Living in Vernon BC: 10 Things to Know Before You Move to Vernon

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, the city of Vernon radiates a unique charm that beckons those searching for natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. Beyond its picturesque lakes and majestic mountains, the city brims with experiences awaiting discovery. The diversity in outdoor activities, coupled with a rich tapestry of arts and events, positions Vernon—one of the best places to live near Kelowna—as an unparalleled destination for individuals with varied interests.

8 Reasons to Love Living in Vernon

• Community surrounded by three freshwater lakes
• Amazing outdoor adventures available
• Affordable restaurants
• Vernon Recreation Centre
• Greater Vernon Athletics Park
• Thriving business economy
• Regional transit system connects to other communities
• Great Okanagan Valley weather 

The Vernon Lifestyle

The weather is one of the top reasons for moving to Kelowna, Vernon, and throughout the Okanagan Valley. The area has long summers and mild winters. On the hottest days of the summer, temperatures can approach 28 degrees. Fortunately, the public beaches and plentiful water activities on Okanagan Lake provide a fun way to cool off. There's also an indoor pool at the community rec centre. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing; some years, the area only gets a light scattering of snowfall.

Vernon has a thriving arts and culture scene for a town this size. It has a museum, a public art gallery, a science centre, and a library. That's in addition to live music and dance performances, summer music festivals, and a winter carnival. Additional winter activities are available at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and the Silver Star Mountain Resort. 

Downtown Vernon has more than 50 restaurants to choose from and more than 250 local stores and service shops. Vernon's economy is supported by jobs in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and technology. Tourism is also big here, thanks to several area golf courses, wineries, and public beaches.

Types of Homes in Vernon

Most single-household homes in Vernon fall within the traditional styles of Craftsman, Colonial, Victorian, or Neoclassical. There are also a limited number of homes in Vernon built in the Modern style. Condos and townhomes make up some of the home styles available here as well. 

Waterfront homes in Vernon with a nice view of one of the lakes can fetch as much as $5 million; this can be a steep price tag, but waterfront homes in Kelowna can list for more than $7 million. Most detached homes list from the high $300s to $1.5 million, though Vernon condos and mobile homes can be found listed for less than $200,000.

Vernon Amenities

Boasting a population of around 58,000 in the Greater Vernon area, Vernon residents don't have to travel to find all the amenities and shopping needed. Most residents own vehicles, but it's easy to bike to work from most parts of the city. A regional bus service also connects to most nearby communities, including Kelowna. Once in the bigger city, Kelowna’s public transit system takes residents wherever they need to go! A newly expanded hospital means that most people don't have to commute to Kelowna for healthcare. All shopping necessities can be met in Vernon.

Neighbourhood Services

BC Transit runs 12 regular bus routes in Vernon. Bus routes service most areas of the city, and regional trips are provided to nearby communities, including Armstrong, Enderby/Grindrod, the Salmon Arm community, and more.

Interior Health operates Vernon Jubilee Hospital. This is a full-service hospital that provides most of the community's healthcare needs.

Residents can stay fit and active at the Vernon Recreation Centre. It has an indoor aquatics centre, a fitness centre, and a gym. It's also home to the Halina Senior Citizens Centre.

The Vernon Community Arts Centre is a place where youths and adults can take a wide range of art classes. Offerings include music, clay, painting, drawing, fibre arts, and glass. It has year-round courses, summer art camps, and homeschool classes. 

Neighbourhood Shopping

Shopping options are plentiful in Vernon. There is a Save on Foods, a Safeway, and several smaller markets for groceries. Most fashion, apparel, electronics, and other items can be found at the Village Green Shopping Centre, which is the largest mall in town. More than 250 smaller, locally-owned shops and service stores in Downtown Vernon provide many options.

Things to Do in Vernon

There are tons of outdoor and outdoor activities to enjoy in Vernon. With three freshwater lakes in the area and multiple rivers and streams, boating and fishing are popular pastimes. There are also numerous parks and hiking or mountain biking trails to enjoy. For those who enjoy entertainment of a more indoor variety, there are more than 75 restaurants to choose from. These include sit-down restaurants for diners of all ages and breweries and bars for adults. Many nearby attractions are just a short drive away. Here's a closer look at some of Vernon's many things to do.

