7 BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN KELOWNA FOR FAMILIES | VANTAGE WEST REALTY

On the hunt for the perfect neighborhood to settle down and raise your kids in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada?

This blog highlights the 7 best family-friendly neighbourhoods in Kelowna to call your home.

We’ve based our list of family-friendly neighborhoods in Kelowna, BC, Canada on the following criteria…

Our Criteria For the Best Family Neighbourhoods in Kelowna, BC:

• Safety First: A safe environment is a top concern for Kelowna families. These desirable neighbourhoods feature lower crime rates, well-lit streets, and friendly neighbors who look out for each other.

• Excellent Schools: Access to quality education is essential. These communities have access to great schools with good ratings, extracurriculars, and parent involvement.

• Green Spaces & Parks: These neighborhoods feature parks, playgrounds, and open spaces for nature lovers to run, play, and explore the great outdoors.

• Family-Centric Amenities: Proximity to family-friendly attractions like community centers, libraries, family restaurants, and entertainment options.

• Sense of Community: These areas have a strong sense of community and feature events, block parties, and other family-friendly activities.

• Kid-Friendly Services: Convenience matters! Access to pediatricians, daycare centers, city amenities, and other family services can make life a lot easier.

• Low Traffic & Walkability: Most of these areas are highly walkable with safe sidewalks, bike paths, and easy access to shops and amenities.

Now, let's dive into some of the top family-friendly neighborhoods that Kelowna — the largest city in the Okanagan Valley — has to offer:

1. Kettle Valley & Upper Mission

Nestled in the hills of Upper Mission / South Kelowna, the Kettle Valley community is a true family neighborhood.

Streets lined with modern homes offer a residence with a sense of belonging. Glistening lake views, vibrant parks, and quiet streets creating an idyllic scene for shared family moments.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with an array of parks and green spaces like Curlew Park, Lebanon Creek Park, and the popular Quilchena Park with a playground, spray park, and gorgeous lake views.

Drive up Chute Lake Rd to reach Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park, offering stunning views of Okanagan Lake and the city, with well-marked trails for hiking and climbing. It's renowned for guided night sky programs, designated as Canada's third Nocturnal Preserve, making it a unique destination for stargazing and wildlife enthusiasts.

Kettle Valley hosts a selection of esteemed schools including Chute Lake Elementary, KLO Middle, Canyon Falls Middle, and Okanagan Mission Secondary - one of Kelowna’s top schools.

Annual community events such as movie nights under the stars, the festive Christmas light-up, and the joyous Easter family festival contribute to Kettle Valley's magnetic appeal.

This upscale haven, amongst Kelowna's finest neighborhoods, is adorned with single-family homes ranging from $1 million to $3 million and beyond, solidifying Kettle Valley's reputation as an esteemed family-friendly haven.

Kettle Valley Final Development Phase

In August 2023, Kelowna council voted to approve the final phase of the Kettle Valley development.

This new 14 acre subdivision provides space for 99 new homes in a mix of housing types including single detached homes, duplexes, and townhouses. These new lots for sale feature laneway access with hidden garages and access from 2 points on Quilchena Drive.

 Image courtesy the City of Kelowna

Kettle Valley's final development phase also includes new community amenities like 2.51 hectares of park space – including a full-size soccer field, a linear walking park, and community green – a daycare, recreation facilities, and new medical facilities. A new road extension worth $3M plans to link Chute Lake Rd to the existing Frost Rd and to ease local traffic and provide new transportation routes for the community.

Want to be the first to bid on one of these 99 new lots? Contact Vantage West Realty, top-rated Kelowna REALTORs® with 820+ glowing 5-star reviews.

2. Lower Mission

Renowned as one of Kelowna's best neighborhoods for families, Lower Mission encapsulates the essence of family-oriented living in the Okanagan Valley’s lush landscape.

Nestled along the shores of Okanagan Lake, this lakeside community is a paradise of waterfront parks, quiet residential streets, and great recreational amenities, creating a captivating home base for families in BC.

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the walking & cycling trails of Mission Creek Greenway, the hot sands beach & playground at Boyce-Gyro Beach Park, and the serene Hobson Beach waterfront park. 

