Kelowna is an amazing area to visit but it’s an even more fantastic place to live. From the wineries, to the spectacular vistas, to the exceptional outdoor and indoor amenities, there’s no shortage of comforts and conveniences on offer.
We’re proud to call Kelowna home for many reasons – but we’ve got the top five on offer this month for those thinking about making the transition.
1. Phenomenal Year-Round Weather
It’s said that Kelowna gets four distinctive seasons: hot summer, mild winter, enjoyable spring, and picturesque autumn. It’s one of the most desirable places to live in Canada for the weather alone, offering over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year with the average summer temperature being 30 degrees Celsius.
The consistent temperate temperatures allow local vineyards and orchards to thrive, giving Kelowna residents access to supplies that are fresh and local throughout the year.
Amazing year-round weather also provides the perfect conditions for those that like to spend time outside on a regular basis. Take advantage of the hiking, biking, waterparks, and recreational facilities during the spring and summer months. In the winter months, transition over to downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing with the picturesque high mountain lakes as your backdrop.
There’s always something to do in Kelowna – and moderate year-round temperatures ensure that you’re rarely, if ever, sidelined by the weather.
2. Top Tier Healthcare Services
When you’re moving to a new area, we know that the health and wellbeing of your family will always be at the forefront. Whether you need a check up for your little one, or require the expertise of a specialist, comprehensive and accessible healthcare is non-negotiable.
Kelowna offers a host of exceptional health care facilities that are renowned throughout the Okanagan Valley. This includes Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) which is revered as one of the best healthcare facilities in British Columbia.
Kelowna residents have access to quality physical and mental healthcare that is covered by BC’s Medical Service Plan (MSP). Whether you need a physician, a diagnostic specialist, eye or ear exams, dental surgery, specialized care, or any type of medically-necessary service, you can rest easy knowing you’ll have efficient access that you won’t have to pay for out of pocket for.
In addition to having superb healthcare access, Kelowna is also home to excellent supplemental healthcare providers such as registered massage therapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, and therapists. Whatever you need, guaranteed it’s only a short drive away!
3. A Booming Economy and Job Market
Kelowna has an incredibly diverse and thriving job market that has only continued to pick up speed over the years. They have one of the top leading job markets in all of Canada, ranking number three overall. In addition, their unemployment rate sits at a historic low of 3.3% with the average median income being $71,097 per year (about $33.75 per hour).
For those that are considering moving to Kelowna, there are widespread employment opportunities available over a variety of industries. This includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, food service, tourism, technology, and much more!
And while the cost of housing is typically higher than the Canadian average, it trades off with a significantly lower cost of living, comprehensive healthcare, and an ever-growing market that allows for continued career growth.
4. Great Beaches and Waterfront Walks
Spanning over 135 kilometers in length, Okanagan Lake is one of the biggest and most beautiful attractions in Kelowna.
This spectacular waterfront is home to an incredible amount of beaches, splash parks, and walkways – many of which can be utilized all year round. Those that love boating, watersports, swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, flyboarding, boating, skating, parasailing, or lazy beach days will be in paradise with continual lakeside access.
Kelowna’s most popular beaches are Boyce-Gyro Beach and Hot Sands Beach and Splash Park, with both locations offering multiple outdoor playgrounds, plenty of vendors for all your drink and snack needs, beach volleyball courts, and modern public bathrooms.
There are also a variety of dog-friendly beaches so that Fido doesn’t have to miss out on the family fun!
5. World-Class Wineries
Honestly, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention how many incredible award-winning wineries that Kelowna is home to!
With over 200 wineries within the Okanagan region, there’s never a lack of variety or quality – meaning that you can have a new Saturday-sipping favorite whenever you like! Amongst the most notable are Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Gray Monk Estate, Volcanic Hills, Quails’ Gate, Sandhill Wines, CedarCreek Estate, The Vibrant Vine Winery, and Calona Vineyards.
The winery scene offers wine tastings, guided tours, fine dining, and amazing vista views that can’t be beat. As a resident, you’ll have year-round access to phenomenal local wine – meaning that you can take a bottle (or a case!) home with you whenever the urge hits.
If you’re considering moving to Kelowna, or would like more information about our amazing community, we would love to help! Contact us at Trailhead at the Ponds – we’d be happy to provide the insight you’re looking for so that you can feel confident moving into your next home purchase.
