Situated about 27 miles from Vancouver, the quaint town of Port Coquitlam sits along the Pitt and Fraser Rivers. Often called “PoCo” (because who has the time for the full name), Port Coquitlam is bounded by both rivers and mountains, providing beautiful views at every turn. With everything from sports facilities to recreation centres and boat launches, PoCo is the best place for individuals or families that love the outdoors. However, even if you get the occasional craving for city life, Vancouver is right around the corner, so you can have the best of both worlds. If you are looking at homes for sale in British Columbia, keep reading to discover all that Port Coquitlam has to offer.
Port Coquitlam, BC Real Estate Market
It is pretty commonplace to see Metro Vancouver home prices rising these days, and Port Coquitlam is no exception. However, PoCo remains the most affordable municipality in it’s tri-city area, with neighbouring Coquitlam being the most expensive, and Port Moody following directly behind.
Here are home price comparisons between the three areas:
- Coquitlam: $1.2M
- Port Moody: $1M
- Port Coquitlam: $934K
While the reason for this increase in Port Coquitlam home prices lies in a lack of supply, there are still around 42 new homes for sale per month on average. While this may not seem like many, if you keep an eye on the market and are prepared for some strategic bidding, your dream PoCo home could be yours in just under 2 weeks. The good news is that Port Coquitlam has a diverse array of home types, with an even mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos for sale. You’ll have plenty of housing options to choose from, from studio lofts to 4-bedroom homes.
PoCo has never been known to experience building booms, as every new development has been spread out across decades. While this means that it may be a while until more new homes are built, it also means that Port Coquitlam continues to be a peaceful environment with little construction noise.
Port Coquitlam Average Property Prices
- Average home price: $934K
- Average condo price: $570K
- Average townhouse price: $900K
Port Coquitlam Neighbourhoods
Where should you live if you want to be near the Fraser River? Which neighbourhood has the best mountain homes for sale in Port Coquitlam? With a city as diverse in landscape as PoCo, it can be difficult to know which neighbourhood is best for you. No worries; here are some of the best neighbourhoods in Port Coquitlam and a little bit about each of them.
Birchland Manor
This family-oriented neighbourhood is within walking distance of both the elementary and secondary school in the area. Residents of Birchland Manor enjoy a number of stores and services nearby, including the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Need some fresh air? Birchland Manor offers several walking and biking trails through beautiful nature reserves.
Central PoCo
The heart of PoCo, this neighbourhood is where you will find modern condos and townhomes for sale. In Central Port Coquitlam you will be right on the downtown strip with access to grocery stores, restaurants, and nightlife galore! This neighbourhood is best for those who prefer to be in the middle of city life.
Citadel
Located on the Southwest corner of Port Coquitlam, the Citadel neighbourhood is where you need to be for the best mountain views. Most of the homes for sale in Citadel are at a higher elevation, offering a glimpse of PoCo and beyond!
Glenwood
Another excellent neighbourhood for families, Glenwood is situated next to a number of schools in the area. Here you’ll find many single-family homes built on flat land and nearby several parks and outdoor areas. With easy access to the outdoors, schools, and the highway, Glenwood is a hot spot for homes in Port Coquitlam.
Oxford Heights
Want to feel like you’re living in the middle of the forest? Oxford Heights is perfect for you! Nestled along the greenbelt, homes in Oxford Heights provide serenity and several outdoor opportunities. With a variety of creeks, walking trails, and bike paths to choose from, there is always something new to explore here.
Port Coquitlam Schools
Overseen by School District 43, Port Coquitlam offers 13 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 2 secondary schools. Most homes for sale in Port Coquitlam are within a short distance to at least one of each of these schools, so education never has to be a concern for PoCo residents. Not only does Port Coquitlam offer schooling options for those in younger grades, but it also boasts the 4,000-student David Lam Campus of Douglas College. Here are some of the schools you’ll find in Port Coquitlam:
Elementary Schools
- Birchland Elementary School
- Blakeburn Elementary School
- Castle Park Elementary
- Cedar Drive Elementary
- Central Elementary
Middle Schools
- Citadel Middle School
- Kwayhquitlum Middle School
- Maple Creek Middle School
- Pitt River Middle School
Secondary Schools
- Riverside Secondary School
- Terry Fox Secondary School
Port Coquitlam Real Estate FAQs
What postal codes are in Port Coquitlam?
