a real estate question. **Gain:** More house, bigger lots, strong schools, mountain access. **Trade:** Less walkability, fewer restaurant options per block, more driving. **Keep:** SkyTrain to downtown, coffee culture, coast mountains, SD43. ![Craig Johnston with a Vancouver-to-Coquitlam client](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-3.39.56-PM-scaled.png) ## Which Coquitlam pockets fit Vancouver buyers ### Burquitlam Closest to SkyTrain-first city living. Great for Kits / Mount Pleasant movers. ### Burke Mountain Newer builds, family focus — fits East Van family movers. ### Westwood Plateau Views and space. Fits West Side movers wanting more lot. ### Heritage Mountain Forest feel. Fits Point Grey / Dunbar movers. ### Eagle Ridge Established and quieter. Fits Kerrisdale empty-nesters. ## What Vancouver buyers underestimate ### Driving How much they'll drive in the first month. Plan for it. ### Parking stress How quickly they'll stop missing Vancouver parking stress. ### School catchments How good the school catchments really are when you dig in. ### Trails How the trail network quietly becomes part of daily life. ### Condo → detached How much changing home type changes weekends. ## Start here for the neighbourhood fit If you're trading a Vancouver condo for a Coquitlam townhome, start with [Burke Mountain townhomes](https://soldbycraig.ca/burke-mountain-townhomes/) or a [Burquitlam](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) SkyTrain pocket. If you're trading a Vancouver detached for a Coquitlam detached, read [Westwood Plateau](https://soldbycraig.ca/westwood-plateau-real-estate/), [Burke Mountain](https://soldbycraig.ca/burke-mountain-homes/), and [Heritage Mountain](https://soldbycraig.ca/heritage-mountain-homes/) side-by-side. The full [neighbourhood hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) has every pocket. ![Craig Johnston with Vancouver clients moving to Coquitlam](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC1119-1-scaled.jpg) ## How I'd plan the move Spend two Saturdays in Coquitlam before you buy. Morning walk through one neighbourhood, coffee at a local spot, afternoon drive through two more. You'll know by the end of the second weekend which pocket is you. I do this tour with Vancouver clients most weekends. It's free, and it saves months of renting decisions that weren't actually informed. [Book the two-Saturday tour](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Read the full guide](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) ![Coquitlam buyer resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-3.39.56-PM-scaled.png) ### Buyer resource hub Every buyer guide — condo trades, family moves, investors. [Open buyer hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) ![First-time buyer guide](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) ### First-time buyer guide If this is your first home purchase. [First-time guide](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-first-time-buyer-guide/) ![Coquitlam neighbourhood hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ### Neighbourhood hub Jump into any specific pocket. [Browse neighbourhoods](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) ## FAQ — Vancouver to Coquitlam ### Will I miss Vancouver? Parts of it. The density and walkability. But most clients say the trade is worth it by month three. ### Can I still commute to downtown? Yes. SkyTrain from Burquitlam or Moody Centre is roughly 35 minutes to downtown. ### Are schools really better? Different, not strictly better. SD43 is strong. Catchments vary — verify your specific address. ### What's the best neighbourhood for a Vancouver mover? Depends on your current life. Condo owner → Burquitlam or Burke townhomes. Detached owner → Westwood or Heritage. ![Craig Johnston on the Vancouver-to-Coquitlam move](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ## Thinking about making the move? Tell me where you live now and what you want next. I'll send you the three Coquitlam pockets that match, and we'll tour them. [Book the Saturday tour](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Read the guide](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) Keep exploring ## Keep planning your move The best guides for a Vancouver-to-Coquitlam buyer. [coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/Every pocket, by fit and price band.](/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) [burquitlam-real-estate-guide/The most Vancouver-feeling Coquitlam pocket.](/burquitlam-investment/) [burke-mountain-homes/Family moves from East Van and beyond.](/burke-mountain-homes/) [coquitlam-real-estate-guide/The broader market picture.](/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) [Book a tour with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) About Craig ![Craig Johnston, Coquitlam REALTOR](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) Craig Johnston Licensed REALTOR® · Coquitlam & the Tri-Cities I have spent the last 47+ years living in Coquitlam, 9+ years on Burke Mountain, helping move-up buyers and sellers get from where they are to where they want to be — without the panic of owning two homes at once or selling under value. I work the Tri-Cities every day: Burke Mountain, Westwood Plateau, Heritage Mountain, and the rest of Coquitlam’s