Best Places to Live in Kelowna: 2023

Kelowna is located in the southern interior of British Columbia and sits on Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley. It is the third-largest metropolitan area in the province, behind Vancouver and Victoria. The Okanagan Valley is very tourist-oriented and offers a diverse range of activities for both visitors and residents. From boating, golfing, hiking and biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Kelowna is an all-season playground for many. Kelowna is also located in wine country, and it is not uncommon to see vineyards and wineries scattered throughout the city and the surrounding region.

Despite the fluctuations in home prices, people continue to flock to Kelowna for a picturesque location to call “home.”

RE/MAX ranked Kelowna’s neighbourhoods based on a variety of liveability factors such as work, schools, public transit, shopping, dining and green spaces, and cultural and community centres. Here are our top picks in Kelowna.

Best Places to Live in Kelowna

1. Midtown – Midtown has a variety of amenities, which doesn’t typically happen until population density increases. There is abundant employment, shopping centres, a local farmer’s market, and a transit system. And the range of services and amenities will only increase as the neighbourhood develops.
2. Capri Landmark – If you’re looking to be close to your work, then Capri Landmark is the place to live. It is one of Kelowna’s major employment hubs and big on apartment living.
3. South Pandosy – Residents love South Pandosy for its proximity to Okanagan Lake and the Pandosy Shopping District. There is easy access to trendy shops, cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, and banking. Combined with the new condos and townhomes available, it’s no wonder that home buyers love to call this neighbourhood home.
4. City Centre – The heartbeat of Kelowna lies in City Centre. Here you’ll find the hub for employment, shopping, transit, and more. Residents love the constant activity that living in City Centre provides.
5. Rutland – Rutland is Kelowna’s largest neighbourhood. Although Rutland has a reputation for being a dangerous neighbourhood, its residents fiercely dispute it, insisting that there is a bias against it. What Rutland can give you is a thriving business community and quiet residential living.

Honourable mentions include:

1. Glenmore-Clifton-Dilworth
2. Highway 97
3. North Mission – Crawford
4. Belgo-Black Mountain
5. Southeast Kelowna

Up and Coming Neighbourhoods in Kelowna

There are several neighbourhoods that are becoming more popular for homebuyers. Kelowna North/City Centre has easy access to bike lanes and walking paths, while South Pandosy is hailed as easily walkable. Capri Landmark is often in close proximity to work for residents. Upper Mission, Lower Mission, and Lakeshore are notable for being near Lake Okanagan.

Kelowna Liveability Trends

In the next three to five years, liveability in Kelowna is expected to improve and become more urbanized. Residents will enjoy increased access to amenities and services with the same gorgeous natural backdrop that they know and love.