It’s not surprising to me that people who vacation here, or those who hear about the active four-season lifestyle, end up wanting to call Kelowna home. I have always had the pleasure to call this Valley home and after traveling much of the world, I have not found many places like it.
More people are flocking to Kelowna than any other Census Metropolitan Area in Canada. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, Kelowna is the fastest growing Census Metropolitan Area in Canada, an increase of 14% from 2016 to 2021, while Lake Country remains the fastest growing municipality in the Central Okanagan – a 22.4% population increase.
It seems only poetic to start with the one in which I grew up. With Kelowna expanding, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a quiet neighbourhood that still lies within city limits. Look no further. Ellison, a neighbourhood with rural community charm on the edge of a bustling city. The Ellison community is founded upon a heritage of agriculture, rural acreages and scattered residential neighbourhoods within scenic valley terrain. Time seems to slow in this community just 15 minutes from all of the downtown action, and reflects within the tight knit community of retirees, empty nesters, working farms and families, all of whom work together to keep the agricultural vibe alive! Ellison is home to large lots featuring extensive outdoor spaces and Ellison Elementary, which make these homes perfect for the littles in your life. They are moderately priced, even with the larger lot sizes. Ellison is on the east side of the airport and the northern end of Kelowna. The wandering streams and arid grasslands support many small farms, wineries, and agritourism. When picking your community, it is important to consider your lifestyle. Ellison is perfect for the buyer who wants a country lifestyle with close access to city amenities, the airport (Kelowna International Airport), and the educational opportunities offered by the University. For the outdoor enthusiasts or those who want to bring a little adventure to their lives – Mill Creek Regional Park holds space to many of my childhood memories. From hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking to waterfalls, there is something for everyone. Choose Ellison today – your welcome oasis from the hustle of city life.
Steps to nature, easy access to the bridge while feeling outside of the ‘hustle and bustle’. Rose Valley is the current community I call home and I love the tranquility and friendliness of this community. The neighbouring communities in West Kelowna Estates are also popular. Located in a great central area, you are never further than a quick drive away from all city amenities. This community tends to be saturated with young and active families. Living on the west side of Okanagan Lake has its perks in terms of lower prices, newer stores and quieter traffic. While summer time traffic can make the bridge slow and sometimes painful getting over to the Kelowna side, the fall and winter months are generally smooth sailing. You have to be okay with sharing your area with local wildlife while living here - from deer to bobcats, mountain lions to bears, we are all very lucky to call this area home. Real Estate offerings here include townhomes, single-family homes, and acreages. Choose Rose Valley or West Kelowna Estates today.
This is where I purchased my first home so I may be a tad biased on this area. Black Mountain continues to grow in popularity with families, first time home buyers, retirees, and those looking for scenic views. With easy-access to Rutland, Big White and all of Kelowna, Black Mountain is ideally located on the eastern hills. When you live here you will find shopping, dining, the YMCA, Okanagan Gymnastics Centre, golf courses and easy access to recreation, while being under 10 minutes from Central Kelowna. Black Mountain offers a variety of townhomes and new home communities, with prices ranging from $500,000 to $3,000,000, this neighbourhood offers a variety of living options and is expanding immensely.
Another popular family-friendly community in West Kelowna, Shannon Lake is a great place to raise your kids. Tallus Ridge is a growing, popular subdivision located in Shannon Lake. Living in Shannon Lake will put you within close access to all the best amenities that West Kelowna has to offer. The epitome of the West Kelowna lifestyle - Tallus Ridge and Shannon Lake are popular with families, young couples and retirees. Real Estate offerings include condos, townhomes and single-family homes, with both new and resale options. Living here provides easy access to all the amenities of West Kelowna, great schools, and a quick drive to Kelowna & Peachland. Walk to golfing and fishing! The highlight of Shannon Lake is, of course, the lake itself, with its family fishing program that runs in the spring, a park, and walking trails.
Rutland boasts a thriving cultural scene, a wide array of unique businesses, established restaurants, and an abundance of both indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. The community hosts a variety of activities throughout the year, including a weekly farmers market and annual festivals and fairs, making it a vibrant and engaging place to live. Perfect for first-time homebuyers, seniors, and young families, with a mix of older and newer single-family homes, Rutland offers many food and shopping options in its very own downtown area. The neighborhood continues to evolve with new developments featuring condominium projects, townhouses, and strata title properties. This diversity not only makes it accessible for first-time homebuyers to enter the housing market but also appeals to investors seeking opportunities in this dynamic community. Rutland is surrounded by the fields and orchards of Ellison, the hills of Black Mountain, and the backcountry. Rutland is the most affordable neighbourhood in Kelowna with a variety of housing including large estates, modest sized homes on mixed size lots, duplexes, multiplexes, townhouses, apartments, and even a few low rise condominiums. Most of Rutland is calm and quiet, the perfect place to settle down. Residents of Rutland benefit from easy access to major bus routes and the convenience of being a short drive away from UBCO (The University of British Columbia Okanagan) and Kelowna International Airport. This connectivity further enhances the appeal of living in this diverse and thriving community.