The postal codes in Port Coquitlam include:
- Port Coquitlam Central: V3B
- Port Coquitlam South: V3C
- Port Coquitlam North: V3E
Where is the nearest commercial airport in Port Coquitlam, BC?
Port Coquitlam is about 39km from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
How Far is Vancouver From Port Coquitlam, BC?
Vancouver is around 40 minutes from Port Coquitlam if you take the Trans-Canada Highway.
What is The Average House Price in Port Coquitlam, BC?
The average price for single-family homes for sale in Port Coquitlam is around $934K.
Living In Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
PoCo is a slow-paced and serene environment for all who live there, with rivers on one end and mountains on the other. You’ll rarely go a mile without seeing a trail or nature preserve to explore, and the exciting city of Vancouver is just a 30-minute drive away if you want to switch things up. Port Coquitlam is a community where you can work, live, and play without going far. Here are a few insights on what it’s like to live in this beautiful town:
- The area has some excellent mountain biking trails including Riverview Forest Park Trails, Flywheel Trail, Hustler Trail, and Franks Trail. Whether you are an experienced mountain biker or wanting to start the hobby from scratch, you’ll find a perfect trail for you along Burke Mountain.
- The Upper Pit River is the prime spot for fishing in Port Coquitlam, especially in the spring and the fall. The Crown Forest Reserve, the Vancouver/Port Coquitlam Watershed, and Burke Mountain Park are three of the best lakes for fishing, although some of them can take a hike to get to. However, if you’re up for a full day of outdoor activity, you could get some exercise in and have a good fishing session all in one!
- Need to get out of PoCo for a bit and see the sights of Vancouver? Port Coquitlam is close to several world-renowned Vancouver attractions. You can visit the beautiful, snowy town of Whistler and hop on the slopes for an exciting day of skiing. If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, you can visit the vast farmland and forests of Fraser Valley. Whatever climate you are looking for, it’ll be within an hour drive of PoCo.
- Port Coquitlam is a community with immense pride for their town, and it’s shown through many yearly events. The May Day Festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the family tradition of attending this festival dates back 75 years! Lions Park offers a Music in the Park summer series with musical performances all summer long.
- Terry Fox is one of the most notable names to come out of Port Coquitlam, with one of the secondary schools in the area being named after the athlete.
- Port Coquitlam and the surrounding areas have been widely used in the Vancouver Film Scene, with huge movies such as Juno and the Twilight Saga being filmed there.
- With so much room in Port Coquitlam, it’s not a surprise that the only indoor shooting range in all of Vancouver is located there. This is an excellent place to learn gun safety and brush up on your hunting skills if that is something you’re into!
Port Coquitlam Jobs
Port Coquitlam’s economy is highly dependent on the industrial, commercial, and trade industries. Since the area was originally developed as farmland, many still continue successful family farming businesses. However, with the development of the Vancouver area came development of PoCo’s economy, leading to more tech-based, commercial, and transportation businesses and services.
While Port Coquitlam is close enough to Vancouver to commute there for work, there are a number of diverse job opportunities throughout the tri-city area. Here are some of the top employers of Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and Port Moody:
- Canadian Pacific Railway
- School District 43
- Sysco Corp
- City of Port Coquitlam
- Lilydale Inc.
Port Coquitlam Transportation
While the Evergreen SkyTrain Line doesn’t go all the way to Port Coquitlam, it is super easy to get to it. The 159 bus will take you directly from Port Coquitlam to the SkyTrain Station in Coquitlam, allowing you to access it with no hassle. Several other buses run in and out of Port Coquitlam, and the best place to catch most of these buses is in Central Port Coquitlam.
