Kamloops, BC is a beautiful city located in the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia, Canada. The 2021 census shows the Kamloops population sitting at 108,000 people, which includes the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc reservation and the surrounding areas of the Thompson Nicola Regional District. This Kamloops area has seen an 8% increase in population over the last 5 years, with a large portion of that growth coming from the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver areas of BC. Why are so many people moving to Kamloops?
In the past decade I have worked with a number of clients who have packed up their families and moved to Kamloops in an attempt to improve their overall quality of life. Kamloops has so many features that make it a great place to live and raise a family, so I have compiled a few factors I continue to hear from my clients when they start the process of evaluating a life-altering move to the Southern Interior of our amazing province:
- Climate: Kamloops has a semi-arid climate, which means it is generally warm and dry throughout the year, with low levels of precipitation. This makes it an excellent location for those who enjoy outdoor activities, as well as those who prefer a drier climate.
- Education: Kamloops is home to a number of high-quality educational institutions, including Thompson Rivers University, which offers a wide range of programs such as Business, Tourism, Engineering, Nursing and Law just to name a few. The university has seen large growth over the past 15 years and is now one of the most prominent universities in the province and is one of the largest employers in the city. TRU draws a number of international students to Kamloops, which adds vibrant multiculturalism to our city as well.
- Community: Kamloops is a friendly and welcoming city with a strong sense of community spirit. Kamloops has a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as numerous community events and festivals throughout the year. Known as the "Tournament Capital of Canada," Kamloops hosts many, many sports events brings out that community spirit.
- Wildlife: The city is located in the heart of natural wildlife and includes local species of wildlife which are unique to the area like Shiras Moose, Mule deer and the iconic Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. The area is also home to over 200 lakes and fishing the still waters of the interior lakes is one of the most rewarding activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Trout is a common fish to find around Kamloops.
- Location: Kamloops is located in the heart of British Columbia, making it an excellent location for those who enjoy exploring the province. It is also a short drive from Vancouver and a day's drive from Calgary. Truly a makor hub in the province. Kamloops is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and natural features such as the Thompson River, Kamloops Lake, and picturesque mountains. This makes it an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and camping. Kamloops has all these activities at its doorstep.
- Affordable cost of living: Compared to some of the larger cities in British Columbia, Kamloops offers a more affordable cost of living. This makes it an attractive option for people looking to live in a beautiful location without breaking the bank.
- Strong economy: Kamloops has a strong economy, with major industries including mining, forestry, and tourism. The city’s has a very diverse culture and a diverse economy which helps to keep the economy stable making it a great place to invest in the future.
Overall Kamloops is the place I call home, and not only do I love working with newcomers to this amazing city, but selling real estate in the Kamloops area is something that I’m truly passionate about. I feel very grateful for all the wonderful people that I get to meet and work with, and to find them a perfect place to call home.
If you have ever considered moving to Kamloops check out the most recent episode of the Kamloops Real Estate Insider Podcast as I share one family’s amazing journey from Ladner, BC, to Kamloops In 2022.