Kelowna?
 

Hi guys

Got a job offer in Kelowna. Anybody live there or tell me what they think of it from adult and teenager point of view?

Thanks :)

Higgy

Re: Kelowna?
 

hehe

just looking through old helpful threads there after i posted this. Take me a while to sift through them :) thanks

Re: Kelowna?
 

Hello Higgy,

I'm now a grownup Canadian woman (apparently) but I spent many of my childhood and teen summer vacations in and around Kelowna - swimming, water-skiing, canoeing, camping, horseback riding and eating loads of fresh peaches. Like much of BC, if you like outdoor life, there's a lot to do and I don't think I ever saw a drop of rain in Kelowna. It's an arid area; hot and sunny (at least in the summer). Of course these are my memories and I was a kid on a vacation; I've never lived there so my reply is probably pretty useless! :)

I can't imagine it being a bad place to live though (the place is practically surrounded by vineyards :beer: ) but it really depends on what your needs and wants are.

The only thing I remember not liking about it is that it stank. I think it was because of a slaughter house that has since moved or closed down. I drove through Kelowna a few years ago and noticed it didn't have "that smell".

Re: Kelowna?
 

Kelowna is a beautiful area that most certainly doesn't smell. It is very dry and hot in the summer. The area is touristy, and millions of Canadians likely would want to live there if they could only get a job. Employment is the crux of the problem in the Kelowna area. If you can land a good job, then lucky you!

Another problem is that housing is very, very expensive there. That's because the area is so popular with Canadians.

Re: Kelowna?
 

Higgy,


We spent almost 2 weeks in the Okanagan last summer - top area, really nice laid back friendly folks, loads of leisure options, lovely scenery (the lakes). Where else could you go boating, swimming, sunbathing, hiking, visiting wineries, shopping and eating decent grub out,all on the same day (swap ski-ing for swimming/sunbathing in winter time). Potential of weekends in Calgary/Vancouver if it takes your fancy - and so close to the utterly incredibly stunning and astounding Rockies, man what options - totally spoilt !

To be honest, we found the house prices to be quite good - firstly comparing VFM against UK prices and likely capital, then against top range areas in Vancouver etc. You'll get good housing for your $'s, indeedy.

There are also cheaper, smaller towns/areas around which are commutable to Kelowna, but watch the bridge route - it can cause delays etc in peak season.

Summers are red hot - yep really really dry arid heat - and winters have a bit of snow but not too much. Loads for kids/family to do.

If you're in need of a second income for partner, prospects can be a bit tough (10% unemployment in the region) but Kelowna itself is booming - but not always a nice thing, ref sprawl etc.

You takes your chances and makes your choices....the Okanagan though, most couldn't fault it.

Rich.

Re: Kelowna?
 

Of course when I said that the real estate was expensive, I was only comparing it with most other cities in Canada - and not the UK. Vancouver has Canada's most expensive real estate.

Re: Kelowna?
 

Thanks guys for your input. Its very helpful. We have been looking through all the websites and info available on it and it looks a pretty decent place to stay.

I like the fact that its an area that looks as if it is expanding too. Expansion means plenty of future employment for myself in the construction industry. My two sons are 18 and 16. My worry is if there is high unemployment, what would their prospects be. My youngest is serving his apprenticeship in plumbing with me at the moment and i am hoping i will be able to get him a start in the same trade in Canada. The eighteen year old is into all things computer and building websites etc. Dont know how that will go there? Need to do some more research.

I have to phone my future employer tomorrow :) Hope it goes well.

Thanks again

Allan

Re: Kelowna?
 

Working in construction and Kelowna's economy go together. Like everyone is saying, it's a popular area. Lots of retired people have been moving into the area because of the climate (#1) and because of its beauty (#2). It's not drawing people because industry is moving into the area. The people who go there already have made their money.

As far as the computer-related industry in Kelowna, well maybe, but good luck - I think he'll need it. His chances would be better in Calgary or Vancouver if you want my opinion - but then again, I don't work in that industry.

Re: Kelowna?
 

One other thing that you should know; during the summer of 2003, a major forest fire burned down a few hundred homes in the Kelowna area. Of course the build boom is partly due to rebuilding efforts. So things may slow down after those homes have been rebuilt. Rising interest rates and rising home prices may also slow down the construction industry. Kelowna is getting a bit of a bad reputation - with Canadians - as having excessively expensive real estate.

Re: Kelowna?
 

We moved to kelowna from Port Moody in Vancouver this summer...and we can quite confidently confirm that we absolutely love it!!
The summer was great- long hot sunny days (although it was a bit wet this year..had more rain in august than vancouver!) fall is equally fantastic and we are now looking forward to winter and the snow that gets dumped on the many ski resorts nearby. There is so much to do here and you don't have to travel miles to get to it .
Re employment- U say that u have a job in the construction industry and that one of your sons is training as a plumber- obviously he may need to do some requalification to be licensed here in BC (not sure what the rules are for plummers but most things are regulated here.) - Construction is still booming so you should be fine on that front. There is a growing IT business here, 3rd largest in BC after Vancouver/Victoria ...check out www.ostec.ca (the silicone orchard website) .
Once again can we say how much we adore Kelowna- the lake is not overated (as some miserable folks might say, well one anyhow) - I swam in it this summer - it was magic! All the best ...if u need anymore sepcific help feel free to email me...there is a forum that may be of benefit to you

www.okforums.cjb.net/

Re: Kelowna?
 

To add to what my husband said: I have to pinch myself every day because I can't believe how wonderful it is! We moved here in July from Port Moody and we are so glad that we did.

Following up on someone's comments earlier. The fires did create some building but it only represents a tiny proportion of the new building that is going on. There is a wide spread shortage of skilled construction workers because of all the devlopments, so employment in that field should be no problem.

Any questions, drop us a line. We would be happy to help.

Georgina

Re: Kelowna?
 

I agree the lake is wonderful, warm and so clean........


JJ

Re: Kelowna?
 

Awsome guys :) thx for the info.

Re: Kelowna?
 

Hi Higgy

My hubby & I live in Kelowna... I was born & raised here. Feel free to drop me a PM if you might need some info - I'll try and answer your questions. We just got back from Scotland last night and I'm presently feeling a wee bit of lag at the moment, so will keep this short!!

Cheers

Oggy

Re: Kelowna?
 

Hi all,
It's great hearing all the nice things about Kelowna, it makes me even more sure about our long term plans.

we're looking to move out to Kelowna next July/Aug on a study visa whilst waiting for the PR to be processed (skilled worker scheme). We aren't going to enrol at a college until after Xmas though as we've got a trip organised over Xmas-New year. Managed to get a really good timeshare swap into the Manteo Resort. Is it as good as it looks on the website?

Longer term plans include the dream of setting up a B&B (once the residency visa comes through).


Love_it_here:- We had also looked at Port Moody if we were getting jobs in Vancouver, but thought that the Okanogan sounder so much better. Very pleased to hear that you have tried both and agree.

ABL25