Kelowna

Kelowna

workingman

#1May 22nd, 2010

There is not enough information about Kelowna from the internet. Googling Kelowna will return results like City of Kelowna, Tourism Kelowna, wineries and vineyards etc.

What I like to know about Kelowna is how is it like to work and live there. My questions would be like:

- Are there plenty of jobs (professional, skilled, unskilled) in Kelowna?
- Is housing expensive in Kelowna?
- Is the public transportation adequate?
- Is food expensive in Kelowna?
- Are there enough schools for the kids?
- Are there enough doctors in Kelowna?
- Is crime a problem in Kelowna?
- Is drugs a problem in Kelowna?
- Are there enough shopping malls?
- Is it hot/humid in Kelowna?
- Is it cold in Kelowna?

petros

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

- Are there plenty of jobs (professional, skilled, unskilled) in Kelowna?Few
- Is housing expensive in Kelowna?yes very
- Is the public transportation adequate?nope
- Is food expensive in Kelowna?yes
- Are there enough schools for the kids?when they show up
- Are there enough doctors in Kelowna?depends
- Is crime a problem in Kelowna?big time
- Is drugs a problem in Kelowna?you're kidding right?
- Are there enough shopping malls?plenty
- Is it hot/humid in Kelowna?only in summer
- Is it cold in Kelowna?just in winter

VanIsle

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

- Are there plenty of jobs (professional, skilled, unskilled) in Kelowna?Like any city - depends on what you do
- Is housing expensive in Kelowna? Compared to where? Compared to Vancouver - no. Compared to somewhere like Kamloops - yes
- Is the public transportation adequate? For the size of the city - yes
- Is food expensive in Kelowna? In the summer it's more because of tourism. Other than that - much the same as anywhere else in BC
- Are there enough schools for the kids? Lots of schools
- Are there enough doctors in Kelowna? I have family and friends there. No one complains about not getting in to see a doctor. Has one of the best cancer facilities around
- Is crime a problem in Kelowna? No more and no less than anywhere else.
- Is drugs a problem in Kelowna? Again - no more and no less.
- Are there enough shopping malls? Yes. Lots of shopping for the size the city it is.
- Is it hot/humid in Kelowna? The Okanagan Valley has dry heat and in summer - very hot
- Is it cold in Kelowna? Not a lot of snow and not a lot of true cold. Depends on where you are coming from. All the towns there are surrounded by lakes.

Kelowna is a very fast growing city and a very popular one. It is a major tourist mecca in the summertime.

workingman

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by petros

- Are there plenty of jobs (professional, skilled, unskilled) in Kelowna?Few
- Is housing expensive in Kelowna?yes very
- Is the public transportation adequate?nope
- Is food expensive in Kelowna?yes
- Are there enough schools for the kids?when they show up
- Are there enough doctors in Kelowna?depends
- Is crime a problem in Kelowna?big time
- Is drugs a problem in Kelowna?you're kidding right?
- Are there enough shopping malls?plenty
- Is it hot/humid in Kelowna?only in summer
- Is it cold in Kelowna?just in winter

1. This does not looks promising - few jobs, expensive housing & food, how does one ever survive in Kelowna? Is that why Kelowna's population is still under 130,000?

2. If crime/drugs is a major problem in Kelowna and with a population of under 130,000, would that mean a lot of people are involved in criminal/drug activity?

3. How is it that with few jobs that there are plenty of shopping malls? Who's doing all the shopping? Where did these people get their money from?

4. Is it really humid in the summer in Kelowna?

petros

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by workingman

1. This does not looks promising - few jobs, expensive housing & food, how does one ever survive in Kelowna? Is that why Kelowna's population is still under 130,000?They grow pot.

2. If crime/drugs is a major problem in Kelowna and with a population of under 130,000, would that mean a lot of people are involved in criminal/drug activity?If it's not nailed down it's gone.

3. How is it that with few jobs that there are plenty of shopping malls? Who's doing all the shopping? Where did these people get their money from?Tourists

4. Is it really humid in the summer in Kelowna?

It's fairly dry in summer but gets humid through winter.

