Metro Vancouver, part of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, includes the North Shore, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and several other municipalities. More than 2.5 million people live in the region and population forecasts indicate it may exceed three million soon. This guide highlights the best neighbourhoods to consider when buying real estate across Metro Vancouver.
Table of contents: Best places to buy in Metro Vancouver
- Best places to buy in North Shore (North Vancouver and West Vancouver)
- Best places to buy in the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody)
- Best places to buy in Burnaby, New Westminster and Richmond
- Best places to buy in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge
- Methodology
How to read the results tables
- The tables list neighbourhoods within each Metro Vancouver region.
- Benchmark price 2023: The 2023 composite benchmark price across all property types (detached, attached, townhouse and apartment units).
- 1-year, 3-year and 5-year growth: Percentage change in the composite benchmark price over each period.
- Value, economics and accessibility: Scores from 0–5 assessing local value for money, socio-economic indicators (income and education) and ease of travel by foot, bike and public transit.
- Children (%): Share of households with children.
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North Shore, B.C.
The North Shore—comprising North Vancouver, West Vancouver and nearby communities—is among Canada’s most expensive housing markets. Some neighbourhoods have benchmark prices approaching or exceeding $2 million, driven by scenic locations, access to outdoor recreation and strong demand for single-family homes. The area is prized for hiking, mountain biking and skiing close to the city.
Best places to buy real estate in North Shore
The table below highlights top North Shore neighbourhoods by benchmark price, recent growth and local characteristics. Use the columns to compare prices, growth and neighbourhood scores.
| Rank | Neighbourhood | City | Benchmark price 2023 | 1-year growth | 3-year | 5-year | Value | Economics | Accessibility | Children (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panorama Village | West Vancouver | $1,544,275 | 7% | 26% | 9% | 5.0 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 49% |
| 2 | Lions Bay | West Vancouver | $1,912,142 | -9% | 29% | 36% | 3.5 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 45% |
| 3 | Horseshoe Bay | West Vancouver | $1,997,933 | -8% | 23% | 24% | 3.1 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 45% |
| 4 | Eagle Harbour | West Vancouver | $2,261,467 | -6% | 22% | 16% | 2.9 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 45% |
| 5 | Deep Cove | North Vancouver | $2,210,900 | -4% | 32% | 38% | 3.9 | 3.7 | 2.3 | 30% |
| 6 | Upper Lonsdale | North Vancouver | $1,745,542 | 0% | 31% | 21% | 4.4 | 3.0 | 1.3 | 49% |
| 7 | Seymour | North Vancouver | $1,575,967 | -3% | 32% | 34% | 4.5 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 49% |
| 8 | Tempe | North Vancouver | $1,973,383 | -2% | 31% | 22% | 4.1 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 49% |
| 9 | Caulfeild | West Vancouver | $2,996,033 | -7% | 20% | 8% | 2.0 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 45% |
| 10 | Upper Caulfeild | West Vancouver | $2,935,367 | -8% | 17% | 7% | 1.8 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 45% |
Source: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
Top three neighbourhoods in North Shore
1. Panorama Village, West Vancouver
Panorama Village is known for striking architecture, sweeping views and proximity to the Capilano Golf and Country Club. In 2023 the area’s benchmark price was $1,544,275. Prices rose 7% year-over-year, 26% over three years and 9% over five years. The neighbourhood scores a 5.0 for value, reflecting strong long-term appreciation. Housing is dominated by large single-family homes designed to maximize waterfront and mountain views. The neighbourhood includes high-quality private schools and outdoor amenities like Cypress Provincial Park, and roughly half of households (49%) include children. Accessibility by non-car modes is limited.
2. Lions Bay, West Vancouver
A small seaside village along Howe Sound, Lions Bay is prized for its natural setting—beaches, mountain trails and waterfront vistas. The 2023 benchmark price was $1,912,142. Compared with 2020 and 2018 the area has seen strong gains (29% and 36% respectively), though it was down about 9% from 2022. Lions Bay scores high on socio-economic indicators but offers limited transit and walkability.
3. Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver
Horseshoe Bay blends coastal village life with easy access to the Sea-to-Sky corridor and a major ferry terminal. Its 2023 benchmark price was $1,997,933—well above many Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods—and value and economics scores reflect steady demand. The area is popular for boating, nearby parks and access to Cypress Mountain for winter sports, though walkability and transit options are limited.
What happened in the North Shore real estate market?
Inventory remained tight for much of 2023. North Vancouver’s benchmark price increased by roughly 7% from January to December, while West Vancouver saw a small dip (around -0.5%) over the same period. Many buyers took a cautious stance last year as uncertainty around interest rates reduced transaction activity, even though higher-income buyers often remained active. Sales picked up toward year-end, indicating some renewed confidence.
What’s next for real estate in North Shore?
As interest rates stabilize or fall, buyer activity is expected to return. Early 2024 observations showed rising benchmark prices and more new listings in North Vancouver, suggesting the market could rebound from the slower 2023 pace.
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The Tri-Cities: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, B.C.
