With a population of just over 36,000, West Kelowna is one of the most sought-after cities to live in BC. Locals love it for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, lake and mountain views, wineries, breweries, convenient shopping centers, and fantastic family neighbourhoods.
Much like Kelowna and other parts of the Okanagan, West Kelowna’s real estate market is hot. If you are considering buying property in this beautiful city but aren’t sure which neighbourhood is right for you, we have gathered information to help you make your decision.
The Neighbourhoods of West Kelowna
Casa Loma
Situated immediately off the William R. Bennett Bridge, with quick access to Kelowna and West Kelowna, is Casa Loma. This is the place to go if you want an exclusive-feeling, laid back lakefront community that emcompasses the Okanagan lifestyle. Every property is minutes from the water and most have impeccable lake views. The neighbourhood even has a convenient moorage and boat fuel dock at Shelter Bay Marina.
Most of the homes here are single-family. Having less than 500 residents, Casa Loma is the smallest neighbourhood in the West Kelowna municipality. There are plans to grow slightly with the development of a 45-60 unit community, SolAqua Townhomes. These modern two and three bedroom duplex units will include upscale finishes, rooftop terraces, vineyard and lakeviews, a private boat moorage for residents and more.
If you prefer a single family detached home, there are a few opportunities for building new homes on the hillside or you can always keep an eye out for new luxury listings in the area.
For families considering Casa Loma, it is in the catchment for Hudson Road Elementary, Constable Neil Bruce Middle School. Mount Boucherie Secondary is the only high school in the municipality and all students in West Kelowna are eligible to attend.
Westbank First Nations – Tsinstikeptum 10
This area is also known as West Harbour. This gated community is home to beautiful lake views, upscale homes, condos and neighbourhood beach fronts. West Harbour offers a 500 ft beachfront and properties that are steeped in lakeside luxury.
This premium resort-style community truly feels quintessentially Okanagan. Residents enjoy access to premium amenities centre with a pool, fitness room, spa, a multi-use sports court, communal kitchen and an indoor/outdoor entertainment space. Properties in West Harbour are on a 99 year prepaid lease and are not subject to PTT or spec tax.
Students in this neighborhood are bussed to Mar Jok Elementary, Constable Niel Bruce Middle School and Mount Boucherie Elementary.
Rose Valley & West Kelowna Estates
Just minutes from the bridge, Rose Valley is known for its fantastic Elementary schools, hiking trails and family-oriented subdivisions. Buyers can expect a variety of single family homes and townhouses, many with upscale finishes and upgrades.
The newest subdivision in the area is Keefe Creek, which offers empty lots and modern, single family homes with east-facing views of the lower Westside. Another noteworthy area is Diamond View Estates, where you’ll find premier luxury homes and lots with exceptional east-facing views as well.
Families in Rose Valley are fortunate to have two great Elementary schools for their children to attend— Rose Valley Elementary and Mar Jok Elementary. Once students have progressed to Middle School, they are bussed to Constable Neil Bruce Middle School.
Lakeview Heights
This established neighbourhood on the west side of Okanagan Lake spans from east of Mount Boucherie to Tsinstikeptum Indian Reserve No. 10. It’s home to the popular Westside Wine Trail, orchards, vineyards, beaches, parks and hiking trails, stables, Two Eagles Golf Course and a small shopping center.
Lakeview Heights has a population of approximately 3,600 and provides opportunities to secure larger properties, many with remarkable lake, vineyard or neighbourhood views. Prospective buyers can expect large, older single family homes, new builds and a small number of condos. New developments in the area include, Lakeview Ridge Condos, new subdivisions on Lake Court off of Thacker Drive, significant additions in the upper Mission Hill area, and newly subdivided lots on Oak Barrel Place off Boucherie Road.
Depending on where in Lakeview Heights residents live, they are either in the catchment area for Chief Tomat Elementary or Hudson Road Elementary. Middle school students are assigned to Constable Neil Bruce.
Shannon Lake
Another great option for families looking is Shannon Lake. Go fishing or stroll through Shannon Lake Park, golf at Shannon Lake Golf Club, or bike the Smith Creek Trail System. Quick access to grocery stores, shopping, great restaurants, and a movie theatre in Westbank is a huge plus too. Throughout the neighbourhood you’ll find ample options for single-family homes, townhouses, condos and empty lots.
Shannon Lake has a population of 6,265. It encompasses several different communities such as Shannon Heights, Shannon Woods, Talus Ridge, Sundance Ridge, and Smith Creek. There are currently opportunities to purchase new single family homes, properties and townhomes in Tallus Ridge. Ground was recently broken on Sundance Estates townhomes on Upper Sundance Drive, and modern luxury townhomes development, West 61 is underway on Shannon Lake Drive.
Elementary students living between Rose Valley and Tallus Ridge are in the catchment area for Mar Jok Elementary. While the majority of the other students are referred to Shannon Lake Elementary. After which, all students attend Constable Neil Bruce Middle School.
Westbank
The heart of Westbank is where you’ll find shopping, big box stores, great restaurants, a splash park, skate park, aquatic centre, a brewery, cidery and a winery. The north end of Glen Canyon trail access is in Westbank too. There are currently no new developments in the area, just a small number of properties, condos and older homes, some with lakeviews.
Children in Westbank attend George Pringle Elementary School and Glenrosa Middle School.
Gellatly
With a population of less than 1,500, Gellatly is a charming little slice of West Kelowna. Residents in the area are lucky enough to have the lovely Glen Canyon hiking trail in Glen Canyon Regional Park. As well as a wonderful lakeside walking path, dock, park, dog park, beach and Boat Launch at Gellatly Bay Park. In the area you’ll find executive lakefront properties, single-family homes, resort-style condos and a newly developed townhome community by the name of Carbury.
Students living in the area attend George Pringle Elementary and Glenrosa Middle School.
Glenrosa
Right across the highway from Gellatly, just before you leave West Kelowna and head towards Peachland, you’ll find Glenrosa. With a population of 6,600, Glenrosa is a larger community, but this larger area is not population dense. It offers a diverse range of property options. You can find rural farmland on one end and sleek, contemporary luxury homes on the other— all within minutes of each other. If you are looking for an upscale home with panoramic views of West Kelowna and Okanagan Lake set in a peaceful neighbourhood, Glenrosa’s newest development The Trails may be for you.
Glenrosa is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers access to campgrounds and lakes that are tucked away down the backgrounds. You’ll also find a wonderful winter wonderland with Nordic skiing and snowshoe trails at Telemark Nordic Club.
Children living in upper Glenrosa go to Glenrosa Elementary, or and students in lower Glenrosa go to Helen Gorman Elementary. Thereafter, students from both schools attend Glenrosa Middle School.
For more details on catchment areas, please refer to the Elementary School Catchments Map, Middle School Catchments Map, and the Secondary School Catchments Map for the West Kelowna and Kelowna areas.
Finding Your Perfect Luxury Home
The search for the perfect home can be overwhelming. With so many options available, developments arising and changes in the housing market, you need an expert on your side that knows the real estate market in the Okanagan. We are here to help. Your real estate transaction is in good hands with the Dave Domeij & Associates team, contact us today to get started.
