canadian_critic

I concur with some of the other comments. Port Moody is really pleasant particularly the north part. I looked at a load of properties there and it's amazing. Poco looks good to. I may well be moving there spring next year.

A friend warned me about the West Coast express and I'm passing on this warning. There is a fast train service to downtown (waterfront), north of the city. The service is quite limited in terms of numbers of trains. Apparently they don't run late or all day. But plenty of people use it every day. Just something to bear in mind if you plan to use public transit. But public transit is way cheaper here than most in UK.

Best of luck.

jandro

For public transportaion there is the planned Evergreen line, a light rail transit system running from Lougheed station to Douglas College in Coquitlam and links with the West Coast Express. It's supposed to be complete by 2014.

http://www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca/

ExKiwilass

I wouldn't hold my breath about the Evergreen, where's the funding?

I agree with the other comments. If I had to live east-er, I'd take Port Moody over the 'Lam. Though, we have friends in Westwood Plateau, which is a quiet, nice family area near a good (allegedly) Catholic school, lots of mid 90's monster homes and big trees.

Kers1978

Hey, thanks a lot. I'm not great with these new applications. But looks like it will be a great help. I'd better get the Man of the house to help!

Kers1978

Oh Okay! I thought Coquitlam was closer to Vancouver then Port Moody. What's wrong with the Westcoast express? Thanks so much guys. This is such a minefield. Have any of you guys immigrants? It sounds like you know your stuff. I will look into Co, Port Moody and Westwood Plateau. The need to juggle affordability and distance to down town Van is doing my head in....

Lychee

Port Moody's north of Coquitlam - both cities are equal distances east of Vancouver. Many people like Port Moody because it's along the water and therefore slightly more appealing/distinct than Coquitlam (which is slightly more generic suburbia).

There's nothing wrong with the West Coast Express - it's a commuter train which caters exclusively to commuters who work the 9-5 Monday-Friday schedule. It travels westbound in the morning and eastbound in the evening. The schedule is not flexible. It's not as flexible as the skytrain or the bus.

Look at the schedule:

http://www.westcoastexpress.com/sche...ageID=SCHEDULE

They have 5 departures from Port Moody heading west into Vancouver between 6:15am and 8:15am.

They then have 5 departures from downtown Vancouver heading east back into Port Moody and beyond from 4:11pm to 6:41pm.

The train doesn't operate on weekends.

Aviator

That's what's wrong with West Coast Express.

ExKiwilass

Yes, and that it's packed, but that's a whole 'nother thread.

It depends where you are in Coquitlam vis a vis Port Moody. For instance, Westwood Plateau is quite a lot further east into Coquitlam and the transit is not great from that area. If you would rather be closer to transit/lesser commute I'd avoid it. Also, it's at a higher elevation which means you'll definitely be dealing with snow during the winter, which will effect your commute. People choose it because it's quiet and it feels far from the city, which it is. It's also a more expensive area. There's a small shopping centre there too.

Agree with Lychee that the appeal of Port Moody is that it's waterside, with views of the inlet/mountains. I love Newport Village there - part of the reason I'd choose PM over the Lam. And if you buy close to the WCE, it's only 20 mins to DT.

If you're interested in using the skytrain, the Burquitlam (burnaby/coquitlam) border area is a good choice around Lougheed Skytrain station. It is a more built up/trafficky area though. Still $$$ for a house. But there are single family houses not that far from the skytrain station. There is also Lougheed Mall, big box stores, and redevelopment coming to that area.

Danny B

It's a handy place to live for a cheap meal at Ikea.

Kers1978

Fantastic help. Thank you so much. Its really useful. I have been offered a job now so its a matter of time before the ball is rolling for my Visa. Im excited but also incredibly nervous. All happening so fast~!!!