The Tri-Cities area—Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody—has been one of Metro Vancouver’s fastest-growing suburban regions. It attracts young families and newcomers drawn to its suburban feel, parks and relatively shorter commute times to downtown Vancouver.
Best places to buy real estate in the Tri-Cities
The following table lists top neighbourhoods across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, including benchmark prices and neighbourhood indicators.
| Rank | Neighbourhood | City | Benchmark price 2023 | 1-year growth | 3-year | 5-year | Value | Economics | Accessibility | Children (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moody Centre | Port Moody | $859,342 | -3% | -3% | 29% | 5.0 | 4.8 | 0.7 | 47% |
| 2 | Eagle Ridge | Coquitlam | $1,012,192 | -3% | -3% | 44% | 4.4 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 60% |
| 3 | Westwood Plateau | Coquitlam | $1,248,975 | -1% | -1% | 34% | 4.2 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 60% |
| 4 | College Park | Port Moody | $1,068,300 | -3% | -3% | 39% | 4.4 | 4.8 | 0.7 | 47% |
| 5 | Heritage Woods | Port Moody | $1,571,992 | 0% | 0% | 35% | 3.6 | 4.8 | 0.7 | 47% |
| 6 | Mary Hill | Port Coquitlam | $1,269,009 | -2% | -2% | 46% | 4.2 | 2.9 | 4.1 | 47% |
| 7 | Oxford Heights | Port Coquitlam | $1,370,858 | -1% | -1% | 44% | 4.1 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 46% |
| 8 | Birchland Manor | Port Coquitlam | $1,316,242 | -2% | -2% | 45% | 4.1 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 46% |
| 9 | Heritage Mountain | Port Moody | $1,543,900 | -4% | -4% | 33% | 0.0 | 4.8 | 0.7 | 47% |
| 10 | Ranch Park | Coquitlam | $1,472,300 | -4% | -4% | 35% | 0.9 | 2.9 | 4.1 | 47% |
Source: Zoocasa
Top three neighbourhoods in the Tri-Cities
1. Moody Centre, Port Moody
Once low-density industrial land, Moody Centre has transformed into a higher-density, transit-oriented neighbourhood near the SkyTrain and West Coast Express stations. The 2023 benchmark price was $859,342. Moody Centre scores highly for value and economics and offers mixed housing types—condos, townhomes and some single-family homes—plus retail, services and community spaces. Accessibility is limited in some pockets, but the neighbourhood benefits from transit connections for commuters.
2. Eagle Ridge, Coquitlam
Eagle Ridge blends quiet residential streets with ready access to trails such as the Coquitlam Crunch. The 2023 benchmark price was $1,012,192. The neighbourhood appeals to families—60% of households have children—and offers a mix of housing and convenient connections to SkyTrain stations.
3. Westwood Plateau, Coquitlam
Westwood Plateau is a well-established, family-oriented area with parks, trails and good access to Coquitlam Centre shopping and transit. The 2023 benchmark price was $1,248,975. Its strong economics score and high share of households with children make it a consistent choice for buyers seeking suburban amenities with transit links to the rest of Metro Vancouver.
What happened in the Tri-Cities real estate market?
Overall the Tri-Cities recorded modest price gains in 2023. Coquitlam led the trio with roughly a 5% increase in benchmark price from January to December; Port Coquitlam and Port Moody rose by about 4% and 3% respectively. Detached homes saw stronger interest, but condos regained attention late in the year as buyers sought greater affordability.
What’s next for the Tri-Cities?
Listings tightened in early 2024 as buyers returned. With limited supply and steady demand, competition is likely to stay strong and keep upward pressure on prices, particularly if interest rates move lower and buyer confidence strengthens.
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Burnaby, New Westminster and Richmond, B.C.
To Vancouver’s east and south, Burnaby, New Westminster and Richmond are among B.C.’s largest cities, each offering distinct housing markets. Burnaby and Richmond both have populations above 200,000 and a mix of high-density and family-oriented neighbourhoods.
Best places to buy real estate in Burnaby, New Westminster and Richmond
The table below summarizes top neighbourhoods in these three cities, including benchmark prices and local scores.
| Rank | Neighbourhood | City | Benchmark price 2023 | 1-year growth | 3-year | 5-year | Value | Economics | Accessibility | Children (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hamilton | Richmond | $947,750 | 3% | 37% | 22% | 4.6 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 57% |
| 2 | Steveston | Richmond | $1,529,183 | -1% | 28% | 17% | 2.0 | 5.0 | 3.1 | 49% |
| 3 | Brentwood Park | Burnaby | $881,425 | -1% | 18% | 11% | 3.2 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 35% |
| 4 | Glenbrooke North | New Westminster | $991,125 | -1% | 34% | 26% | 3.4 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 31% |
| 5 | Sapperton | New Westminster | $742,083 | -3% | 26% | 26% | 3.4 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 31% |
| 6 | Uptown | New Westminster | $617,308 | 2% | 32% | 29% | 5.0 | 0.6 | 4.5 | 29% |
| 7 | West Cambie | Richmond | $930,858 | 3% | 28% | 18% | 4.4 | 1.2 | 4.8 | 40% |
| 8 | Willingdon Heights | Burnaby | $1,396,125 | -1% | 25% | 23% | 2.4 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 35% |
| 9 | Westridge | Burnaby | $1,680,042 | 1% | 42% | 43% | 3.0 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 43% |
| 10 | Edmonds | Burnaby | $903,950 | -1% | 22% | 19% | 3.3 | 2.1 | 3.4 | 44% |
Source: Zoocasa
Top three neighbourhoods
1. Hamilton, Richmond
Hamilton is a family-friendly Richmond neighbourhood with strong long-term price growth and a 2023 benchmark price of $947,750. It offers parks, waterfront trails and good schools—57% of households include children—though transit and walkability scores are lower.