move-up neighbourhoods. If you want a straight read on your timing, pricing, or move-up strategy, the fastest next step is a short call. **Specialty**Move-up sellers & upsizers **Coverage**Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam **Experience**47+ years living in Coquitlam, 9+ years on Burke Mountain, serving families [Book a Strategy Call with Craig →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) ” From Craig “I operate the way I'd want a REALTOR® to work with my own family — written advice, honest trade-offs, and no hedging on the hard questions.” ![Craig Johnston, REALTOR®](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) Craig Johnston REALTOR® · Coquitlam Why Craig for this decision ## The four pillars I run every file on Licensed REALTOR® in Coquitlam. Tri-Cities-fluent, written-advice-first. Here's how I work any client file that lands on this page. [Start with a free Equity Map](/home-evaluation/) [Call 604-202-6092](tel:+16042026092) Local resident Lives and works in the Tri-Cities; kids in SD43. Written positions Pricing, negotiation, and disclosure in writing — never verbal-only. Full representation Equally strong on buy-side and sell-side; no part-time bias. Same-day response You won't be waiting a week for a callback. Next steps ## Three ways to take the next step — pick the one that fits. [If you're just exploring Book a Strategy Call No pitch. Just scope your options and walk away with a written next-step plan.](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [If you're actively shopping Set up a custom search Matched to your criteria with written comparable-sold data on every showing.](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [If you need an answer now Call 604-202-6092 Same-day response during business hours. Tri-Cities local line.](tel:+16042026092) Questions? I'm real local help. [Talk to Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) Authority Sources & Local Resources ## Verify everything — the sources behind this page Every claim on this site is checkable against a government, regulator, school district, or independent authority. Cross-reference anything — if a number here ever drifts from the source, the source wins. Municipal & Transit - [City of Coquitlam — municipal services, bylaws, permits ↗](https://www.coquitlam.ca/) - [City of Port Moody — municipal services ↗](https://www.portmoody.ca/) - [City of Port Coquitlam — municipal services ↗](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/) - [TransLink — SkyTrain, West Coast Express, bus schedules ↗](https://www.translink.ca/) Health - [Fraser Health — regional health authority ↗](https://www.fraserhealth.ca/) - [Eagle Ridge Hospital — Port Moody ↗](https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Locations/Tri-Cities/eagle-ridge-hospital) Schools - [SD43 — Coquitlam School District ↗](https://www.sd43.bc.ca/) - [Fraser Institute — BC school report cards ↗](https://www.fraserinstitute.org/school-performance) Parks & Outdoors - [BC Parks — provincial park system ↗](https://bcparks.ca/) - [Coquitlam Crunch — City of Coquitlam trail ↗](https://www.coquitlam.ca/1129/Coquitlam-Crunch) - [Pinecone Burke Provincial Park ↗](https://bcparks.ca/pinecone-burke-park/) - [Belcarra Regional Park — Metro Vancouver ↗](https://metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/belcarra-regional-park) Real Estate Authorities - [Greater Vancouver REALTORS® — monthly market reports ↗](https://www.gvrealtors.ca/market-watch/monthly-market-report.html) - [BC Assessment — property values & search ↗](https://www.bcassessment.ca/) - [BC Financial Services Authority — real estate regulator ↗](https://www.bcfsa.ca/) Local Lifestyle - [Coquitlam Centre — regional shopping ↗](https://coquitlamcentre.com/) - [Brewers Row — Port Moody brewery district ↗](https://www.portmoody.ca/en/discover/brewers-row.aspx) External links open in a new tab. I'm not affiliated with these organizations — they are cited as independent authorities. Any time a number on this page differs from the authority, the authority wins. ★Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® ![Medallion Club Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®](/assets/medallion-club-badge-60.png)Medallion Club Team Member President’s Club Team Member 47+ Years in the Tri-Cities ## What Coquitlam clients actually say after working with Craig Real reviews pulled from Google. No paid placements. No curated-only-positives. Every client below closed with Craig — most sold over asking, several within a week. ★★★★★ “Craig sold my property in just 6 days. After receiving one offer, he quickly reconnected with all the other REALTORS® who had viewed the property, and before I knew it, we had multiple offers — all over asking price. Craig didn’t stop there; he negotiated even better terms for me.” Heather Fox Sold with Craig · Over asking, 6 days ★★★★★ “We worked with Craig on three real estate transactions. In all cases he was extremely professional and efficient. In the case of the two sales, both houses were sold for over asking and within the one week of going on market. Craig analyzed the market accurately and advised on a selling price that was fair and saleable.” Ann English 3 transactions · 2 sold over asking in a week ★★★★★ “Craig recently sold my townhouse in West Vancouver in less than 6 days