Living in Anmore: Peace, Privacy, and Outdoor Living

Choosing a home isn’t just about square footage or price — it’s about the kind of life you want to build. For some, that life isn’t found in the buzz of a city street but in the quiet of the forest, the sound of birds instead of traffic, and the freedom of a backyard that feels like its own private park. Anmore is where you find that.

This tiny village, tucked beside Buntzen Lake and bordered by the North Shore mountains, offers something few Metro Vancouver communities still can: privacy, nature, and space — without being completely cut off from city life. If your idea of home is more about sanctuary than convenience, Anmore may be one of the last true hidden gems of the Lower Mainland.

🌆 Overview & Vibe

Anmore is the opposite of a high-density, urban hub. With a population of just a few thousand, it feels more like a forest village than part of sprawling Metro Vancouver. Properties here are large, homes are often custom builds, and the roads are quiet, winding, and shaded by tall evergreens.

The vibe is low-key and private. Neighbors are friendly but respectful of personal space — this is not the place for constant block parties or café culture. Instead, it’s where families, professionals, and retirees retreat after a long day, enjoying the peace of nature just outside their windows.

If Port Moody is where families thrive, and Vancouver is where the action happens, then Anmore is where you press pause and create your own pace.

🚗 Commute & Connectivity

Living in Anmore comes with a clear trade-off: you gain privacy and nature but give up walkability and quick access to urban amenities.

• To Downtown Vancouver: ~45–60 minutes by car (Barnet Highway or Lougheed Highway).

• Transit: Extremely limited. No SkyTrain access. Residents depend on cars for daily life.

• Traffic: Barnet and Lougheed often back up during peak hours, adding 15–25 minutes to commutes.

• Walkability: Very low. Errands, groceries, and schools require a drive to Port Moody or Coquitlam.

This is not the place for Urban Connectors or car-free living. It’s a retreat — and retreats require a bit of distance.

🏠 Housing & Affordability

Anmore’s housing stock is unlike anything you’ll find in the surrounding suburbs.

• Detached Homes: Benchmark ~$2M+. Nearly all properties are detached, often sitting on acre-sized lots. Most are custom-built estate homes, blending modern luxury with forest surroundings.

• Townhouses/Condos: Essentially non-existent. This is not a townhouse or condo market.

• Stock Style: Low-density by design. Homes here range from rustic cabins to sprawling modern estates with private pools, guest suites, and three-car garages.

• New Development: Strict zoning regulations limit high-density construction, which helps preserve Anmore’s quiet, semi-rural feel.

For buyers, this means Anmore isn’t about entry-level affordability — it’s about space, exclusivity, and a unique lifestyle.

🎓 Schools & Family Infrastructure

While Anmore doesn’t have its own schools, families still find strong educational support nearby.

• Public Schools: Students attend schools in Port Moody and Coquitlam, many of which are highly rated. Heritage Woods Secondary is a common destination.

• Private Schools: Options in Coquitlam and Burnaby, accessible by car.

• Childcare: Limited within Anmore, but available in neighboring Port Moody.

• Family Life: This is where kids grow up with backyards big enough for soccer games, tree forts, and bonfires. Extracurricular activities often revolve around outdoor adventures rather than organized city programs.

Families who move to Anmore usually do so for the safe, private, and nature-rich upbringing it offers.

🍴 Lifestyle & Amenities

Anmore’s lifestyle is defined by simplicity and nature — but that doesn’t mean giving everything up.

• Restaurants & Shops: Virtually none within Anmore itself. Daily needs are met in Port Moody (10 minutes away) or Coquitlam (15 minutes away).

• Delivery Apps: Limited coverage. Expect fewer restaurant options and longer delivery times.

• Daily Errands: A car is essential. Residents typically plan shopping trips in bulk rather than popping out for quick errands.

If you’re someone who thrives on Starbucks runs and same-day Amazon convenience, Anmore may feel isolating. But if you love the idea of trading errands for forest trails, it’s ideal.

🌳 Nature & Recreation

This is where Anmore shines — and why many choose it despite the commute.

• Buntzen Lake: A major attraction. Swimming, hiking, kayaking, and picnic areas make it a year-round playground.

• Hiking Trails: Dense networks of trails connect Anmore to Port Moody and beyond. Mountain biking is popular, as are trail runs.

• Green Space: Nearly every property is surrounded by forest, offering peace, wildlife, and natural beauty steps from your door.

• Lifestyle: Outdoor recreation isn’t an add-on here — it’s the foundation of daily life.

For nature lovers, Anmore is one of the most rewarding places to live in Metro Vancouver.

🛡️ Safety & Community

• Safety: Extremely low crime rates. The secluded nature of Anmore makes it one of the safest communities in the region.

• Community Vibe: Close-knit but private. People are friendly, but many choose Anmore specifically for space and discretion.

• Events: Small-scale community gatherings exist, but most socializing happens in neighboring Port Moody.

🔮 Future Outlook

Anmore’s future is shaped by its commitment to staying small.

• Development: Minimal. Strict zoning ensures the village maintains its semi-rural, low-density character.

• Market Outlook: Demand for large, private properties remains high. As Metro Vancouver densifies, the appeal of Anmore’s “last refuge” atmosphere only increases.

• Long-Term Value: With limited housing supply and steady demand from high-net-worth buyers, Anmore’s market is resilient.

✨ Bottom Line: Who Anmore Is For

Anmore is not for everyone. It’s for buyers who want sanctuary over convenience, and space over speed.

• Space-Seekers → Families or buyers wanting large custom homes and sprawling lots.

• Privacy Seekers → Those who want peace, quiet, and discretion without moving hours outside the city.

• Nature Lovers → Anyone who wants daily access to lakes, trails, and forests at their doorstep.

If your dream home involves acreage, mountain air, and weekends on the water, Anmore offers one of the purest lifestyle experiences in Metro Vancouver. If you need cafés, schools, and shops at your doorstep, you may find it too remote.

Either way, Anmore stands as one of the region’s last bastions of privacy and nature, offering a lifestyle no condo tower could ever replicate.