2. Steveston, Richmond
Steveston is a historic waterfront village with dining, shops and a boardwalk. Its benchmark price in 2023 was $1,529,183. The area attracts buyers seeking lifestyle amenities and strong neighbourhood economics despite a middling value score.
3. Brentwood Park, Burnaby
North Burnaby’s Brentwood Park mixes affordable single-family homes and condos with major redevelopment nearby. The 2023 benchmark price was $881,425 and the neighbourhood benefits from green spaces, community centres and improving transit connections.
Market summary
Overall activity in these three cities was steady in 2023, with modest price gains driven by tight inventory more than a surge in demand. Early 2024 data showed slight price increases and stronger condo sales in Burnaby, while Richmond and New Westminster remained active but balanced.
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Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, B.C.
Located to the northeast of Metro Vancouver, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge offer more affordable housing options and have become attractive to first-time buyers and commuters seeking suburban space and lower price points.
Best places to buy real estate in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge
The table below lists top neighbourhoods in these municipalities with benchmark prices and neighbourhood indicators.
| Rank | Neighbourhood | City | Benchmark price 2023 | 1-year growth | 3-year | 5-year | Value | Economics | Accessibility | Children (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albion | Maple Ridge | $1,134,442 | -6% | 41% | 43% | 2.9 | 5.0 | 0.7 | 56% |
| 2 | Websters Corners | Maple Ridge | $1,376,075 | -6% | 40% | 44% | 1.6 | 5.0 | 0.7 | 56% |
| 3 | Thornhill | Maple Ridge | $1,593,908 | -7% | 42% | 45% | 0.6 | 5.0 | 0.7 | 56% |
| 4 | Silver Valley | Maple Ridge | $1,231,125 | -7% | 37% | 35% | 1.3 | 4.1 | 1.6 | 53% |
| 5 | Whonnock | Maple Ridge | $1,494,550 | -9% | 41% | 38% | 0.0 | 5.0 | 0.7 | 56% |
| 6 | North Meadows | Pitt Meadows | $804,267 | -3% | 41% | 37% | 5.0 | 0.0 | 3.5 | 43% |
| 7 | Central Meadows | Pitt Meadows | $851,717 | -5% | 41% | 38% | 4.5 | 0.0 | 3.5 | 43% |
| 8 | Mid Meadows | Pitt Meadows | $787,642 | -6% | 33% | 33% | 3.1 | 0.0 | 3.5 | 43% |
| 9 | South Meadows | Pitt Meadows | $1,076,608 | -6% | 32% | 34% | 1.6 | 0.0 | 3.5 | 43% |
Source: Zoocasa
Top three neighbourhoods in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge
1. Albion, Maple Ridge
Albion blends rural character and new development along 240th Street beside the Fraser River. Its 2023 benchmark price was $1,134,442. Long-term gains have been strong, though the area remains semi-rural with limited transit. Albion scores highly on socio-economic indicators and attracts families.
2. Websters Corners, Maple Ridge
Quiet and predominantly residential, Websters Corners saw a 2023 benchmark price of $1,376,075. It offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle and strong long-term appreciation, though public transit options are limited and driving is common.
3. Thornhill, Maple Ridge
Thornhill is a wooded, semi-rural area with trails, equestrian routes and a community-oriented feel. The 2023 benchmark price was $1,593,908. Despite a lower immediate value score, strong socio-economic indicators and steady long-term gains make it attractive to buyers seeking country-style living within reach of the city.
Market trends in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge
Both municipalities recorded more than 5% home price growth from January to December 2023. Pitt Meadows finished 2023 with one of the region’s lowest benchmark prices (about $884,100), while Maple Ridge’s benchmark ended the year near $962,000. Demand has been fuelled by remote-work shifts and buyers looking for more space at lower price points than Vancouver proper.
Outlook
Early 2024 saw rising buyer interest and more new listings, with Pitt Meadows experiencing stronger month-to-month price gains than Maple Ridge. Relative affordability and ongoing development suggest supply is improving in these suburbs, creating more balanced markets in several neighbourhoods.
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Read more about buying a home
- Mortgage affordability calculator
- How much you need to earn to afford a home in Vancouver and the GVA
- How to benefit from being a first-time home buyer in B.C.
- Buying a second home: How it works in Canada
This article was created by Zoocasa.
This is an unpaid article written by a content partner based on its market expertise and edited by MoneySense.
This article is presented by Ratehub.ca.
This editorial content was presented with financial support from an advertiser. The advertiser did not influence the article’s editorial content.