Invermere is Still One of the Most Affordable Mountain Towns
- baileyyeats
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
When most people think about living in the mountains like the Canadian Rockies, places like Canmore, Banff, and Jasper often come to mind. These iconic towns are world-famous for their natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and proximity to national parks. But they are also famous for something else: sky-high real estate prices and cost of living.
For anyone dreaming of owning a home, raising a family, or retiring in the mountains, Invermere, British Columbia offers an attractive alternative. Tucked in the heart of the Columbia Valley, Invermere is still one of the most affordable mountain towns providing all the charm of mountain living, with a much more desirable price tag.
Real Estate Affordability
Canmore Real Estate: The average home price in Canmore regularly exceeds $1 million CAD, with many properties catering to luxury buyers and vacation homeowners.
Banff Real Estate: Banff’s housing market is limited by strict national park regulations, meaning homes rarely come available, and when they do, they are among the most expensive per square foot in Alberta.
Jasper Real Estate: Like Banff, Jasper is restricted by Parks Canada rules, and its limited supply drives prices far above average.
By comparison, Invermere real estate offers far more value:
Homes are typically priced hundreds of thousands less than comparable properties in Canmore.
Communities within Invermere, like Pineridge Mountain, continue to grow unlike communities in Banff that are at or near new construction building capacity.
Invermere offers freehold ownership opportunities. Unlike Banff and Jasper, where most properties sit on restrictive government leases, communities like Pineridge Mountain allow buyers true freehold ownership, providing long-term security, equity growth, and greater flexibility for homeowners.
Cost of Living Advantage
Living in Invermere also means lower everyday costs:
Property taxes are significantly less than in Alberta’s resort towns.
Food, dining, and activities are more affordable, thanks to local businesses that cater to year-round residents, not just tourists.
Accessibility: Calgary is only a 3-hour drive away, making Invermere close enough for city amenities without the inflated cost of living that comes with being in Banff or Canmore.
Lifestyle Benefits
Beyond the savings, Invermere offers the same, if not better, mountain lifestyle:
Outdoor recreation: World-class skiing at Panorama Mountain Resort, boating on Lake Windermere, golfing, hiking, and biking trails. Communities like Pineridge Mountain offer hiking and biking trails, pickleball courts, a pooch park and much more coming in the future!
Community atmosphere: Unlike transient resort towns, Invermere has a strong year-round community, schools, healthcare, and local culture. The year-round population of Invermere sits around 4,000 residents, which allows it to keep the small-town vibe in comparison to other mountain towns like Canmore which is approaching 20,000 residents.
Wellness and balance: The Columbia Valley is home to the Radium Hot Springs, the Fairmont Hot Springs, wellness retreats, and wide-open spaces for those seeking a healthier, slower-paced lifestyle.
Milder winters: Invermere enjoys a more temperate climate than Banff or Canmore, with milder winters and warmer summers, making it ideal for year-round living.
Why Choose Invermere Over Canmore, Banff, or Jasper?
If you’re looking for affordable mountain living, Invermere stands out. While Canmore homes often push past $1 million, you can still find spacious properties in Invermere that fit the budget of families, retirees, or remote workers. The Columbia Valley real estate market offers opportunities for both primary residences and vacation homes.
Invermere is quickly becoming one of the best-kept secrets in the Canadian Rockies. With affordable real estate, a thriving community, and unparalleled natural beauty, it’s the perfect place to call home, whether you’re escaping the city, retiring to the mountains, or investing in a vacation property.
Houses for Sale in Pineridge Mountain
Pineridge Mountain offers a wide variety of real estate for sale in Invermere, combining modern mountain architecture with the unbeatable lifestyle of Invermere. Buyers can choose from a mix of completed homes, villas, condos and custom lots, all at price points far more accessible than what you’ll find in other mountain towns.
Single-Family Homes
Spacious detached homes in Pineridge typically starting at $750,000, offering large open-concept layouts, oversized garages, and generous outdoor living spaces. Many include features like vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchens, and expansive windows designed to maximize the mountain and valley views.
Mountain View Villas
Perfect for families, retirees, or those seeking a vacation getaway, the Mountain View Villas start around $790,000 and up depending on size and finishes. These homes offer low-maintenance living while still delivering style and functionality, making them great options for both full-time residences and seasonal retreats.
Terrace Lofts
One of the most exciting new additions to Pineridge is the Terrace Lofts, a modern condo development that blends lock-and-leave convenience with luxury mountain living. These contemporary loft-style condos are designed with open layouts, oversized windows, and private terraces that take advantage of the mountain and creek views. Pricing for the Terrace Lofts is expected to start in the $400,000s, making them an accessible option for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors looking for rental potential.
Custom Lots
For buyers wanting to design their dream home, Pineridge Mountain still offers select building lots starting around $130,000, with the option to build your custom dream. This flexibility gives buyers the chance to create a property that perfectly fits their lifestyle within the growing community.
If you’ve dreamed of mountain living but thought it was out of reach, Pineridge proves it doesn’t have to be.
Reach out to the Pineridge Mountain sales team to get more information on how to make your next move to Pineridge Mountain in Invermere.
