Spotlight on Kamloops: Reasons to Fall in Love with the City

If you’re considering making a move into the Kamloops real estate market, here are some great reasons to take the leap.

Kamloops, British Columbia, is the third largest city in the province. It has a population of approximately 100,000 residents who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with a warm climate and over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Its desert plateaus, lush river valleys, pine forests, lakes, and mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to the outdoor recreational activities of its residents. As a haven for Canada’s nature lovers, families, business professionals, and adventure-seekers, Kamloops is a sought-after city. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with the underrated city of Kamloops.

The Great Outdoors

With its prime location in the Rocky Mountains, Kamloops is unmatched in its greenery, lakes, mountains, and fresh air. Kamloops has over 100 lakes within an hour’s drive where residents can swim and do water sports. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of British Columbia stocks the lakes annually with salmon and trout. Mountain biking is another popular pastime in Kamloops because of its desert-like climate and terrain. In winter, Kamloops is close to the award-winning ski hills of Sun Peaks, with 4,270 acres of skiable terrain above its cozy, European-style village.

Abundant Golf Courses Around Kamloops

Many Canadians don’t know that Kamloops has the highest concentration of golf courses per capita in Canada. Golfers can choose courses with beautiful rolling hills, clean greens, and challenging holes for recreational and avid golfers in the city. During the warm months, there is always an opportunity to play at one of the many courses. Some popular courses include Rivershore Estates, Talking Rock Golf Course, Bighorn Golf and Country Club, and Pineridge Golf Course.

Kamloops Boasts A Thriving Cultural Scene

While Kamloops attracts many residents looking to enjoy the outdoors, the city has plenty of things to do and see. There are dozens of community events and activities celebrating holidays and cultural events. Check out the Kamloops Wine Festival, where wine lovers support the Kamloops Art Gallery or the Kamloops Film Festival, celebrating local and international film at the Paramount Theatre. Foodies will enjoy the Kamloops Rotary Ribfest, the largest RibFest in western Canada. There is something for all enthusiasts to enjoy.

Strong Educational Opportunities to be Had in Kamloops

Kamloops has educational opportunities for all ages. Its primary and secondary learning environments include three private schools, International Baccalaureate Program, French Immersion, Autistic Program, and a virtual school. Kamloops is also home to Thompson Rivers University, the largest post-secondary institution in British Columbia north of Vancouver. It offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate degree options and over 50 career diplomas and certificate programs.

Affordable Kamloops Real Estate Market

Since it is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada and only a few hours’ drive away from Vancouver, it is not surprising that some buyers are zeroing in on the Kamloops real estate market. In February, the region was showing positive signs when compared to previous years of over-stimulated market activity, according to the Association of Interior REALTORS. Despite rising demand, the average residential price is relatively reasonable for BC standards and among the lowest in the province. The Association reports that benchmark price in Kamloops rose 5.1 per cent year-over-year in February in the townhome category, coming in at $520,600, while condominium and single-family homes each declined by 8.7 per cent year-over-year.

Diverse Employment Opportunities

Kamloops enjoys a diverse economy without relying on one sector to facilitate steady growth. Some firms in the city are over 125 years old, while other businesses in finance, technology, and health care are relatively new. The lifestyle, proximity, and economic conditions allow them to flourish while providing employment opportunities for newcomers to set down roots. If you need education and hands-on training to continue to grow, look to Kamloops’ post-secondary institutions to find the program you need.

Kamloops Offers Quiet City Living

The low population of Kamloops makes it an ideal place to lead a quiet lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. It also makes it an excellent location to retire. It has 82 parks for peaceful walks, including Riverside Park, Peterson Creek Park, McArthur Island Park, and Kenna Cartwright Park, the largest park in the province. There is good food, shopping, and recreational activities everywhere you look.

Kamloops is one of the most desirable cities in the interior of BC. Homebuyers from across the province and country are attracted to its outdoor activities, educational and employment opportunities, and quiet lifestyle. Connect with a RE/MAX Agent to help you make your move into this up-and-coming city.