If you have your own vehicle, Mary Hill Bypass (Highway 7B) will be your friend. Highway 7B connects to the Coast Meridian Overpass and runs along the Fraser River Valley, and it’s what most PoCo residents use to travel to the rest of Metro Vancouver. This bypass is your ticket out of Port Coquitlam, so when looking for homes for sale in Port Coquitlam, the closer to this highway the better!
Distance to Major Cities
- 16 Kilometres to Burnaby, BC
- 18 Kilometres to Surrey, BC
- 25 Kilometres to Vancouver, BC
- 101 Kilometres to Victoria, BC
- 187 Kilometres to Seattle, WA
Things To Do In Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
Outdoor aficionados are sure to love Port Coquitlam for its vast array of natural activities, but those who love city-life have no need to fret. When you live in a city as close to Vancouver as Port Coquitlam is, the world is your oyster! From skiing to shopping to canoeing, PoCo is an excellent jumping off point for days full of fun.
- Mountain Bike along Burke Mountain Trails: Port Coquitlam is located in the perfect spot for mountain bikers. Burke Mountain offers a network of trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels. If you are looking for something extreme, Sawblade will provide you with the challenge you need. Otherwise, Galloway Trail is a great place to start. Keep an eye out, though, as many walking and jogging trails intersect some of the biking trails.
- Spend the day at one of PoCo’s Recreation Centres: The PoCo Recreation Centre and the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre both provide controlled environments for fun activity. Hyde Creek offers a swimming pool, waterpark, waterslide, fitness rooms, a teen centre, a gymnasium, meeting rooms, and more. PoCo Recreation Centre offers two ice rinks, a playground, and a large community room. Not only are these good spots to hang out for the day, but they also make for excellent party sites.
- Shop ‘til you drop at Coquitlam Centre: Coquitlam Centre is one of the largest shopping centres in British Columbia. With everything from grocery stores to retail shops and eateries, you’ll find almost everything you need right here!
- Get on the green at Carnoustie Golf and Racquet Club: Located on Dominion Avenue, Carnoustie Golf Course provides 6,333 yards of exciting game. Carnoustie is open year round and offers 18 holes, a driving range, practice green, 6 racquetball, and 6 squash courts!
- Have an outdoor adventure on the PoCo Trail: PoCo trail offers everything from horseback riding to cycling to bird watching. This diverse landscape is perfect for walking or hiking along the serene nature of the Pitt River. If you want to get a little closer to the water, the PoCo Trail provides access to the Fraser, Pitt, and Coquitlam Rivers.
- Catch some fish on the Upper Pitt River: Speaking of the river, Upper Pitt River is where you want to be if you enjoy fishing. Here you will find anglers, Dolly Varden, and trout. However, the Pitt River is catch-and-release only, so if you’re expecting to get dinner out of the trip, we wouldn’t count on it. The river is surrounded by vast landscape, so camping is a popular activity for individuals who enjoy fishing here.
- Partake in PoCo tradition at the May Day Festival: Port Coquitlam’s May Day Festival is one of the longest lasting traditions in the area. Families from generation to generation love to see the parade, carnival, activities, and the Maypole dance at this popular festival. What a way to kick off the arrival of spring!
- Hop over to Whistler for some epic skiing: If you’re willing to drive a little ways, Whistler is an incredible day trip. About 2 hours from Port Coquitlam, Whistler offers a number of ski slopes, unique mountain shops, and hiking trails with exceptional views of British Columbia. Ski your heart out and then take a break with some hot cocoa up at Rendezvous Lodge on top of the mountain. If you’re willing to wake up early to get there, Whistler makes for an adventurous day out.
- Go boating on the Pitt River: Port Coquitlam offers two boat launches for residents to spend a day out on the water. These feed into the Pitt River; one is located on the east end of Lincoln Avenue and the other is at the base of the Pitt River Bridge.
- Laugh up a storm at The Giggle Dam: A top spot for entertainment in PoCo, the Giggle Dam hosts dinner and a show for residents wanting a laugh. In the same show, you can see musical performances and stand-up comedy while munching on a delicious dinner. There’s never a dull moment here!