VanIsle

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Petros has not lived in Kelowna for a very long time. He could be a little out of date with his information.
It doesn't get humid in the winter.

petros

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Yup it's been a few yers since I've lived there but just weeks since last vist. Really it rains but isn't humid?

VanIsle

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

There is a lot of humidity where I live. There is not a lot of rain in Kelowna and the humidity level doesn't rise enough to call Kelowna humid. Everywhere gets humid now and again and that's what Kelowna gets - humid now and then. It's not a usual happening. A visit doesn't give complete knowledge of all the changes. You make Kelowna sound bleak and it's a thriving city.

petros

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote:

You make Kelowna sound bleak and it's a thriving city.

It is bleak. It's a ****hole.

workingman

#10

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by VanIsle

- Is housing expensive in Kelowna? Compared to where? Compared to Vancouver - no. Compared to somewhere like Kamloops - yes

- Is crime a problem in Kelowna? No more and no less than anywhere else.
- Is drugs a problem in Kelowna? Again - no more and no less.

In Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, it costs about $850 to rent a one bedroom. It would costs more in Vancouver with Vancouver westside or downtown going for at least $1000 for a one bed room.

In Metro Vancouver, a one bedroom condo costs averages about $350,000, a townhouse $450,000. A house costs about $700,000 to $900,000 in Metro Vancouver. In Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows, a house costs about $650,000.

Would you say the housing costs in Kelowna is similar to the above?

Crime and drugs is a major problem in Vancouver. It is so bad that you cannot leave your spare change in the car, if you do, thieves would smash the window to get the spare change, sometimes the window gets smashed just for four quarters. Do thieves in Kelowna also smash windows?

VanIsle

#11

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Kelowna is a beautiful city. Have you ever looked at where you live Petros? Talk about **** holes. No disrespect to you or Ron but you live in one of the nastiest looking cities across Canada. You are the first and only person I've heard say anything close to that about Kelowna. In the past couple of weeks I have re-connected to many friends I grew up with and so many of them live in Kelowna. They love it there. Your description is very biased.

petros

#12

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

If you want to get in a pissing match you're going to have to stand on a chair. Facts are facts. kelowna has some of the highest drug use, unemployment and crime in BC. That would be a ****hole.

Hookers are pretty too but I'd never marry one. That's why it's tourist place.

VanIsle

#13

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by workingman

In Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, it costs about $850 to rent a one bedroom. It would costs more in Vancouver with Vancouver westside or downtown going for at least $1000 for a one bed room.

In Metro Vancouver, a one bedroom condo costs averages about $350,000, a townhouse $450,000. A house costs about $700,000 to $900,000 in Metro Vancouver. In Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows, a house costs about $650,000.

Would you say the housing costs in Kelowna is similar to the above?

Crime and drugs is a major problem in Vancouver. It is so bad that you cannot leave your spare change in the car, if you do, thieves would smash the window to get the spare change, sometimes the window gets smashed just for four quarters. Do thieves in Kelowna also smash windows?

Rent where I live is that much and Nanaimo is smaller than Kelowna. Google places for rent in Kelowna and you'll find out fast enough. Coast properties are all higher priced. Just ask for something like Remax Kelowna on google and have a look at the prices. Housing prices are not hard to look up. Kelowna housing is not cheap but it's nothing like Vancouver. Kelowna is a popular destination for young and old alike. My community was that way until ferry costs became like gold and no one can afford to come here anymore. We are changing rapidly to a retirement community. You are obviously coming out of the Vancouver area and the weather for one thing doesn't begin to compare. I don't believe it's wise for anyone to move anywhere unless they already have a job there. We live in un-certain times so get a job somewhere and then decide that's where you will live. The Okanagan Valley is a wonderful place to live. I like the Island but I would go back to the Okanagan in a heart beat if my kids lived there.
Crime in Kelowna doesn't begin to compare to anywhere in Vancouver. You cannot escape crime but it's to a much lessor degree in any smaller city.

Quote: Originally Posted by petros

If you want to get in a pissing match you're going to have to stand on a chair. Facts are facts. kelowna has some of the highest drug use, unemployment and crime in BC. That would be a ****hole.

Hookers are pretty too but I'd never marry one. That's why it's tourist place.