for over asking price. Craig is one of the most prolific and highly motivated REALTORS® I have seen in the Realty business, and I have extensive experience buying and selling properties of all sorts.” Riverplate Equities West Vancouver townhouse · Over asking, 6 days ★★★★★ “We consider ourselves lucky to be able to work with Craig over the last 5 years, over multiple transactions. He is a professional who is guided by integrity, honesty, and punctuality. Craig is a seasoned and well-informed realtor who will be a great asset on any real estate journey.” Jaeyoung Joo Google Local Guide · 5 years, multiple transactions ★★★★★ “As first-time home buyers, we had a myriad of concerns. Craig immediately put us at ease by taking the time to address each of our questions thoroughly and patiently. At no point did I feel pressured or rushed into making a decision. Instead, Craig empowered us with all the facts and options.” Jeff Kwok First-time buyers ★★★★★ “One of the most dedicated and professional REALTORS® I’ve encountered. No matter the value of the property, Craig puts great care into preparing high-quality marketing content. With his in-depth knowledge of the Coquitlam area, I highly recommend Craig to anyone looking to buy or sell.” Allan Liang Coquitlam specialist ★★★★★ “His creativity, top-notch communication skills, and a solid plan were instrumental in selling high and buying low. His foresight in negotiation skills, predicting outcomes before they happened, truly set him apart. A remarkable professional who exceeded expectations.” Matdori Google Local Guide · Sold high, bought low ★★★★★ “Craig absolutely delivered on his promise of selling my condo, exceeding my expectations. A++ communications and he kept me informed and educated every single step of the way. Rock solid performance and a very quick above asking sale, I am beyond grateful.” Rich & Andrew Condo sold over asking ★★★★★ “We were referred to Craig by a friend and knew from day one we were in great hands. The marketing was outstanding — we received seven offers, and Craig held firm on our priorities. When we re-listed in January, it sold in three days at the price we wanted, and he went on to find us an off-market buy in Vernon.” Jim Turnbull 7 offers · Sold at target price · Off-market buy in Vernon [Read the Google reviews →](https://www.google.com/search?q=craig+johnston+macnabs+coquitlam+reviews) More on Living in the Tri-Cities ## Keep Digging Craig writes the Tri-Cities coverage most REALTORS® won't. Every page below is built on the same ground-truth data and the same negotiation playbook Craig uses for every client. [**Living in the Tri-Cities hub** →](/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) [Coquitlam neighbourhood hub](/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) [Coquitlam vs Burnaby](/coquitlam-vs-burnaby/) [Coquitlam vs Maple Ridge](/coquitlam-vs-maple-ridge/) [Coquitlam vs New Westminster](/coquitlam-vs-new-westminster/) [Coquitlam vs Port Coquitlam](/coquitlam-vs-port-coquitlam/) [Eagle Ridge homes guide](/eagle-ridge-coquitlam-homes-guide/) [Hikes & trails (Tri-Cities)](/hikes-and-trails-coquitlam-tri-cities/) [Is Coquitlam a good place to live?](/is-coquitlam-a-good-place-to-live/) In this topic cluster · neighbourhoods & schools Keep reading in the neighbourhoods & schools cluster - [Moving to Coquitlam](https://soldbycraig.ca/moving-to-coquitlam/) - [Coquitlam vs. Port Coquitlam](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-vs-port-coquitlam/) - [Hillcrest Middle](https://soldbycraig.ca/hillcrest-middle-catchment-homes/) Or see the full library at [the neighbourhoods & schools section of the resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-resource-hub/#neighbourhoods). [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Home Eval](/home-evaluation/) More Tri-Cities guides ### Explore the neighbourhoods connected to this page - [→ Maillardville (Coquitlam) guide](/maillardville-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Eagle Ridge (Coquitlam) guide](/eagle-ridge-coquitlam-deep-dive/) - [→ Ranch Park (Coquitlam) guide](/ranch-park-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Moving to Port Moody from Vancouver](/moving-to-port-moody-from-vancouver/) - [→ Anmore estate homes & acreage](/anmore-estate-homes-acreage-guide/) - [→ Burke Mountain estate homes](/burke-mountain-estate-homes/) Tri-Cities monthly ## Get the honest Tri-Cities market read, monthly. June 2026 Coquitlam detached HPI is $1,649,000, -4.8% YoY. What that means for your buy or sell decision — without the salesy fluff. One email per month. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, no listings flood, no marketing automation games. Genuine monthly update from a 47+ year Tri-Cities resident. Best REALTOR® by area ## A specialist for your specific Tri-Cities city or neighbourhood. [Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-coquitlam/) [Burke Mountain](/best-realtor-in-burke-mountain/) [Westwood Plateau](/best-realtor-in-westwood-plateau/) [Heritage Mountain](/best-realtor-in-heritage-mountain/) [Port Moody](/best-realtor-in-port-moody/) [Port Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-port-coquitlam/) [Anmore](/best-realtor-in-anmore/) [Belcarra](/best-realtor-in-belcarra/) [Or compare all Tri-Cities specialists →](/best-local-realtor-tri-cities/)