Okanagan Real Estate Blog

Kelowna’s Hottest Neighbourhoods: Where to Buy Your Next Home

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna’s stunning landscape is sure to take your breath away. Situated around the clear blue waters of Okanagan lake and surrounded by rolling hills, this warm and welcoming community has an abundance of activities and attractions. From world-class wineries to outdoor adventures, Kelowna offers an incredible array of experiences that will leave a lasting impression on visitors and locals alike: a place where anyone can feel at home. 

Kelowna is a hub of activity. Its thriving downtown core is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. At the same time, the city maintains a small-town feel, with friendly locals who are always happy to welcome visitors and share their love of the area. Whether you're hiking in the hills, exploring the vineyards, or enjoying the lakefront, Kelowna offers a range of activities that are sure to please. With its unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, the city is truly a gem of the Okanagan Valley. It's no surprise that Kelowna is a highly sought-after place to live.

Within this vibrant city, there are many fantastic neighbourhoods to choose from, each with its own unique charm and appeal. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the trendiest neighbourhoods in Kelowna and what makes them so attractive to buyers.

Lower Mission 

Located in the southern part of Kelowna and known for its trendy cafes, boutiques and restaurants, Lower Mission is one of the most popular and desirable neighbourhoods. Those who reside in this community have access to many smaller, quiet beaches (Sarsons road or Collett Road, for example) and can experience the beauty of Okanagan Lake in privacy during Kelowna’s busiest season. Those who prefer the liveliness of a busier location would enjoy visiting Gyro Beach. Located at the end of Lakeshore Road, Gyro Beach is a fantastic spot to swim, sunbathe and enjoy picnics with family and friends. 

Nearby, the Mission Creek Greenway trail is a popular destination for walking, jogging, and biking, and the Capital News Centre offers sports and events facilities.

Lower Mission is also known for its excellent schools. It’s home to several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, including Anne McClymont Elementary School, Dorothea Walker Elementary School, Okanagan Mission Secondary School, and École KLO Middle School. 

Housing options in Lower Mission range in price from affordable to luxury and there are a variety of options for families, retirees, and young professionals. 

Upper Mission

Located in the southeast corner of Kelowna, Upper Mission is known for its natural beauty, stunning views, and upscale homes. This community is surrounded by nature, with plenty of parks and trails to explore, such as the biking trails in Myra-Bellevue Regional Park. One of the most popular parks in the area is Kuiper's Peak Mountain Park, which offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley. 

The Upper Mission is known for its quiet and peaceful environment, which is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and slower pace of life. Housing in the Upper Mission are a mix of newer and older construction, many of them custom-built. These custom homes are often designed with high-end finishes and luxury features, such as hardwood floors, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry.

Homebuyers with children are attracted to the Upper Mission for its safe streets, low crime rates, abundance of kid-friendly amenities, and excellent schools. 

One of the challenges of living in the Upper Mission is its distance from the city centre. Some may find the commute into the city core inconvenient. However, the neighbourhood does offer some local amenities, including a grocery store, pharmacy and several restaurants. There are several local events and activities that bring residents together, including the Upper Mission Neighbourhood Association, which organizes community events such as a neighbourhood garage sale and Halloween party.

Glenmore

Located in the north-central part of Kelowna, Glenmore offers a unique combination of suburban living and urban conveniences. The neighbourhood is located close to downtown Kelowna as well as the airport, yet still maintains a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It features a mix of residential areas and commercial developments, providing residents with easy access to shops, restaurants, and other amenities. 

Housing in Glenmore is varied, with a mix of older, established neighbourhoods and newer developments. The older neighbourhoods often feature mid-century homes with large, mature trees and spacious lots. These homes are popular among buyers who appreciate the unique architectural styles of the mid-century era. 

In recent years, there has been a lot of new development in Glenmore, with several large-scale residential projects being built. These developments often feature modern, energy-efficient homes with open floor plans and contemporary design features. Many of these homes are designed with families in mind, with ample living space and large yards for children to play in.

Glenmore is also known for its lush greenery and outdoor spaces, with several parks and nature trails for residents to explore. Glenmore Community Park is a popular spot for families, it features a playground, soccer field, and tennis courts for residents to enjoy. Knox Mountain Park is one of the largest parks in Kelowna. It’s a popular destination for hiking, biking and photography. Brandt's Creek is another favourite among locals for its scenic walking trails; it’s also a popular spot for fishing and swimming in the summer months. This blend of urban and natural surroundings makes living in Glenmore a one-of-a-kind experience.

Black Mountain

Located on the eastern side of Kelowna, Black Mountain is a community surrounded by mountains, forests, and open spaces. This is a close-knit community, with several community events and festivals held throughout the year.  

Black Mountain is a fantastic neighbourhood for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities, particularly golf. With several high-quality courses located in the area, it’s a great community for golf enthusiasts who enjoy spending time on the links. 

The housing options are diverse. Many of the older homes in Black Mountain were built in the 1970s and 1980s and feature traditional designs with brick exteriors and spacious yards. In recent years there has been a lot of new development with several large-scale residential projects being built. Whether you are looking for a traditional home with charm and character or a modern, energy-efficient home with all the latest amenities, you are sure to find something that meets your needs in Black Mountain.

McKinley Landing 

Located on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake, McKinley Landing is known for luxury homes in safe, gated communities: communities like the newly developed McKinley Beach – which offers residents exclusive access to a private community boat dock. These homes often feature amenities such as private pools, expansive outdoor living spaces, and panoramic views of the lake. 

The neighbourhood is located in a quiet, secluded area, with few commercial developments and a strong focus on preserving the natural landscape. This provides a sense of seclusion and privacy, perfect for those who are looking for a peaceful, relaxed lifestyle away from the noise and chaos of the city. 

Kelowna South 

Kelowna South is a neighbourhood located in the heart of Kelowna, with easy access to all of the city's amenities. It's known for its charming character homes, many of which are situated on tree-lined streets. The area is perfect for those who love to walk or bike to work, with the downtown core only a few minutes away. Families can enjoy the neighbourhood's excellent parks, including the popular City Park.

Rutland

Rutland is a neighbourhood located in the northeast part of Kelowna, with a diverse mix of housing options. Until the 1970s, Rutland was a separate town, but it merged with Kelowna in 1973. Easily Kelowna's largest neighbourhood, it’s largely a residential part of the city, but plans are underway with community groups and the city to revitalize the neighbourhood's commercial area. It's known for its multicultural community, with a variety of ethnic restaurants and shops. The area is perfect for those who are looking for affordable housing options, with many townhouses and apartments available. Families can enjoy the neighbourhood's excellent parks and recreation facilities, including the Rutland Sports Fields or YMCA.

As a Kelowna real estate agent with over 16 years of experience, I would be delighted to offer my expertise and show you around the various neighbourhoods of this beautiful city. Each community in Kelowna boasts a unique character and caters to different preferences and needs. With my in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market and the city's diverse neighbourhoods, I can assist you in finding your perfect home in the community that best suits your lifestyle. Please feel free to contact me anytime to schedule a tour!