Where to live if you love…
Ask anyone on the street why they live here, and they’ll tell you: It’s because of the 300 days of sunshine a year or the 18 golf courses or the 30 wineries. The mountain biking and breweries, the skiing and schools, the shops and restaurants rimming our downtown boardwalk. Or perhaps it’s that spectacular 135-kilometre Okanagan Lake that’s always just around the corner.
So, when you’re moving to Kelowna so you can make the most of the Okanagan lifestyle, where should you live? Which neighbourhoods amongst Kelowna real estate for sale will let you easily do the things you love to do most?
To find out, we talked to Kelowna real estate agent, family man and outdoors enthusiast Tyler Bouck.
1. If you love the lake lifestyle, but Kelowna lakefront real estate is outside your budget
Okanagan summers are made for water-lovers. Whether you hit the lake to wake surf or water ski, just cruise or kayak, there’s room for everyone on Okanagan Lake. Tyler stresses you don’t have to live in a waterfront home to enjoy the water.
“You really can enjoy the lake without having to buy a lakefront home in Kelowna.”
These days, there are so many options for boat storage and docking. In West Kelowna, for example, a new dry dock (Tow and Stow Dry Marina) stores your boat and offers valet service to bring your boat to a dock for you, the Kelowna Yacht Club recently expanded the number of slips they have available, and you never have to drive far to find public boat launches. Or, for a full-service experience, Flagship Marine will detail your boat inside and out, valet it to and from the water and store it for you at their indoor heated storage facility in downtown Kelowna!
“Wherever you end up in Kelowna, you would have relatively easy access to the lake,” says Tyler.
And, if you end up north of Kelowna, you’re never far from one of the region’s stunning lakes. Whether it’s Wood Lake in Lake Country or Kalamalka Lake near Coldstream, family-friendly neighbourhoods close to the water are plentiful in the Okanagan.
2. If you love the urban vibe and all things #downtownlife
Housing trends across Canada are pointing toward smaller square footage: namely, townhouses and condos. And it’s just as true in Kelowna, which is home to many older Canadians as well as young urban professionals. These condos and townhouses promote a “lock and leave” lifestyle popular among those who travel for work or fly south for the winter. With these properties, it’s easy to maintain a beautiful residence in Kelowna on a schedule that fits your needs.
Tyler says there are a lot of great options among higher end downtown Kelowna real estate right now, and lists a few that really stand out:
- The Madison: A luxury downtown condo building offering premier views, finishings, location and more.
- Dolphins & Lagoons Towers: an established Sunset drive tower with unparalleled lakeviews and some lucky owner can even receive boat moorage by lottery.
- Skye Tower: An established Sunset drive tower with an unparalleled lake and city views.
- Brand new towers: One Water, Ellis Parc, Brooklyn, 1151 Sunset, Ella on Ellis.
Wrapping around the lakefront and lined with eclectic boutiques, cafes and restaurants, yet just a walk or bike ride to downtown Kelowna South and the Lower Mission also offer that urban vibe. One of the new Lower Mission condo developments attractive to a range of buyers is SOPA Square, along with Abbott House and some great newer and older developments on West Avenue.
“These neighbourhoods remind me of Kits in Vancouver,” says Tyler. “They definitely have that feel.”
3. If you love being a part of your family’s school & sports community
Do you have school-age children? Do you like the idea of being involved in your child’s school and outside-of-school community? You’ve come to the right place!
“What makes Kelowna so great for families is it’s still small enough that it has a small-town feeling, but it’s big enough there are a lot of different options for children’s activities and even schools,” says Tyler.
So, which Kelowna neighbourhoods are popular for families?
The Lower Mission area is popular among families who want their children to attend French Immersion schools (there are five in this neighbhourhood) and have easy access to beaches, parks, trails and the H2O Adventure & Fitness Centre. LEARN MORE
The Upper Mission’s Kettle Valley neighbhourhood is renowned for stunning lake and city views, a charming village vibe and a sought-after elementary school. LEARN MORE
Black Mountain and Joe Rich offer beautiful winding roads over volcanic black soil for which the region is named. Golf courses, hiking trails, and the announcement of a new Rutland Middle School make Black Mountain a sought-after neighbourhood. LEARN MORE
Tyler, who has three school-aged sons, says, “You’re always close to a great school in Kelowna wherever you live. We have a really good public school system.”
4. If you love to golf, in Kelowna consider living
Just about anywhere! Tyler says those who are new to Kelowna might have a hard time tying themselves to just one course, and with 19 golf courses within city limits, there are a lot of courses to explore.
“Most of the courses do have great communities around them, but I always suggest making sure the buyer spends a lot of time at the course and the clubhouse so they know where they want to end up if they really want to live within golf cart driving distance, because every course offers something a little different.
Learn more about Kelowna’s golfer’s paradise with Tourism Kelowna.
5. If you love to hike and mountain bike, consider living
If you’re the kind of person who can’t wait for the weekend so you can go hiking or mountain biking, Tyler suggests:
- Crawford catchment brings you close to some terrific mountain biking trails as well as bigger parcels of land and homes ideal for young families.
- West Kelowna’s Rose Valley and Smith Creek areas offer quick access to the Rose Valley Regional Park, Bear Creek Provincial Park trails, along with Smith Creek trails. Learn more.
- Kettle Valley brings you near the less intense but incredibly scenic Kettle Valley Trestles biking trail.
Whatever it is that you and your family love to do, Kelowna has more than one amazing area for you. At Jane Hoffman Realty, we’re fortunate to offer a group of real estate agents who specialize in all the Kelowna real estate listings across all categories, from luxury waterfront and condos to family acreages and townhouses at Big White. Let us help you discover the perfect home and neighbourhood for you! Get in touch or call 1-888-535-6962.