Moving back to Kelowna after college - what to expect?

So, you are moving back to Kelowna after college? Well, if you haven’t been to Kelowna in the past few years, you can expect some change. Not a big change, luckily, but still, it will be enough to make things more interesting than before. Unfortunately, Kelowna is currently one of the most expensive cities in Canada. And if you are not moving back with your parents, finding a job that can support your rent is going to be a challenge. Nevertheless, there are still many great things about Kelowna, and the finest province to province movers are going to show you what you can expect in your city these days. Let’s take a look.

Kelowna changed a lot in the past 3 decades

As you probably already know, Kelowna was a pretty affordable and family-oriented city back in the ‘70s. You had plenty of available work, the kids had a million things to do, and the city was crime-free, at least compared to modern times. Slowly, the companies started to move from the city and look for better and more affordable locations. The shift started at the beginning of the ‘90s as the local leaders decided that they do not want Kelowna to be an affordable, family-friendly city but a high-class place reserved for the rich. That is when the shift started and it is still going on, 30 years later.

Kelowna is transforming into a high-class city reserved for the wealthy

And relocation services Canada stationed in Kelowna still report a large number of outbound moves from this city. Of course, if you are moving back to Kelowna after college, you already know all this. Still, it is good to know that things haven’t changed in the past few years.

Crime rates in Kelowna are high

One of the biggest problems right now in Kelowna is spiking crime rates. And you will definitely notice this if you are moving to Kelowna from Toronto, which is known as one of the safest cities in Canada. There are many drug addicts roaming around the city. And that, of course, is followed by increased numbers of property and theft crimes. Nowadays, having a surveillance system installed around your home is a must. If you are installing one yourself, make sure that you get a high-quality system that will actually provide police with evidence.

Home prices are some of the highest in the country

The increased cost of living is certainly one of the biggest problems in Kelowna right now. Back in the ‘70s, you could buy a decent house here for $15,000. Nowadays, an average 3 bedroom home in Kelowna will cost you close to a million dollars. If you are planning to rent, do not hope that you will get a better deal. The average rent for a decent 2-bedroom apartment in Kelowna is $2650. This means that you will either have to move back into your parents’ home. Or you will have to find a well-paid job in Kelowna.

Kelowna has some of the highest real estate prices in the country. if you do not have a place to stay, you will have trouble finding a good and affordable home

Moving back to Kelowna after college and finding a well-paid job – is it possible?

Unfortunately, finding a well-paid job in Kelowna these days is not an easy task. As we already mentioned, the biggest companies moved out of the city decades ago. And what is left was seriously decimated by the recent pandemic. Still, the business in the city is slowly getting back on its feet. However, we will still have to wait until things come back to normal. Right now, the best bet to find employment is at one of the fast-food franchises that operate in the city, large market chains, maybe in some of the reopened restaurants, or if you are lucky, somewhere in the IT sector.

The minimum wage right now in Kelowna is around $15.20/hour, which is not enough even for an average rent. Another problem is a large number of Latin American workers that are pinching low-paid jobs. So, it is not easy to find a side job as well.

The best bet to find work in Kelowna is in the food industry, sales, and IT. Apart from that, there aren’t many available options

The benefits of living in Kelowna

Luckily, there are still many great things about Kelowna as well. As you already know, the city is beautiful and offers a lot of opportunities for fun and outdoor activities. Kelowna is one of the driest cities in Canada, so you will spend a lot of your time outdoors. You can go hiking in the mountains, enjoy beautiful parks, or spend your time on one of the nice beaches on Okanagan Lake. If you are a fan of golf, the city hosts many great golf courses. And, in the winter, you can go skiing at Big White Ski Resort. The city is rapidly changing. And good entertainment and leisure are one of the main goals for Kelowna.

If you have a well-paid job secured, moving back to Kelowna can be a good idea

As you can see, Kelowna is a great city that has a lot to offer but only for those that can afford it. If you are coming back to Kelowna, make sure that you have accommodation and work waiting for you. Otherwise, you will have trouble financing your lifestyle. Still, if you make a mistake, and decide that moving back to Kelowna after college was a bad idea, you can always hire some good movers Canada has to offer and move to a more affordable place.