The iconic H20 Centre is a multi-purpose recreational facility boasting an indoor pool, fitness haven, and a realm of activities tailor-made for kids. Adjacent to the H20, The Mission Recreation Park offers a space for sports, cycling, strolling, and year-round birdwatching.

Don O Ray Farms adds a touch of rustic charm and a petting zoo popular with tykes.

Anchored by esteemed schools including Anne McClymont Elementary, Bellevue Creek, Dorothea Walker Elementary, KLO Middle, Canyon Falls Middle, and OKM Secondary, Lower Mission cultivates an environment of educational excellence.

Throughout the year, the neighborhood buzzes with family-friendly events that foster a strong sense of community, and its central location ensures effortless connectivity.

The South Pandosy area complements Lower Mission's allure with its unique art galleries, essential medical facilities, exceptional dining establishments, and boutique shopping experiences.

Lower Mission offers a diverse range of single-family homes, condos, and townhomes, seamlessly positioned near accessible public lake access points along the shores of Lake Okanagan.

3. Glenmore

Located amidst a tapestry of lush parks, convenient amenities, and exceptional schools, the Glenmore community has grown into a haven for families in Kelowna.

Public education institutions like Watson Elementary, North Glenmore Elementary, Dr Knox Middle, and Kelowna Secondary offer an educational foundation, while the nearby Aberdeen Hall private school boasts top marks for educational excellence by the Fraser Institute.

The encompassing Glenmore Recreation Park stands as a haven for athletes & outdoor enthusiasts with sprawling sports fields, inviting playgrounds, and a water park that provides cool respite on hot summer days.

Serene walking trails in Brandt's Creek Linear Park, the adventure playground at Ballou Park, and picturesque hiking trails in Stephens Coyote Ridge Regional Park offer something for every energy level. Your four-legged members of the family can find unbridled joy at the North Glenmore Off-leash Dog Park.

Annual events like the Glenmore Valley Family Fun Day build a sense of camaraderie and neighborhood spirit.

Residential properties nestled beside farmlands in Glenmore, North Glenmore, and the Glenmore Highlands offer an idyllic rural retreat with urban conveniences like grocery stores, coffee shops, and dining destinations.

Glenmore Kelowna boasts proximity to all of Kelowna’s essentials, just 10-15 minutes drive to the downtown core, and 15 minutes drive to the Kelowna International Airport.

Discover the new Glenpark Row 2 townhouse development or browse Glenmore's real estate offerings and find your dream home in Kelowna, BC.

4. Black Mountain

For families in search of a tranquil rural haven, Black Mountain is a compelling alternative worth exploring. This close-knit neighborhood just 15 to 20 minutes from Downtown Kelowna offers a quiet retreat with lower than average crime rates.

For young minds, Black Mountain Elementary School, Springvalley Middle, and Rutland Secondary are all suitable options with School District 23, while Kelowna’s best private school – Aberdeen Hall – is 15 minutes away by car.

Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a plethora of nearby parks, including the alluring Black Mountain Park with its winding hiking trails, the picturesque Gopher Creek Linear Park, the serene Garner Pond Park, and the joyful Bella Vista Park with a great playground.

Scenic Canyon Park offers a beautiful creekside hiking area with longer trails that are perfect for weekend family adventures. Stockley Open Space offers a looped hiking trail adjacent to the serene Lund Pond and Lund Park, providing ample space for picnics and a full day of outdoor escapades.

For golfers, the revered Black Mountain Golf Club provides a challenging course against a breathtaking backdrop of the city and surrounding mountains. If you like skiing or snowboarding, Black Mountain is just 40 minutes drive to Big White Ski Resort.

View all Black Mountain homes for sale on the MLS®.

5. Wilden: Nature's Playground for Families

For families with a deep appreciation for nature and serenity, Wilden emerges as an unrivaled haven. This master-planned neighborhood boasts awe-inspiring vistas, a network of nature trails, several gorgeous ponds, and modern playgrounds – all right at your doorstep.

Enchanting parks like Lost Creek Park offer a modern playground, while the serene Blair Pond Park, Still Pond Park, and Hidden Lake Park provide scenic walking waterfront trails, beckoning you to explore and connect with nature.

