For anyone moving to a new, relatively unknown city, it can be challenging to know where to start when choosing your ideal neighbourhood. Are you planning a move to Kelowna? If so, which are the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna for you?
This article will briefly fill you in on basic Kelowna facts before moving on to the benefits of living in the city. Then, we will delve into the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna and the benefits of each area.
Living In Kelowna – The Facts
Kelowna is located in the south-central region of British Columbia within the Okanagan Valley. It is an area of exceptional beauty, with cultural districts, plentiful spaces for quiet moments, and a bustling urban vibe.
There are over 40 wineries and vineyards in Kelowna, and this is a top industry in the area. As such, you will never be short of a good glass of red!
There are many areas of natural beauty surrounding Kelowna with thriving wildlife. The name ‘Kelowna’ comes from the Okanagan word for ‘grizzly bear,’ although you are more likely to come across a black bear than a grizzly bear these days.
Also, Okanagan Lake is said to house “Ogopogo,” a snakelike dinosaur originally known as the ‘spirit of the lake.’ As you can imagine, some of the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna are situated around the lake.
Is Property Expensive In Kelowna?
Property in Kelowna is expensive, and prices have risen rapidly in recent years. The average cost of a home in Kelowna is over $1 million compared to a national average of around $630,000. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in British Columbia, purchasing a property here can be a real investment.
Why Should I Move To Kelowna?
There are a lot of good reasons to move to Kelowna. The city is often described as a ‘four-season playground’ because it has bright springs, hot summers, crisp autumns, and unusually mild winters. Many people move here to escape the harsh weather in other areas of Canada.
In addition, Kelowna is the heart of British Columbia’s wine region, and the food is delicious, making for the ideal culinary experience.
The Okanagan Lake is popular with kayakers, swimmers, boaters, and paddle-boarders, and you can play beach volleyball and sunbathe on the local beaches. There are plenty of opportunities for sports and recreation to keep you fit and active.
As you would expect in Canada, the medical facilities are high-quality and comprehensive, and the educational opportunities are excellent.
So which are the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna?
Glenmore
Glenmore is regarded as one of the safest neighbourhoods in Kelowna, and as such, it is a great area to raise a family. It is located at the city’s north end and is only a 10-minute drive to the town centre.
Glenmore is the perfect mix of countryside and suburban living, and there are plenty of green spaces to benefit your body and mind. You can get involved in yoga, hiking, bird watching, and golf, and the children will have access to great schools. For university students, the UBC Okanagan campus is a good option.
Lakeview Heights
Lakeview Heights is another safe neighbourhood in the Kelowna area. It is located in West Kelowna and stretches from Okanagan Lake to the bottom of Mount Boucherie.
Lakeview Heights is famous for its Westside Wine Trail and has many great restaurants, wineries, and cafes. In addition, it has a pharmacy, tennis court, grocery store, and liquor store, and you will find these amongst elevated hiking trails and beautiful scenery.
Shannon Lake
Shannon Lake ranks quite highly as one of the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna. Largely known as a family-friendly neighbourhood, it is filled with tall pine trees and good fishing. It is an excellent option for those who like to be closer to nature.
Shannon Lake has a selection of schools (middle schools, high schools, and elementary schools) within a 10-minute drive and plenty of short, family-friendly walking trails. In addition, there’s an 18-hole golf range and plenty of amenities nearby in West Kelowna.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is named after its almost-black volcanic soil and is located east of central Kelowna. One of the biggest benefits of Black Mountain is its proximity to expansive farmlands, scenic roads, and beautiful walking trails. As you can imagine, the views here are excellent.
There’s a good shopping centre, plenty of cafes, and even a pub, with many high-quality local restaurants. Plus, many refer to Black Mountain as a golfer’s delight!
Black Mountain is an excellent all-around neighbourhood with suburban comforts, plenty of single-family homes, and good access to nature.
Kettle Valley
Kettle Valley is a clean, well-designed neighbourhood created to be a truly unique spot in Kelowna. It is unlike anywhere else in the city. The area was developed in 1996 and has since earned the title ‘Canada’s Best Community.’
It is located less than 30 minutes from the Kelowna International Airport and right next to the Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park in the southern hills of the city.
Kettle Valley is widely considered one of the best neighbourhoods in Kelowna and has a strong sense of community. You will often find neighbours getting together for both informal and formal events, and you will never be able to walk to the bottom of your street without someone stopping to say hello.
Not only that, but Kettle Valley is full of walking and biking trails, making it a great neighbourhood for those interested in the outdoors.
Wilden
Another well-designed Kelowna community is Wilden, a neighbourhood-cum-sanctuary. It is a haven for nature lovers and perfectly balances the natural environment with suburban convenience and amenities.
Within a 10-minute drive from downtown Kelowna, you will have plenty of great options for dining, nightlife, and shopping. Not only that, but the whole neighbourhood has been designed around natural wetland preservation, and the main focus in home construction is sustainability and energy efficiency.
Lower Mission
And finally, we finish with one of the best Kelowna neighbourhood options, Lower Mission. The main draw to this area is that you can easily walk to the beach, close to the CNC Rinks and downtown Kelowna, and plenty of shopping and dining options.
This is an excellent option if you’re looking for somewhere with real character, possibly on the lakefront.
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FAQ Best Neighbourhoods In Kelowna
What is Kelowna Known For?
Kelowna lies in the Okanagan Valley and is known for its lakes, beautiful beaches and mountains. The region also has hot, dry summer weather, unlike anywhere else in Canada. The weather provides a perfect climate for growing many fruits, including grapes, and the valley is also known for its wine production.
Does Kelowna Have Snow?
Kelowna does get snow, but much less than many areas of Canada. The total annual snowfall is a little under 100mm and mainly falls in the winter months of December and January. Kelowna has a milder climate than most other Canadian cities, with an average January low of around 6 degrees C.
Is Kelowna a Good Place to Live?
Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley is a great place to live. The weather is relatively mild, and summers are hot and dry. Kelowna lies on Okanagan Lake, which has beautiful beaches and is surrounded by stunning scenery. You can swim, hike and bike in the summer and ski in the winter. And, as if this wasn’t enough, Kelowna is also in the heart of a wine-producing region.
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