Moving to Kelowna with a $1 Million+ Budget? Which Neighbourhood Should You Consider?

Kelowna, is a striking city nestled in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Kelowna has long been a desirable destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle of outdoor adventure, and natural beauty. If you’re planning to move to Kelowna with a $1 million+ budget, you’re in for a treat. With your budget, you have access to some of Kelowna’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Each one offers a unique blend of luxury living, community, and proximity to nature.

In this blog, we’ll explore five prime areas in Kelowna: Lower Mission, Upper Mission, Wilden, McKinley Landing, and Southeast Kelowna. We’ll also touch on Big White, Kelowna’s premier winter resort. A place at Biggie could serve as a fantastic addition to your Okanagan property portfolio.

1. Lower Mission: Lakeside Living with Urban Convenience

Lower Mission is one of Kelowna’s most prestigious and popular neighbourhoods, offering a blend of lakeside living and urban convenience. Situated along the shores of Okanagan Lake, this area is known for its luxurious waterfront properties. It’s complimented by tree-lined streets and is walkable to some of the best schools in Kelowna. High schools and elementary, including Okanagan Mission Secondary and Anne McClymont Elementary.

Why Lower Mission?

• Waterfront Properties: With a budget of over 1 million dollars CAD, you can explore luxury homes with direct lake access, private docks, or stunning lake views.
• Recreational Opportunities: Lower Mission is a hub for outdoor activities. You’ll have easy access to the best beaches, the popular Gyro Beach Park, and various marinas. The Mission Creek Greenway offers walking and cycling trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Dining and Shopping: Pandosy Village, is located in the heart of the Lower Mission. It boasts a variety of boutiques, cafes, and fine-dining restaurants.

This area is perfect for families, retirees, or anyone looking for a well-rounded community. The lower mission features Kelowna luxury real estate that offers both natural beauty and urban amenities.

Average Price Range of Kelowna Luxury Real Estate in the Lower Mission:

Expect prices to start around $1.2 million for newer multi-family options and fixer-upper style homes with semi-waterfronts. If you want a waterfront estate you can expect your purchase price to exceed several million.

2. Upper Mission: Kelowna Luxury Real Estate with Exclusive Views

Just south of Lower Mission lies Upper Mission. This is an upper-end neighbourhood that offers panoramic views of Okanagan Lake, the city below, and surrounding vineyards. Upper Mission is home to some of the most prestigious properties in Kelowna. Many feature contemporary architecture and large estate homes dotting the orchard-laden hills.

Why Upper Mission?

• Breathtaking Views: Upper Mission is renowned for its sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and lake. Many homes here are built to maximize these stunning vistas.
• Luxurious Estate Homes: If you’re in the market for a larger, custom-built home with modern features, Upper Mission offers some of Kelowna’s finest luxury properties.
• Family-Friendly: This area is close to high-ranking schools, including Canyon Falls Middle School, making it ideal for families.
• Winery Proximity: With several award-winning wineries in the vicinity, such as Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Upper Mission is a paradise for wine lovers.

Average Price Range:

Luxury homes in Upper Mission often range from $1.2 million to well over $5 million, depending on the size of the property, home condition, and beach access.

3. Wilden: Kelowna Luxury Real Estate at Harmony with Nature

For those looking for a quieter, more suburban, nature-oriented neighbourhood, Wilden is an excellent choice. Located in the hills north of downtown Kelowna, Wilden is a master-planned community that prioritizes sustainability and natural beauty. Homes here are built to complement the surrounding landscape, with miles of walking trails, ponds, and parks woven throughout the community.

Why Wilden?

• Natural Beauty: Wilden is set in a lush, forested area with plenty of green space. Many homes back onto parks or nature reserves, offering privacy and tranquility.
• Sustainable Living: Homes in Wilden are often built with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. This community is perfect for eco-conscious buyers.
• Custom Homes: Wilden offers a range of custom homes and vacant building lot opportunities.