I don't need to get into a pissing match with you. You have a very jaded outlook on most things.

petros

#14

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Get REAL stats here: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/facsheet/CF091.pdf

YukonJack

#15

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

To paraphrase Groucho Marx:

"I like Kelowna. I spent three months there one night".

VanIsle

#16

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by petros

Get REAL stats here: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/facsheet/CF091.pdf

Thanks for that. I think you have proven my point very well.

petros

#17

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by VanIsle

Thanks for that. I think you have proven my point very well.

You point? Read woman. Kelowna has nearly double the BC average of people on welfare. If welfare is double you can damn well guarantee that crime is double, poverty is double, alcohol and drugs are double and people walking around scratching their asses is double. You proved your point well.

* On temporary assistance only. Excluded are those on Continuous Assistance, aboriginals living on reserve, seniors/OAS, & children living with relatives.

BTW rent is $158 bucks above the BC average as well,

AnnaG

#18

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by workingman

There is not enough information about Kelowna from the internet. Googling Kelowna will return results like City of Kelowna, Tourism Kelowna, wineries and vineyards etc.

What I like to know about Kelowna is how is it like to work and live there. My questions would be like:

- Are there plenty of jobs (professional, skilled, unskilled) in Kelowna?

Yes. Whether you would get one or not depends upon you. Whether there are any available or not, I don't know.

Quote:

- Is housing expensive in Kelowna?

In comparison to Vancouver? No. In comparison to Elko? Yes.

Quote:

- Is the public transportation adequate?

Yes

Quote:

- Is food expensive in Kelowna?

In comparison to..... ?--

Quote:

- Are there enough schools for the kids?

Yes, but it depends upon how many kids you have. Normal family size like 1 to a dozen, fine. if you have 1 or 200 it may be a problem..

Quote:

- Are there enough doctors in Kelowna?

Yes.

Quote:

- Is crime a problem in Kelowna?

In comparison to ..........?

Quote:

- Is drugs a problem in Kelowna?

Where aren't they a problem?

Quote:

- Are there enough shopping malls?

Definitely. Loads of places there to satisfy your rampant consumerism.

Quote:

- Is it hot/humid in Kelowna?

Hot, yes. Rarely humid.

Quote:

- Is it cold in Kelowna?

Only in winter.

talloola

#19

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

If you want to 'like' Kelowna, remember what it was like
40 years ago, not today, I drove through there about 6 yrs
ago, now if I have to go north or east of Kelowna, I take the Kamloops route to avoid gridlock.

When I was a teenager Kelowna was the spot to go for fun
and swimming etc. Not anymore.

petros

#20

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by talloola

If you want to 'like' Kelowna, remember what it was like
40 years ago, not today, I drove through there about 6 yrs
ago, now if I have to go north or east of Kelowna, I take the Kamloops route to avoid gridlock.

When I was a teenager Kelowna was the spot to go for fun
and swimming etc. Not anymore.

I agree. I grew up there in the 70's and early 80's and it is nothing like it once was.

Definetly not a place to raise a family.

taxslave

#21

Re: Kelowna

May 22nd, 2010

Hot in the summer
Colder than you can imagine in winter
rtardedly expensive housing
few good paying jobs
Lots of rich retirees from elsewhere

VanIsle

#22

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by taxslave

Hot in the summer
Colder than you can imagine in winter
rtardedly expensive housing
few good paying jobs
Lots of rich retirees from elsewhere

Taxslave you only find the winter cold because you live here. Winter there is a dry cold and having lived 40 miles from there for a total of 16 years, the winters are not cold. It is probably colder here most winter days then it is there. It used to get very cold there and in Vernon. Kelowna was always slightly warmer and had slightly less snow. Vernon doens't get as much snow and cold as it once did and neither does Kelowna.
Anna: Thank you for your honest and un-biased answers.

Quote: Originally Posted by petros

You point? Read woman. Kelowna has nearly double the BC average of people on welfare. If welfare is double you can damn well guarantee that crime is double, poverty is double, alcohol and drugs are double and people walking around scratching their asses is double. You proved your point well.

* On temporary assistance only. Excluded are those on Continuous Assistance, aboriginals living on reserve, seniors/OAS, & children living with relatives.

BTW rent is $158 bucks above the BC average as well,

What turned you from a friend to such an angry man?