Outdoor Activities

Heading to the beach during the summer months is a big part of life for many in Vernon. There are five public beaches on Okanagan Lake and six on Kalamalka Lake—and that's just within the Vernon city limits. There are even more beaches to explore in the surrounding areas. Both lakes have at least one pet-friendly beach, where dog owners are welcome to bring their furry friends along to cool off on Vernon's hot summer days.

Vernon also has many parks, tot lots, and sports fields that are available for public use. There are dozens of parks in the Greater Vernon area, providing endless outdoor fun that guests of all ages can enjoy.

Restaurants, Breweries & Bars

Here are just a few of the local favourites in Vernon regarding dining and drinks.

• Station BBQ Smokehouse: Best BBQ in town & try the pecan pie!
• Eatology: Excellent diner for breakfast or lunch.
• Saucies 27 Pizzeria: Artisanal pizzas for groups of any size.
• Marten Brew Pub Bar & Grill: Great spot for craft brews and pub food.
• Roster Sports Club Bar & Grill: Pub food, beer, big screen TVs, and a golf simulator.
• 50th Parallel Estate Winery: Only a 25-minute drive from Vernon for a gourmet meal paired with excellent wines.

If residents and visitors don’t mind making the 30-minute drive, Kelowna’s best wineries are always within reach.

Nearby Attractions

The Planet Bee Honey Farm & Meadery is open year-round for tours. Visitors can explore the grounds, taste the varieties of raw honey and mead, and purchase some to take home. The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is another excellent place to learn about the wildlife in the area. Less than 30 kilometres to the south, Lake Country’s amenities are a short drive away. 

For those looking to cool off without getting sand on their feet, head to the Splashdown Vernon water park to enjoy the slides. The SilverStar Mountain Resort is the perfect spot for skiing in the winter, but they also open the grounds for mountain biking trails in the summer.

Employers Near Vernon

Vernon has a strong and varied economy that includes manufacturing, education, forestry, technology, and tourism, representing a mirroring and mutually beneficial relationship with the economy in Kelowna, Summerland, and the rest of the region. Currently, 11 companies have their corporate and regional offices in Vernon, including BC Hydro, Great West Equipment, and Westwood Engineering. Manufacturing jobs are available from companies like Tolko Industries, Universal Packaging, and Kingfisher Boats. The City of Vernon, School District 22, and Okanagan College provide many jobs in the government and education sectors. The provincial government's Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development also provides many jobs in the area.

Schools Near Vernon

Students of all ages in Vernon have many options for their education. School District 22 administers all the public schools in Vernon and the surrounding communities. There are 14 elementary schools and five secondary schools in the district. Most elementary schools cover 

grades K–7, with secondary schools covering grades 8–12. There is also one single-track French immersion school in Vernon, which is Ecole Beairsto Elementary School. 

The five high schools in the Vernon area are:

• Charles Bloom Secondary School
• Clarence Fulton High School
• Kalamalka High School
• Vernon Secondary School
• W.L. Seaton Secondary School

For those who want a private education in Vernon, a couple of Christian schools are available. St. James School offers K–7 instruction, including French instruction and music in all grades. Sports and extracurricular clubs are also available. For a wider selection of private schools and some universities, the schools in Kelowna are close enough to make a daily commute possible. 

Vernon Christian School is a private institution offering preschool through 12th-grade education. There are separate elementary and secondary campuses for the school. Students in grades 7–12 attend the secondary campus, and a mission trip to Mexico typically happens in students’ grade 11 year. 

Life is Good in Vernon, BC

From its breathtaking natural sceneries to the pulsating rhythm of its cultural heartbeat, Vernon offers a distinctive blend of Okanagan Valley experiences that few places can rival. As a haven for both nature enthusiasts and culture seekers, the city promises an enriching life away from the commonplace. Those who choose to call Vernon home find themselves enveloped in a community that celebrates the natural world's wonders and its inhabitants' artistic expressions. Embracing Vernon is embracing a life of boundless possibilities and cherished moments.

If the opportunities in Vernon excite you, contact the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in Vernon today.