Kelowna is well-known as one of Canada’s top vacation destinations – but it’s also a really great place to live year-round. Often enough, people come here to vacation and then decide to move here! If you’re thinking of making the move to Kelowna but you’re not sure if it’s the right fit for you, then this article will tell you everything you need to know.
The first thing you need to decide is where you’d like to live, whether it be right in Kelowna or in one of the surrounding cities, like West Kelowna or Lake Country. There are pros and cons to both, the main factor being that living in Kelowna means you’re closer to amenities and the Lake, but it also comes with a higher price tag. Living further out of the city gets you more for your money, but translates to more of a commute to work or shopping. But overall, living somewhere like Kelowna is much more affordable relative to other major Canadian cities like Vancouver or Toronto.
Wherever you decide to land, living in Kelowna and the surrounding areas has so many benefits. Kelowna is located on Okanagan Lake, with great beaches and access to nature. There’s no shortage of golf courses, wineries, and hiking trails – and that’s just scratching the surface! It’s a fantastic place for first-time home buyers, families, and retirees alike to settle down.
Here are some stats about Kelowna:
- Population: 127,380
- Area: 211.82 sq km
- Climate: Humid Contintental
- Median home price: $643,787
- Main industries: Agriculture, Tourism, Retail Trade, Manufacturing, Forestry, Construction
- Growing industries: Information and High Technology, Film, Viticulture and Wine Production, Aviation, Health Care
- Post-secondary education: University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus, Okanagan College
- Closest airport: Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
- City motto: “Fruitful in unity”
Now that we’ve got all that out of the way, let’s go into some reasons why you might want to live here. Here are our top 10 reasons why you should move to Kelowna!
Top 10 Reasons to Move to Kelowna
1. Great weather
Kelowna experiences all four beautiful seasons of the year with hot, dry, sunny summers and cold winters, usually with snowfall.
2. Outdoor activities
Kelowna has abundant access to nature with plenty of options for hiking, cycling, walking, camping, and exploring.
3. Year-round recreation
In the warmer months, residents head to one of the many golf courses or take the boat out on the lake for some watersports. In winter, you’ll find the locals hitting up the slopes at Big White which is only an hour out of the city, not to mention other surrounding mountains in the Central Okanagan.
4. Wineries
If you enjoy wine, you’ll love Kelowna! The area is quickly becoming recognized as a top wine destination, with wines that have received international awards.
5. Job market
Kelowna has one of the top job markets in Canada, placing third overall for its performance in 2018 according to BMO’s Regional Labour Market Report Card.
6. Friendly people
The citizens of Kelowna will always say hello when they pass by on the street, and never hesitate to help out a friend or neighbour, or support a local business.
7. Great views
It’s all about the views when you live in Kelowna! Many of the neighbourhoods are built into hillsides with fantastic views overlooking Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains.
8. Affordability
Relative to other major cities in Canada (such as Toronto and Vancouver), housing in and around Kelowna is much more affordable.
9. Culture
Downtown Kelowna is a vibrant, bustling city center with plenty to enjoy for tourists and residents alike – everything from history and art to restaurants and seasonal events.
10. Education
There are plenty of options for elementary and secondary school for the kids. For those pursuing post-secondary and higher education, UBC’s Okanagan campus and Okanagan College are great options.
Thinking of Moving to Kelowna?
Whether you’ve already decided on a move to Kelowna or are still considering it, it’s undeniable that it’s a great place to live, work, and play. There’s no shortage of things to do and it’s like being on vacation all the time with the weather, restaurants, people, and tourists.
If you’re thinking about moving to Kelowna or want to know more, don’t hesitate to call us at 250-864-HOME (4663). We’ll happy talk about this wonderful city anytime! Our team can provide you with all the information you need about making this fantastic place your new home.
Contact us today!
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