Pretty and dynamic, Downtown Kelowna remains the heart of the city. A recent boost in development here has rejuvenated the cultural, business, and social communities, making Downtown’s residential neighbourhoods a popular choice for homebuyers. This area remains the most populated and busy. Downtown Kelowna is a crossroads of the city’s history and its future. Brick storefronts mix with innovative contemporary architecture and a well-designed boardwalk. Heritage homes along tree-lined streets, beautiful parks and beaches, excellent restaurants, museums and galleries, theatres, hotels, municipal services, and businesses create an appealing urban vibe. The Downtown revitalization project shines a light on this treasured city neighbourhood. Convenient to nightlife, recreation, and work, it attracts young adults, families, and empty nesters, alike. New high-rise condos and contemporary townhome developments, along with well-loved single-family homes welcome residents to this central hub of Kelowna life. The University of British Columbia Okanagan is adding a 47 storey building that is currently under construction and will greatly add increased numbers of young students looking for rentals in this area. Planned to open by fall 2027, UBCO Downtown will be an iconic landmark and innovation hub, breathing new life into the growing tech and culture districts of Kelowna, and enriching the future of the region for years to come.
Dilworth Mountain is an upscale collection of communities spread across a hillside north of the city centre.Centrally located, Dilworth Mountain is convenient to all Kelowna amenities, and incorporates several public parks, green spaces, and hiking trails, as well as neighbourhood shopping plazas, restaurants, and medical offices. This Established neighbourhood offers larger lots, mature landscaping, stunning home designs, and gorgeous views. Newer strata developments are being added to attract younger singles and seniors. Easy access to all that Kelowna has to offer makes this a popular place to call home.
Glenmore offers a variety of family-friendly streets and smaller subdivisions, making it a great place for families. This beautiful area of Kelowna is close to the city’s amenities but is surrounded by farmland and orchards to offer a more rural feel. There is easy access to shopping, dining and recreation, with great walkability in these areas. Glenmore provides a generous mix of condos, townhomes and single-family homes in all price ranges - it has something for everyone! A close distance to the Kelowna airport and Lake Country, this area is one of the most central in all of Kelowna. Glenmore provides a great mix of single-family homes, condos, and townhomes in all price ranges. Due to the mix of new and resale real estate opportunities, fantastic location, quick access to shopping, restaurants, doctors/dentists, and businesses, the area is popular among singles, families, couples, and retirees alike. One of my favourite features of Glenmore is the various alternate routes to easily avoid the highway and traffic when necessary.
Another master-planned community popular with families. Surround yourself with the natural beauty and views of Kelowna’s mountainside in this family-friendly community that sits in the hill above Glenmore. In Wilden you will find both new and older single-family homes and townhome communities, with a variety of homes and price ranges. Homes are surrounded by beautiful nature and scenic mountain landscapes in a family-friendly residential area.Wilden is widely known for its central location that offers quick access to nature; hike and bike just minutes from Downtown Kelowna. A quiet family-friendly community, Wilden is home to over 1000 acres of parkland, with views that just can't be beat! Be close to outdoor recreation while only a short drive to Kelowna amenities.
Walk to the beach! That’s a big draw for families who choose to call Lower Mission their home. The Lower Mission is a desirable Kelowna neighbourhood with couples, families and retirees. Have beaches, restaurants, pubs, cafes and shopping at your doorstep. Also, you’re in close proximity to downtown Kelowna, H20 Aquatic Centre, MNP Rinks, Sports fields, shopping and dining. Whether you are looking for a character house, lakefront home, townhome or condo, the Lower Mission offers real estate options for all, with new developments continually popping up! It's a great location for those who want to be in the 'flats' of Kelowna and easily walk, bike or rollerblade to work, shopping, restaurants and the beach. You’re paying for the location in this neighbourhood, so while this and upper mission tend to be the pricier options for Kelowna, if lifestyle is your top priority, it will be well worth it.
This master-planned community is popular with families because it provides a safe, old-fashioned neighbourhood feel where kids play outside, families walk their dogs, and there’s always something to do. Kettle Valley is known for its custom-built luxury homes, stunning views and proximity to nature. The neighbourhood has a family-friendly, small-town community vibe. You'll find a state-of-the-art elementary school, and a full-service centre including a daycare, convenience store, coffee shop, Public on Main restaurant, liquor store, hair salon, day spa, chiropractor, dentist, gym, and pilates. Set alongside expansive parks, hiking trails and wildlife spaces, with spectacular views of Okanagan Lake and the valley. Backing on to Kelowna Mountain, Kettle Valley offers various hiking, walking and biking trails right out your front door! Also enjoy quick and easy access to beaches, playgrounds and parks. Those who live in Kettle Valley love it! Real Estate options include single-family homes and townhomes for those with deeper pockets.
Crawford Estates, a well-established neighborhood, boasts spacious homes and stunning views close to the Upper Mission. Families adore it for its prime location, picturesque scenery, and proximity to top wineries, golf courses, shopping, and Okanagan Lake. This area epitomizes the quintessential Okanagan lifestyle! If you seek the ultimate Okanagan living experience, with family-oriented surroundings, luxury homes, and expansive yards, Crawford Estates is the perfect fit. Renowned for its recreational opportunities, this neighborhood is a top choice. Additionally, you're just a short drive away from shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.