Kelowna is located in the center of the charming Okanagan Valley, on the shores of beautiful Okanagan Lake and framed by scenic mountains.
Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley offer an abundance of recreational activities for every type of outdoor enthusiast and are known world-wide for its many world-class golf courses and resorts, award-winning wineries, fruit growing orchards, champagne powder skiing at Big White, Silver Star and Apex.
Why are Kelowna, Lake Country, Okanagan Centre, Carr's Landing, Oyama, Peachland in the Central Okanagan desirable? We have:
Championship golf courses - Golf is big business and draws corporate and recreational golfers alike.
World class wineries - over 100 exquisite wineries are strategically located beside blossoming orchards, within carefully tended vineyards or perched high above picturesque canyons.
The explosive growth of local wineries has propelled the emergence of a rich culinary scene where restaurateurs, and their patrons, benefit from local vino paired with regional bounty that ranges from seasonal fruits and vegetables to fresh cheeses and locally raised meats.
Pristine lakes - Okanagan Lake stretches into approximately 150 kilometers (90 miles) of water fun from one end of the valley to the other.Wood Lake, Kalamalka Lake, Duck Lake - enjoy fabulous watersports and recreational activities.
A great climate - The Okanagan has dry hot summers, mild winters, warm lakes, less rain than San Francisco, Ca, and almost no mosquitos.
Travelers delight in the mild, sunny climate while locals thrive in the casual lifestyle that has made the valley one of the most desirable, yet affordable placaes to live.
World class ski resorts - less than one hour from downtown Kelowna you’ll encounter some of the best champagne powder skiing anywhere.
Theatre & Performing Arts - The arts scene in the Okanagan is largely contained within the borders of the 'Okanagan Cultural Corridor', a geographic area bounded from east to west by Cherryville and Princeton and from north to south by Enderby and Osoyoos.
Kelowna, the biggest city in the corridor, is its epicentre - home to the Sunshine Theatre Company, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Kelowna. Its major arts venues are the new Visual and Performing Arts Centre and Kelowna Community Theatre.
Kelowna International Airport - Kelowna International Airport (YLW)
passenger activity forecasts to grow to 1.6 million passengers by 2015.
Expansion will accommodate larger and more international jets, better
access, more tourists, more business, higher prices.
University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) - Purpose-built for the
21st century, the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus
opened in Kelowna in 2005. UBC is one of North America’s largest public
research and teaching institutions, and one of only two Canadian
institutions consistently ranked among the world’s 22 best universities.
The Okanagan campus is an intimate learning community embracing bold new
ways of thinking that attract exceptional students and faculty. More
than 8,300 students from throughout the Okanagan region, across Canada
and 80 other countries are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate
programs in eight faculties and schools. Here, students interact with
one another and their professors on a daily basis, while becoming global
citizens through interaction with their community and the world. -
Increased housing needs!
Strong local and provincial economies - see Economic Development Corporation
Quality Health Care - Kelowna General Hospital, New Neonatal Unit, KGH Expansion, Cancer Clinic, Hospital and Medical Care facilities, Health Centres, retirement and care homes.
Strong employment growth - see Economic Development Corporation.
Often referred to as the Silicon Vineyard, with as many as 500 high tech businesses based within, the Okanagan Valley truly has something for everyone.
Exceptional choice of lakefront and luxury properties - at Royal LePage we unlock the door to spectacular real estate and exceptional estates. Whether you are looking for a city abode, a country escape, a waterfront dream home, or a mountain chalet, I can help you find the ideal property from the comfort of your home or office.
Baby Boomers love Kelowna and will continue to drive the market. Reason: disposable income, high net worth, ability to borrow at low rates, and an insatiable desire to own real estate.
Every day 1000 boomers turn 60 for the next 10 years. Seniors, Singles and Students are in our buyers mix.
Location, Location, Location!
Kelowna, Marketpulse – The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB) reported December 2012 sales activity of all MLS® property types is down marginally over the same month last year but has increased year-to-date compared to 2011 -- ending the year on a stable note.
A typical seasonal slow-down was seen in December but for the most part, the housing market in the Okanagan-Shuswap remained fairly stable during 2012 and looks to continue this positive trend into the New Year. Overall sales for the month dipped 6% Board-wide compared to last year at this time, while year-to-date (January through December) sales were up 7% over 2011.
The year ended fairly positively as forecasted expectations for growth in year-over-year residential sales for our Board area were met. While many markets in the province were sluggish, OMREB saw strong gains most of the year and did not see declines until the last couple of months
What to expect in 2013
2018-April (c) Christine Wolter