Average Price Range:

Townhomes in Wilden start around $800k and go up depending on size and custom features. Find a beautiful, single-family home in Wilden within your budget if you’re searching for Kelowna luxury real estate.

4. McKinley Landing: Kelowna Luxury Real Estate Offering Lakefront Seclusion

McKinley Landing is another lakeside neighbourhood, offering a more secluded and tranquil setting compared to Lower Mission. The neighbourhood of McKinley is located just north of Kelowna’s city center. Locals know that it’s a hidden gem for those seeking luxury lakeside living without sacrificing privacy. This might be why so many professional sports players choose McKinley to live in for the off-season 😉

Why McKinley Landing?

• Seclusion and Privacy: Homes in Old McKinley Landing are generously spaced out between neighbours. Many are often surrounded by natural landscapes, giving residents a peaceful, private retreat.
• Lake Access: Many properties feature private beach access or stunning views of Okanagan Lake. If you’re a boating enthusiast, this neighbourhood could be ideal for you.
• New Developments: The McKinley Beach community is part of an ongoing development. Kelowna’s most up-and-coming neighbourhood includes modern homes, an amenity space, private beach access, and a marina.

Average Price Range:

Kelowna luxury real estate in McKinley Landing ranges from under $1.2 million, extending to well over $4 million. Of course, this depends on the lot size, lake view, and beach access.

5. Southeast Kelowna: Country Living with City Perks

For those who want a more rural, spacious property while still being close to the city, Southeast Kelowna is the perfect choice. This area is known for its sprawling estates, orchards, and vineyards. It’s ideal for buyers looking for a private, serene environment while staying connected to urban amenities.

Why Southeast Kelowna?

• Rural Appeal: Many homes in Southeast Kelowna come with large lots or acreage. This allows for more privacy and space for gardens, vineyards, or equestrian pursuits.
• Winery Lifestyle: Like Upper Mission, Southeast Kelowna is home to several wineries and farms. The ruralness is what gives the area a distinct country charm.
• Spacious Estates: Are you looking for a larger home with extensive outdoor space? SE Kelowna is known for its estate properties and ticks many boxes.

Average Price Range:

Properties in Southeast Kelowna can range from $1 million to over $3 million. The price depends on the size of the estate and the amount of land.

Bonus: Add Big White Winter Vacation Property To Your Kelowna Luxury Real Estate Portfolio

Big White Ski Resort is an incredible investment to expand your Kelowna luxury real estate portfolio with a vacation home. Big White is located just 45 minutes from Kelowna. The resort offers year-round activities however, is best known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.

Why Big White?

• Year-Round Appeal: While Big White is famous for its winter sports, the area also offers summer activities. These activities center on hiking, mountain biking, and festivals.
• Vacation Rental Potential: With tourism thriving year-round, Big White properties are ideal for short-term rentals, offering great return on investment.
• Ski-In/Ski-Out Properties: If you’re looking for convenience and luxury, ski-in/ski-out condos and chalets are available. Many homes often feature cozy fireplaces and mountain views.

Average Price Range of Kelowna Luxury Real Estate at Big White:

Condos and townhouses start at around $400,000. Luxury chalets can exceed $1 million, making Big White an attractive option for a winter retreat.

Moving to Kelowna with a $1 million+ budget opens up an array of premium neighbourhoods in the city. Each offers distinct features and advantages, whether you’re drawn to the lakeside living of Lower Mission or the exclusive privacy of McKinley Landing. Perhaps the stunning views in Upper Mission, the natural serenity of Wilden, or the rural charm of Southeast Kelowna? Whatever you crave there’s a perfect neighbourhood in Kelowna that’s waiting for you. And for those looking to round out their portfolio? Big White offers an unbeatable winter retreat that combines leisure and investment potential.

If you’re ready to explore these amazing Kelowna neighbourhoods, reach out to Jones Realty Group today. We’ll help you find Kelowna luxury real estate in the Okanagan.