The choice of neighborhood is an increasingly important factor in the home buying process.

 

Your lifestyle is as important as the ideal features that you are looking for in a prospective home, making it essential to not only have the details of a potential new home, but also the neighborhood in which it is located and where you may eventually live.

 

Considerations such as local schools, amenities, transportation, traffic, crime rates, weather, and the surrounding community are all key aspects of selecting the ideal home and location for you and your lifestyle.

Vernon, British Columbia is located between Calgary AB and Vancouver BC approximately 140 miles north of the US border at the Northern end of the diverse Okanagan Valley.

The region boasts several lakes including Lake Okanagan (home of the legendary lake monster “Ogopogo”) and Kalamalka Lake both of which are ideally suited to water sports like water skiing, swimming, and fishing. Less than 30 minutes away is a world-class ski hill – “Silver Star Mountain Resort”. Between the beaches and the ski runs you’ll find miles of trails ideal for hiking and mountain biking.

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy premiere golf courses like, “Predator Ridge” which played host to the 2000 Skins Game, the Vernon Golf and Country Club, Hillview Golf, and the Spallumcheen Golf Club. 

Population: 34,227 (Vernon)
                     9,551 (Coldstream) 

Incorporated: 1892 (Vernon)
                      1906 (Coldstream) 

Elevation: 416m 

Economy: Light manufacturing, forestry, retail, services, agriculture and tourism. 

The Vernon/North Okanagan economy is well diversified and not dependent on any one industry. Over 3,500 businesses employ a labour force of 33,000. Small businesses make up the majority of companies particularly businesses in financial services, forestry services and high tech industries. Entrepreneurship is strong in the Okanagan with an ever-increasing number of self-employed and home-based businesses.

Weather:

The Vernon/North Okanagan weather is moderate. Vernon is home to one of the most northern vineyards in Canada and several lush orchards. 

• Average number of hours of sunshine per year: 1,903
• Average amount of rain per year: 9.75 inches
• Average amount of snowfall per year: 40 inches
• Average Temperatures:         
• June – September 24 C or 75F
• October – May –2C or 28F 

 

Schools and Education:

Vernon and area enjoys an excellent school system including full French Immersion, public and private schools, and Okanagan University College featuring a Continuing Education division.

Additional Facts:

Distances to Vernon from:

Kelowna, BC		40 min
Penticton, BC	114 km	1 hour 40min
Vancouver, BC via Coquihalla Hwy	441 km	5 hours
Calgary, Alta. via Trans Canada Hwy	556 km	6 hours
Edmonton, Alta.	851km
Seattle, Wa.	550km
Spokane, Wa.	454km

 

Festival and Event Dates:

February 
Vernon Winter Carnival

June
Creative Chaos Craft Fair
Vernon Racing Days Begin
Downtown Street Festival

July
Canada Day Celebration
Funtastic Slowpitch Festival
Mid Summer’s Eve of the Arts
Okanagan Landing Regatta

August 
Restoration Music Festival

September
Fall Fashion Gala

October 
Okanagan Wine Festival Events

December
Downtown Christmas Light up

If you are considering a move to Vernon and would like further information about this area, please contact me for up to date listings in the area, or answer any questions you may have about this beautiful location.