Trotz

#23

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

Did some Valley Hillbilly crap on your porch?

I agree that economic wise this is a hard place to live but once you find a permanent job its not so bad. Sure you have to trade in that large suburb home but if that is your primary motivation in life than it is probably a good thing you're living in Maple Ridge.

And don't even pretend to think that Kelowna is somehow more criminal than Vancouver. Crime in the Valley often amounts to hillbillies beating each up other and wealth related fraud. That's not like Vancouver where ethnic and drug gangs shoot each other up in parking lots, knife fights in our schools, the number 9 in Richmond being robbed, et al.

VanIsle

#24

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

That's a lot of rage directed at a person for asking a simple question. Might be nice if you were nice and told him about what a nice place the Valley is rather than sounding like some redneck! A response like yours does nothing to enhance the vision.

talloola

#25

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by petros

I agree. I grew up there in the 70's and early 80's and it is nothing like it once was.

Definetly not a place to raise a family.

my husband had lots of relatives there years ago, such a
neat place to go, unfortunately too many people went there,
and didn't leave, it's just another crowded city now,
nothing particularly unique about it, and not the touristy
place it was, that's one main reason I am so glad we have
the ferry to and from vancouver island, it keeps the island
from becoming overcrowded. If a bridge or tunnel ever get built to the island, it will just become a suburb of vancouver.

workingman

#26

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Trotz

That's not like Vancouver where ethnic and drug gangs shoot each other up in parking lots, knife fights in our schools, the number 9 in Richmond being robbed, et al.

I did find the armed roberry at No 9 in Richmond disturbing... it is that bad that you can't even dine in peace.

Quote: Originally Posted by talloola

unfortunately too many people went there,
and didn't leave, it's just another crowded city now,

At a population under 130,000, I don't think it is over crowded. It will be better to have more people there but no more than 500,000. Over 500,000 is one too many people (to me).

Maybe when there are more people in Kelowna, Old Navy would open a store there.

Question:

What is a good neighbourhood to live in Kelowna?

Cliffy

#27

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by workingman

Question:

What is a good neighbourhood to live in Kelowna?

Vernon?

workingman

#28

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Cliffy

Vernon?

Isn't Vernon in a different city?

I'm asking about the neighbourhoods in Kelowna, which one of these would be good and which one to avoid?

Winfield / Lake Country
Glenmore / Dilworth Mountain / North Glenmore
Rutland / Ellison
Downtown
Kelowna East (Black Mountain, Joe Riche, Big White)
Kelowna SouthEast (KLO, Beaverdell /Carmi)
Lower Mission, Upper Mission

Sаbine

#29

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

I like Kelowna. I moved here from the large city in Alberta, and for the first 10 months or so it was really hard for me to adjust to the local lifestyle of a smaller city. During those first months, it was really difficult to find a professional job of my level, but, honestly, it all depends on how determined and proactive you are.

Now I have two parallel professional jobs which I love. After living in Alberta, I appreciate the weather here in the Valley. Mild winters, early warm springs, hot sunny summers, and long pleasant autumns, add local fruits and wines, lakes and gorgeous nature to that - what else can one desire?

Kelowna is growing really fast. KGH is expanding, the new med school is going to open its doors in the beginning of 2011, UBC O is enormously expanding as well, the Okanagan College is also one of the largest educational facilities in addition to UBC O.

Regarding availability of physicians, well, I had no problem at all to find one. It actually surprised me, because in Alberta, you rarely find a family doctor accepting new patients. Many people there have to go to walk-ins all the time.
I wish, however, we had more malls here.

But I'm sure we will!

Quote: Originally Posted by petros

I agree. I grew up there in the 70's and early 80's and it is nothing like it once was.

Definetly not a place to raise a family.

Sorry petros, but I happened to know several families among my friends that moved to Kelowna from Vancouver to raise their children and give them great childhood. Kelowna offers everything that children of all age ranges may need.

bill barilko

#30

Re: Kelowna

May 23rd, 2010

Winters in Kelowna are grey, grey, grey, low cloud blankets all the Okanagan for weeks at a time.

Some headway has been made in keeping pollution levels down but I do know one family that moved since they couldn't take the bad air/inversion (if that's what it was).

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