Wilden hosts heartwarming family events like the Wilden Creativity Day, the Wilden Kid's Scavenger Hunt, the Wilden Mother's Day event, and the exhilarating Wild One Run – all great events to foster family togetherness, community spirit, and lasting bonds.

Public education in Wilden is served by Watson Elementary (K to 6), Dr. Knox Middle (7 to 9), and Kelowna Secondary (10 to 12), while Aberdeen Hall and Immaculata are both 10 to 15 minutes by car.

Interested in calling Wilden home? Browse all homes for sale in Wilden, Kelowna, British Columbia.

6. Lakeview Heights, West Kelowna

Located in West Kelowna, the Lakeview Heights neighborhood captures hearts with its awe-inspiring panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Besides stunning views, Lakeview Heights is known for large lots, quiet streets, and a range of home styles for every budget.

Kalamoir Park is the neighborhood’s crown jewel, adorned with beach access, a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch, and beautiful walking & biking trails frequented by wildlife, including 163 species of birds. Mount Boucherie towers over the neighborhood, standing as an iconic landmark with challenging hiking trails and panoramic views from the summit.

Sports lovers can play tennis and pickleball at the Lakeview Heights Tennis Club, while the Issler Park baseball diamond provides a convenient home base. A new adventure playground at McPherson Park (just off of Hudson Rd) and the swingset at Paula Park are great places for kids to burn off steam.

Lakeview Shopping Centre stands as a vibrant hub, with Nesters Market for all your grocery needs, the historic Andreen’s Pharmacy for medical essentials, and the modern Lakeside Brewing for craft pizza & beer.

For adults, award-winning wineries along the West Kelowna Wine Trail gives you a new hobby for your elusive off time.

On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from May 23 to Aug 31, you can bring kids aged 2 to 8 (with caregivers) to Park Play Days for free games and activities, cultivating a spirit of community togetherness

Students in Lakeview Heights fall into the catchment zones for Hudson Road Elementary, Constable Neil Bruce Middle, and Mount Boucherie Secondary.

Positioned just a 10-minute drive from both Downtown Kelowna and West Kelowna city centre, Lakeview Heights effortlessly balances urban connectivity with serene suburban living.

Search all Lakeview Heights MLS® listings.

7. Shannon Lake, West Kelowna

The picturesque Shannon Lake neighborhood in West Kelowna offers a serene escape with quiet streets, lush greenery, and tall trees.

Shannon Lake Regional Park lies in the centre of the neighborhood, providing a haven for fishing, boating, and leisurely walks. On Sundays in May and June, you can bring your family to the "Go Fish Shannon Lake" family event to give kids some fishing experience.

Golf enthusiasts find their haven at the Shannon Lake Golf Course, an 18-hole masterpiece that pleases with its moderate greens and long fairways. "Take a Kid to the Course Nights" provides a weekly space for family bonding, where On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays after 5 pm, you play 9 holes with your kids for a discounted rate ($11 for kids; $17 for adults).

Kinsmen Athletic Park is a bustling hub, offering soccer fields, a vibrant volleyball court, and an inviting playground, while the Shannon Lake Tennis Courts provide 2 courts and an adjacent basketball court. If your family has canine companions, the neighborhood is home to the Shannon Woods off-leash dog park.

Homes in Shannon Lake are in the catchment zones for Shannon Lake Elementary, CNB Middle, and Mount Boucherie Secondary.

Just an 8-minute drive to Westbank City Centre, 15 minutes to the heart of Downtown Kelowna, and 20 minutes to the Telemark Nordic Ski Club, Shannon Lake seamlessly balances suburban tranquility with easy access to city conveniences and outdoor adventures.

Discover the essence of Shannon Lake's charm and explore a world where natural beauty and community vitality converge.

Search the latest Shannon Lake real estate listings.

Need Help Finding Your Dream Home in Kelowna, BC?

Vantage West Realty is a top-rated group of Kelowna REALTORs® with over 820 glowing 5-star reviews.

If you’d like help in finding a perfect place to live in Kelowna, we can help you locate a property for sale that suits your budget and family needs, then play hardball to get you the best price we possibly can.

Buy with Vantage West Realty - award-winning Kelowna real estate agents and property managers.

Call (250) 717-3133 or schedule a meeting with us today.