7 Most Affordable Neighbourhoods in Kelowna, BC

Kelowna is a city of about 143,000 people on Okanagan Lake in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. The name derives from an Okanagan word for "grizzly bear." The entire metropolitan area has about 220,000 people.

The area is popular for skiing in winter and boating, golfing, hiking, and biking in summer. In addition to allowing for all-season fun, the mild climate is ideal for growing grapes, making the city of Kelowna famous internationally for its wines. Kelowna International Airport is one of Canada's busiest and connects travellers to many major North American cities. With all of the fun things to do in Kelowna, it's no wonder that people are steadily moving to the city. Fortunately, the broad range of neighbourhoods here ensures an area to fit any housing budget from single-family homes to condos. Read on to learn about some of the most affordable neighbourhoods in Kelowna.

Affordable Homes Await in the Springfield/Spall Neighbourhood

The Springfield/Spall neighbourhood is in central Kelowna, located just south of Highway 33. Its western boundary is Gordon Drive, its southern boundary is K.L.O. Road, and its eastern boundary is Benyoulin Road. The flat topography makes it easy to stroll to cafes and breweries in the area. Residents can also take a short drive to nearby orchards and farms.

The neighbourhood includes a mixture of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. The price of a condo in this neighbourhood typically starts at around $250,000 and can go upwards of $1 million for a luxury penthouse. Single-family homes, on the other hand, typically cost between $700,000 and $1.2 million.

The Kelowna Farmer's and Crafters Market is open in the neighbourhood on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Also, within the neighbourhood are several specialty grocery stores and eateries, such as Daniel Chocolates Shop, the Milk & Sugar Bubble Tea Cafe, and Made in India Restaurant. Orchard Park Shopping Centre is outside the neighbourhood, a 120-store mall anchored by Hudson's Bay Department Store. It also has a food court, a variety of shops, and specialty stores.

Find a Budget-Friendly Ski Retreat in the Big White Area

The homes in Big White are 62 kilometres south of Kelowna, nestled between the Monashee Mountains and Okanagan Valley at 1,700 metres above sea level. It is a major ski community in winter and has opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and geocaching in the summer. While it is primarily a resort community, about many people live in Big White year-round.

Home styles are hillside chalets, modern townhomes, and bungalows. Condos in Big White can be found for prices ranging between $125,000 and $800,000, whereas detached Big White homes cost between $700,000 and $1.6 million.

Restaurants in Big White include Globe Cafe and Tapas Bar, Snowshoe Sam's Pub, and Underground Pizza. The grocery store is The Market at Big White. Other shops include Dizzy's Ski Shop and Mountainside.

Buy a Home for Less in the University District Neighbourhood

The University District neighbourhood, built around the University of British Columbia Okanagan, is one of the fastest-growing areas in the city. It provides easy access to the university and the city's north end. The area is bounded by Glenmore Road on the west and Highway 97 on the east and is near Kelowna International Airport. About 9,000 students attend the university, which means homeowners can rent basements or rooms within their homes to enhance their real estate investment.

Housing types include single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Several new communities are being developed within the district, presenting options for new construction homes. Prices vary widely from the $300,000s to more than $2 million.

The neighbourhood has various shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities within its borders or across Highway 97. Gulfstream Restaurant offers tapas, small plates, and pizza, and Scenic Road Cider has a tasting room and shop. Cooper's Foods is the local grocery store. The Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy has trained pro players and offers training camps for amateurs. Kangaroo Creek Farm is a nearby petting zoo that features domestic and exotic animals.

The Kelowna North Neighbourhood Offers Affordable Homes

Kelowna North is an established residential area on the banks of Okanagan Lake. Residents can walk to hiking trails in Knox Mountain Park or stroll downtown via the lakefront boardwalk. The City Library, Cultural District, and the entertainment arena, Prospera Place, are all located within the neighbourhood. The area is beginning a growth and development spurt along Clement Avenue, which will create new homes in place of the current industry there.

Housing styles and prices are diverse. Although the most luxurious homes in Kelowna North can cost as much as Kelowna's most expensive neighbourhoods, many condos and single-family homes are available for prices between $300,000 and $900,000.

Restaurants and shops are plentiful. A few are Earl's Kitchen and Bar, Cactus Club Cafe in the Kelowna Yacht Club, and Kelly O'Bryan's, a neighbourhood restaurant near the waterfront. Shopping opportunities include the BC Tree Fruit Market and the Chain Line Cycle Bike Shop.

Downtown Kelowna Has Affordable Homes in the Heart of Town

Downtown is a walkable neighbourhood with restaurants, shopping, waterfront areas, sports events, and cultural attractions. The Downtown Kelowna neighbourhood is bounded on the north by Kelowna North and runs along the waterfront to Highway 97 (Harvey Avenue on the south). The western boundary is Gordon Drive. Bernard Avenue has recently become a pedestrian mall, further enhancing walkability.

Home types include single-family homes, condos, and townhomes with prices that range from $550,000 to $1 million. Heritage homes and waterfront homes are among the most desirable single-family home options.

Nightlife, restaurants, and shopping opportunities abound. Among the several eateries on Bernard Avenue are Bohemian Cafe, which features breakfast and lunch made with fresh produce, homemade bread, and meats, and the Mad Mango Cafe, which serves Asian fusion food. A Safeway supermarket also is on Bernard. Restaurants also dot the waterfront area—for example, Earls Kitchen and Bar and the West Coast Grill and Oyster Bar. Waterfront nightlife venues include Sapphire, which features DJs, live music, dancing, and Jack's on Bernard, a cocktail bar.

Browse Homes in Your Budget in the North Glenmore Neighbourhood

North Glenmore is a valley neighbourhood. Glenmore Road runs down the center of the valley and extends north all the way to the Lake Country community. Established communities with mature trees and landscaping are found on the west side, large homes are found on the east side. The neighbourhood provides a slower-paced lifestyle but is still accessible to downtown via car or bus. Nearby farms and orchards enhance the rural feel.

Homes prices can range from around $370,000 to more than $800,000. Many homes have views over the lake, the mountains, or the city.

Most of the services are along or near Glenmore Road. Restaurants include Basil Leaf Asian Fusion, Dozo House, and EK's Grill, which serves breakfast and lunch. An IGA Market is also in that corridor.

Discover Dream Homes for Realistic Prices in the Rutland Neighbourhood

The Rutland neighbourhood was once its own municipality before merging with Kelowna, and it retains its own unique character with a weekly farmer's market and several annual fairs. The neighbourhood is bounded north to south by Old Vernon Road to Mission Creek Greenway and west to east by Highway 97 and Black Mountain. It is an established community, although some new condos and townhomes are beginning to appear.

The neighbourhood provides housing types that include single-family homes and condos that cost between $300,000 and $800,000.

Restaurants include Dosa Crepe Cafe, My Neighbourhood Restaurant, and Shambu's Spice House. The Kelowna Crossing Shopping Center offers dozens of shops nearby.

Move to Kelowna for Affordable Housing and Amazing Amenities

Kelowna is a gateway to the Okanagan Valley and is about 400 kilometres from Vancouver. Its mountains and waterfront provide plenty of outdoor recreation and gorgeous scenery. It's a small city that offers urban and rural lifestyles, green space recreation, art galleries, and arenas.

Kelowna also provides considerable diversity in housing styles, types, and prices. Buyers can choose to be right in the middle of everything downtown or the alpine settings of Big White. Kelowna offers a comfortable and fun lifestyle for many tastes and budgets.

If the opportunities in Kelowna 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 Kelowna today.