Few places in BC draw people in, like the Okanagan. It’s among the most popular vacation spots for people in and out of the province, and those that live there say it is the best place to live in BC.
Unsurprisingly, many want to make the desired location their permanent home. What is it that makes the region such a desirable place to live? Here are our top reasons why you should embrace the Okanagan lifestyle.
Close to the water
The Okanagan Lake and surrounding lakes may be Kelowna’s biggest draws, and if you’ve ever caught a glimpse of Okanagan Lake, no matter the time of year, you understand why.
It is 135 kilometres long and between three and five kilometres wide. A lake that grande naturally allows for many shorelines lined with beaches, cliffs, and forests. Water recreation is very popular in the Okanagan; whether you boat, jet ski, kayak, paddle board, or love to swim, there is no place quite like living near the lake to take full advantage.
A draw for those considering real estate in the Okanagan is the ample amount of properties with water access. There is nothing quite like having your water sports docked out front of your home for you to enjoy through the summer months.
The Warm Weather Months
Kelowna is known for having a lot of sunshine. The gorgeous weather makes people want to venture outside and bask in Mother Nature’s warmth, and with summer temperatures ranging in the high 30s, it is easy to adopt a beach-loving lifestyle. The warm weather is a draw to those from other provinces of Canada as it is genuinely like no other.
The winters are incredibly mild compared to the rest of the province; the average temperature during the winter is a high of 2.3C and a low of -4C. That’s a far cry from the bitter cold outside of the Okanagan. Its mild winter months also mean less snow and extreme winter conditions. It allows for a continuous outdoor lifestyle to be enjoyed throughout the year.
The Great Outdoors
No matter what environment you prefer—forests, mountains, lakes, or rivers—you can find it in or around Kelowna. The region is split between the wetter north, and the more arid south and the landscapes can vary greatly. But the whole area is an outdoors person’s paradise; whether you are an avid hiker, mountain biker, cyclist, boater, or pro patio hopper, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The All Year Round Recreation
Folks in Kelowna like to lead active lifestyles, as there’s so much to see and do in the city and surrounding area.
Hundreds of kilometers of walking and hiking trails through forests and mountains will allow you to get back to nature if you need time away from the city. Additionally, the area offers 52 KMS of developed rail trail for bikers and walkers to enjoy. There is an opportunity to Mountain bike just about everywhere—Myra Canyon Trestles is a popular spot— as are rock climbing areas. If you’re ready to step up to the tee box, you have your pick of golf courses up and down the valley.
If you’d instead shred powder, there’s no place like Big White Ski resort or Silverstar come winter. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more are all possible within a short drive from the city center.
During the Spring months, it is said that locals can both hit the slopes and the beach for some lounging on the same day, the true Okanagan lifestyle.
The Education
If you’ve got grade-school-aged kids in your family, you’re in luck. Kelowna has 46 schools (32 elementary, eight middle, and five high schools). No matter which neighbourhood you are looking in the Okanagan for real estate, a school will be nearby.
Kelowna also offers options for post-secondary education. The Okanagan College and University of BC – Okanagan campus provides various programs and credentials for adults ready to build on their education.
The Community
Kelowna isn’t the concrete jungle of larger cities. Having walkable neighbourhoods, plenty of parks, and green space gives it a more tight-knit vibe than you might find in larger centres.
The best part is the city has all the amenities of a larger place but with a close knit community oriented feel. Downtown Kelowna is home to the Cultural District and has art galleries, theatres, and music halls. You’ll find food from just about anywhere and some of the world’s best wineries and craft breweries mere minutes from your front door.
In conclusion
Ready to start calling the Okanagan home?
If you’re looking into buying or selling your home, the Mayne Brothers have over 40 years of combined experience in the area and will help you navigate the Okanagan real estate market.
For more information, call 250-860-0303 any time, day or night.
