If you're searching for the perfect place to live near Vernon, but you don't want to battle for homes in East Hill, the Foothills or Okanagan Landing, then you are in for a treat.

Today, we're going to dive into three of my absolute favourite hidden gems around Vernon. We'll talk about Westmount — a cosy, established community; the BX — where country charm meets panoramic views; and Lavington — a peaceful rural escape with a hometown heart. These neighbourhoods are often overlooked by out-of-town buyers, but locals know this is where you can still find space, value and lifestyle without giving up convenience. I'm Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon and Salt Fowler, and let's jump right in.

Westmount

Westmount has that suburban comfort with small-town character. It's a quiet, unassuming neighbourhood that delivers more than you might expect and is not too far from downtown Vernon on the Bella Vista side of Okanagan Lake. It offers a balance of accessibility, affordability and comfort.

Most homes in Westmount were built between the 1970s and the early 2000s, which means you'll find solid construction, larger lot sizes and mature landscaping you don't see in newer subdivisions. This is a place where you'll see kids biking to school, dogs being walked down quiet streets, and neighbours who know each other by name. There's a real sense of community here without any pretension.

Children in Westmount would attend Ellison Elementary and Clarence Fulton Secondary School — both mentioned as very well-regarded. That makes Westmount popular with families, teachers and young professionals who want more space without going rural. Detached homes with garages and backyards are common; many have finished or unfinished basements or suites for extra income potential. You're within walking distance to Westmount Park, sports fields like Marshall Field, playgrounds and a dog park. It’s about six to eight minutes from Vernon’s downtown and medical care.

The BX

The BX means acreage living without giving up city life — still very close to town. BX stands for Barnard Express and historically referred to a train station, but today locals use “the BX” to describe a broad rural residential area east of Vernon stretching from Silver Star Road to Highway 6, including North BX and South BX.

Here you'll find acreages, hobby farms, log homes and country estates, many with jaw-dropping views. Properties often range from one to ten acres or more. Zoning commonly allows horses and other livestock, detached workshops or garages, mobile homes, guest cabins and large gardens or greenhouses. You’re typically 10 to 15 minutes from downtown Vernon or Kalamalka Lake, with Silver Star Road nearby for access to Silver Star Mountain.

The BX offers rural living without isolation: room to build shops and barns, rental suites, and properties that back onto Crown land or trail networks. There’s easy access to BX Trail, BX Falls and the Grey Canal Trail — appealing for families, outdoor lovers and home-based businesses. It’s also suitable for multi-generational living because there’s space for additional dwellings or to host family weekends without crowding.

Lavington

Lavington is part of Coldstream and sits about 20 minutes east of Vernon on the way to Lumby. It’s a small village with a big heart, nestled in the Coldstream Valley just past Middleton Mountain. Known for rural charm and a family focus, Lavington is relatively affordable compared to Coldstream proper.

The community offers well-maintained homes on larger lots, some acreages and modular homes, with a few newer builds at the edges. There’s no high-density development — it’s about space and simplicity. Lavington Elementary School is highlighted as very highly regarded and acts as a community hub. The village features parks, a small gas station, community markets and holiday events, and is typically 20 to 25 minutes to Vernon via Highway 6.

Lavington appeals to young families wanting more for their money, retirees wanting to slow down, and buyers seeking value. You can often get more land and house here for less than in Vernon or Coldstream. It’s a place where kids still play street hockey and local cafés know your order.

Recap — Which Hidden Gem Fits You?

• Westmount: Quiet streets, big yards, close to town — great for families and first-time buyers.
• The BX: Wide open spaces, mountain views and zoning flexibility — ideal for elbow room or hobby farms.
• Lavington: Small-town charm, family-friendly and strong value just past Coldstream.

Each neighbourhood brings something unique. Depending on your goals, lifestyle and budget, one of these hidden gems might be your perfect fit.

When you’re ready to take a closer look at these neighbourhoods or any part of the Vernon, Coldstream or Okanagan/Shuswap real estate market, we would love to be your guide.

Comment below and let us know which one caught your eye — Westmount, the BX or Lavington.

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About the Author: The article above,Moving to Vernon BC? The 3 Best Neighbourhoods Outsiders Overlook (Okanagan Hidden Gems), was provided by Lisa Salt, an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging.  Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993. 

Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area?  Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!

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We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.

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