When looking to buy a new condo, it’s only natural to start exploring existing neighbourhoods such as Vancouver’s coveted Kitsilano, Downtown’s English Bay or Burnaby’s Metrotown. These established communities have made a name for themselves for many years, boasting priceless views, great restaurants, fantastic shopping and more. Who wouldn’t want to live here? But as the popularity of the real estate in established communities increases, so does the demand and price, making the barrier to entry a little harder than expected.

Looking at up and coming neighbourhoods is a great alternative to help you find a new condo surrounded by fantastic amenities without hurting your pocket. New urban centres are popping up throughout Metro Vancouver, creating a thriving and fun neighbourhood with new shops, big-name restaurants, and community spaces. A few examples are:

• New Port Village in Port Moody was forest in the 90’s and now is a vibrant shopping and residential destination with European-inspired architecture and over 50 merchants. shopnewportvillage.com
• Morgan Crossing in South Surrey offers master planned “Village Life” built from the ground up in 2008 with brand name shopping, fitness amenities and new residences. morgancrossing.ca
• River District in Southeast Vancouver is a 130 acre waterfront community in the midst of a 30 year master plan to include 7,000 homes, daycares, community centres, shops and restaurants. As River District is still in its infancy with commercial on the way, now is a great time to get in and watch the community and your values grow over time. riverdistrict.ca
• The Foothills at Burke Mountain, Coquitlam at 400 acres, The Foothills at Burke Mountain will eventually be home to over 5,000 residents with shopping, schools, parks and more. With less than half built so far, here is another great opportunity to get in early. thefoothillsatburke.com
• Fraser Mills at Coquitlam’s Riverfront will be an 89 acre riverfront village with plans for a main retail street, over 3,000 new residences, private indoor amenity space, parks and much more. Although not available yet, Fraser Mills will be a major transformation which will connect the City of Coquitlam with the waterfront and early plans look amazing. Keep this one on your radar! villageatfrasermills.com

As Metro Vancouver continues to grow, city planners are updating their Official Community Plans (OCPs) to create new communities in under-utilized areas as well as improve and revitalize existing neighbourhoods by adding new schools, retail hubs, park space, and new housing opportunities. All this information can be found online so when searching for yourself, do some research as it may shape your decision to look for a new home in an “up and coming” neighourhood. 

[PICTURED: Secret Ridge is a new collection of Craftsman-style paired homes located in Coquitlam’s Foothills at Burke Mountain community. As one of Coquitlam’s first residential communities to feature a spacious master bedroom and ensuite on the main level, Secret Ridge is unique to this growing area of new home developments.]