A Buyer’s Guide to Moving to Kelowna

There’s a unique feeling of renewal and excitement that comes with moving to a new city. Kelowna itself offers its residents the unique perspective of living in a large city, yet set within a picturesque region known for its small town hospitality. 

Whether you’ve experienced the city as a passing traveller or as a guest to a long-time resident of the area, these experiences often lead people to ask, “Should I move to Kelowna?” 

With its abundant opportunities for adventure, fantastic year-round weather, high quality of life and close proximity to the most diverse regions of British Columbia, Kelowna offers an excellent opportunity to flourish as a permanent resident. 

For those curious as to what Kelowna has to offer, we’ll expand on our buyer’s guide to moving to Kelowna.

It’s no question why Kelowna has become the fastest growing metropolitan area in Canada in recent years. According to Statistic Canada, the city’s population has risen by 14% since 2016, to just over 220,000 residents in 2021. With warm summers and mild winters, a plethora of world-class outdoor activities, and cultural destinations such as wineries and eateries, Kelowna offers year-round excitement and adventure with something for everyone.

Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna experiences the best of British Columbia’s four seasons, allowing residents to enjoy the prominent outdoor lifestyle Kelowna encourages year round. On average, winter temperatures see lows of -6ºC, with summers raising the mercury to 28ºC.

Much of the Kelowna lifestyle is defined by the connection to the natural landscape that surrounds the region. Travellers and locals alike enjoy taking to Okanagan Lake to traverse the waters, exert their adrenaline on local mountain biking trails, hike the seemingly endless paths found within the region, or hit the slopes when the snow flies.

For growing families with school-aged children, School District 23 Central Okanagan area is home to over 40 schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Those looking to further their studies in Kelowna have an opportunity to enrol in the city’s two post-secondary institutions, University of British Columbia Okanagan and the Okanagan College.

In a region known for its bold vintages and abundant fresh produce, it’s no surprise that flavourful eats and world-class wine are as important to Kelowna culture as the arts. Residents and travellers alike can find year-round festivals and special events taking place in the area’s many eateries, vineyards, events centres, or even local parks.

With its sprawling urban core, numerous residential neighbourhoods, and lustrous natural landscapes that attract travellers from beyond the city, fast and efficient transportation is a critical consideration when moving to a small city such as Kelowna. 

Fortunately, Kelowna offers its residents several opportunities for transportation as an alternative to driving, both throughout the city and the region beyond.

The Kelowna Regional Transit System is the first consideration for many residents, with over five million trips taken annually on the network’s 28 routes, split between 100 buses. For cyclists, the city boasts over 300 kilometres of on-street bike lanes and 40 km of separated paved multi-use paths, providing a safe space for cyclists to commute.

The Kelowna Regional Transit System is the first consideration for many residents, with over five million trips taken annually on the network’s 28 routes, split between 100 buses. For cyclists, the city boasts over 300 kilometres of on-street bike lanes and 40 km of separated paved multi-use paths, providing a safe space for cyclists to commute.

For EV drivers, Kelowna has an impressive network of charging stations located within the city to consider for your daily commute or during your next vacation.

From the urban metropolis of the downtown core to the small-town atmosphere of the surrounding neighbourhoods, Kelowna offers a lifestyle for anyone. Kelowna has a unique duality no other city in Canada provides, offering large city amenities with a small town mentality.

For many, Kelowna offers the lifestyle and cultural amenities of a large Canadian city without the population density and inflated housing costs expected in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. According to recent statistics, the average price of a house in Kelowna is $830,051 with many buyers relocating from elsewhere in the province.

With the amenities, public services, and cultural touchstones of a large city in a rural atmosphere, Kelowna features several distinct neighbourhoods, each offering its own lifestyle for anyone that decides to call the Okanagan Valley home. To read more about Kelowna’s neighbourhoods, view our page here.

Whether you’re looking to move to Kelowna or searching for more information about our amazing city, we have the resources you need to make your home-buying decisions. Be sure to visit our website to see our home buyer resources, view our Kelowna listings, or contact us for the best real estate expertise in Kelowna.