What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Kelowna?
(Honest 2026 Relocation Guide)
Why People Ask This Before Moving
Before choosing a new city, most people want a clear, honest breakdown.
They ask:
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What’s great about Kelowna?
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What challenges will we face?
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Is it a good fit for our family or lifestyle?
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What do locals love — and what do they wish was different?
Here’s a simple list of the real pros and cons of living in Kelowna in 2026.
Pros of Living in Kelowna
1. Amazing Weather
Kelowna has one of the best climates in Canada.
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Hot summers
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Mild winters
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Tons of sunshine
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Low humidity
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Less rain than Vancouver
If weather matters to you, Kelowna is hard to beat.
2. Outdoor Lifestyle All Year
People move here for the outdoor lifestyle.
You can enjoy:
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Beaches
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Boating
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Hiking
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Biking
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Skiing at Big White
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Golf
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Wineries
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Lake walks
Families love the healthy, active routine.
3. Safe, Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods
Kelowna is known for having calm, safe residential areas.
Best family neighbourhoods include:
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Lower Mission
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Kettle Valley
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Glenmore
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Lake Country
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Dilworth Mountain
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Lakeview Heights
Browse homes in these areas:
https://sellingkelownarealestate.com/home-search/listings
4. Great Schools
Kelowna has some of B.C.’s most respected schools.
Strong elementary and secondary options, plus:
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French immersion
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Private schools
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UBC Okanagan
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Okanagan College
Families have plenty of choices.
5. Perfect for Retirees
Retirees enjoy:
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Sunshine
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Flat, walkable areas
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Calm neighbourhoods
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Proximity to healthcare
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Community activities
Kelowna is one of Western Canada’s top retirement cities.
6. Easy Work–Life Balance
Short commutes mean more time for family, fitness, hobbies, and relaxation.
Remote workers especially love:
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Fibre internet
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Coffee shops
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Coworking spaces
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Outdoor breaks
7. A Friendly, Welcoming Community
Kelowna has a small-city feel.
People say:
“It’s easy to make friends here.”
The community is laid-back, outdoorsy, and social.
Cons of Living in Kelowna
1. Housing Costs Can Be High
Based on your market data:
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Single-family homes: $1.00M–$1.15M
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Townhomes: $720K–$780K
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Condos: $440K–$520K
Housing is the biggest barrier for newcomers.
2. Summer Tourism Gets Busy
July and August bring:
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More traffic
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Beach crowds
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Busier restaurants
Locals learn to enjoy it — or avoid popular spots during peak hours.
3. Wages Are Lower Than Big Cities
Compared to Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto, wages can be lower.
Remote workers and retirees don’t feel this as much.
4. Winter Driving Can Be Challenging in Some Areas
Higher-elevation neighbourhoods like:
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Upper Mission
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Wilden
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Black Mountain
…get more snow and ice.
Lower areas stay easier to navigate.
5. Limited Big-City Amenities
Kelowna has great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment — but not the same volume as major cities.
If you need:
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Massive malls
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Multiple nightlife districts
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Very large arts venues
…Kelowna may feel smaller.
Who Loves Living in Kelowna?
✔ Families
✔ Retirees
✔ Young professionals
✔ Remote workers
✔ Outdoor lovers
✔ Anyone wanting a calmer lifestyle
✔ People relocating from Vancouver, Alberta, and Ontario
These groups usually thrive here.
Who Might Not Love Living in Kelowna?
❌ People wanting very high-earning corporate roles
❌ Those who dislike summer heat
❌ Anyone expecting big-city nightlife
❌ People who want year-round mild weather (like Vancouver rain)
Kelowna is incredible — but not perfect for every lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Kelowna offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match anywhere else in Canada — sunshine, nature, safety, schools, family living, and a relaxed pace.
But like any city, it has trade-offs.
If you want help deciding whether Kelowna is the right fit for you — or which neighbourhood matches your lifestyle — we’re here to guide you.
— Mark & Maddie | Selling Kelowna Real Estate Group | eXp Realty Kelowna
📞 778-744-0872
📧 [email protected]
🔎 Search Homes Anytime: https://sellingkelownarealestate.com/home-search/listings
✉️ Weekly Market Email: http://eepurl.com/gdR8NT