Whether you're moving from another province, relocating from a nearby city, or just looking for a fresh start — Vernon is ready to welcome you with open arms.
I'm Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler. I was born here, I was raised here, and I'm still here. So let’s explore why families love living here — and at the end of this blog, find out how to download our free relocation package.
Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods
One of the first things families look for when moving is a safe and welcoming neighbourhood. In Vernon, we have plenty to choose from.
Take East Hill, for example — known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and close-knitcommunity vibe.
Then there’s Fultn View, perfect for families who want to be close to top-rated schools and parks — it’s right across the street from the secondary school and just a few steps down the road from the elementary school.
For a bit of luxury, Middleton Mountain offers stunning views of Kalamalka Lake and more modern, larger homes.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find neighbourhoods in Vernon designed with families in mind. Kids love riding their bikes on quiet streets, and parents love the strong sense of community — and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your kids are safe.
Exceptional Schools
One of the biggest reasons families choose Vernon is our exceptional school system. From elementary to high school, there’s a wide range of public, private, and alternative education options to fit any family's needs.
Schools like Ellison Elementary, close to Fulton View, and Beairsto Elementary offer strong academic programs and extracurricular activities that keep kids engaged and out of trouble.
For older kids, schools like Clarence Fulton Secondary, W.L. Seaton Secondary, Kalamalka, and VSS provide strong pathways to post-secondary success.
Interested in French immersion or faith-based education? Beairsto has French immersion, and Vernon Christian School provides a great faith-based option.
With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, Vernon schools are where kids thrive.
Outdoor Recreation
Vernon is a paradise for families who love spending time outdoors. We’re surrounded by three stunning lakes — Okanagan, Kalamalka, and Swan.
Imagine summer days at the beach with your kids, swimming, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the water. You’re never more than 15 minutes away from a lake.
Prefer dry land? Our parks are second to none. Polson Park, located downtown, features play areas for kids, walking trails, and even an outdoor concert space. Davidson Orchards is another family favourite, with a petting zoo and fresh-baked apple pies.
Living in Vernon means every day can feel like a mini vacation.
Year-Round Activities for Active Families
Vernon is a four-season playground. In the winter, head up to SilverStar Mountain Resort for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or cross-country skiing — just a 25-minute drive from downtown.
In warmer months, kids can join local hockey, soccer, or baseball leagues. Parents can explore countless hiking and biking trails, like the Okanagan Rail Trail.
If you’re into golf, you’ll find world-class courses nearby, including Predator Ridge and The Rise.
No matter your family's interests, there’s always something to do here.
Community Spirit
Let’s talk about Vernon’s strong community spirit — a big reason why so many people move here. That small-town, close-knit feel is what truly sets Vernon apart.
This is a place where people look out for one another and take pride in their city. Events like the Vernon Winter Carnival bring families together with parades, ice sculptures, and more. During the summer, the Farmers’ Market is a great place to buy fresh produce, support local artisans, and connect with neighbours.
Vernon also has cozy cafés and local boutiques. Downtown Vernon offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families to feel at home.
Affordability
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room — affordability.
Vernon delivers on this front. Compared to larger cities like Kelowna or Vancouver, your housing dollar goes much further here. Even compared to Victoria, Vernon is more accessible.
You can find everything from charming starter homes in East Hill to spacious family homes in Middleton Mountain, complete with large yards and lake views — all at more family-friendly prices than the big cities.
Plus, with a lower overall cost of living, you’ll have more money left over for the things that matter most: family activities, vacations, and your kid’s education.
Vernon strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality of life — less expensive than some places, more than others, but just right for many growing families.
Natural Beauty and Quality of Life
One of the best things about living in Vernon is the natural beauty that surrounds us. From the turquoise waters of Okanagan Lake to the rolling hills of the Okanagan Valley, it’s like living in a postcard — and it’s all free to enjoy.
But it’s not just about the looks. This natural beauty translates into an unparalleled quality of life.
Whether you’re moving in 9 days or 90, or you're just starting to explore your options, I’d love to help you learn more. Be sure to call, text, or email — and just Add Salt.
Also, don’t forget to like this post and subscribe if you're following along on video. We’re posting helpful content for families like yours every single week.
And if you’re ready to take the next step, be sure to download our free relocation package — it’s packed with helpful information to make your move to Vernon seamless.
Welcome home.
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About the Author: The article above, JWhy VERNON, BC, is the ULTIMATE Place for Families: Neighbourhoods, Schools & LIFESTYLE, 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!
Looking to sell? We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.
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.
Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com
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