Oliver and Osoyoos are both located in the South Okanagan and are barely a 20 minutes drive apart. Both enjoy mountains, desert and a rural landscape. Both are located in the northern tip of the Sonoran Desert and in the heart of “Wine Country”. In fact this area of the Okanagan and extending north has been called the Napa Valley of Canada.So with so many similarities, where does a potential new resident begin when searching for a home?
We have lived in the South Okanagan all our lives, and have helped people buy and sell homes here for over 16 years. Here are some of the differences between the two communities.
OSOYOOS is closest to the US border, in fact it hosts the US border on its southernmost point.
At the center of the town is Osoyoos Lake, which is Canada’s warmest fresh water lake, which extends across the US/Canada border.Osoyoos Lake has shaped the amenities and lifestyle of Osoyoos, resulting in a more “tourist oriented” town. This includes hotels, restaurants, resorts, such ask Nk’Mip, Watermark, Walnut Beach and attractions for families such as Rattlesnake Canyon amusement park, the Wibit inflatable water park, many festivals, events catering to snowbirds in the off season, as well as boating and lake oriented activities.
Mild winters, golfing, wine tasting, and desert activities, such as the Desert Center, horseback riding, hiking, and skiing at Baldy Mt Resort have made this town attractive to snowbirds, as well as visitors from all over, including south of the border.
Housing in Osoyoos is varied, from homes in town, waterfront homes, gated communities, plus 55 communities, and Resort Communities. In Osoyoos, around 60% of buildings are single detached homes, while small apartment buildings are also present in the housing stock. This town offers mainly three bedroom and two bedroom homes.
Homeowners occupy around three quarters of the dwellings in the town whereas the rest are rented. Osoyoos is central to many rural developments such as Anarchist Mountain, Kippola Estates and more. There is also a Near Market Housing program, The Southeast Meadowlark Area Plan includes an attainable housing component for moderate-income working families.
The town is mostly quiet, with a low crime rate. The people are friendly and community oriented. Population is 5,556 (2021 Census) The influx of tourists in the summer can be an issue for some, but it makes the town lively and vibrant for others. There is a rental shortage, especially for the summer service workers.
OLIVER is a short drive north of Osoyoos through vineyards, orchards, and fruit stands, is considered more of a “working man’s town” than Osoyoos. This is because there are fewer tourist based amenities, and a rich agricultural history.
Oliver also has a lake, albeit much smaller, Tucelnuit lake is a non motorized lake, and has the rotary beach, Lakeside resort and 2 RV Parks on its shores, along with some houses, and a townhouse complex. Just north of town is the Gallagher Lake area with +55 Developments such as Country Pines MHP & Deer Park. Gallagher Lake Village is a lovely development in the area with no age restrictions.. A bit farther north is Vaseaux Lake overlooked by the majestic McIntyre Bluff, renamed Nʕaylintn (Ny-lin-tin) which means ‘Storyteller’ in the Okanagan language.
Fun Fact about Tuc-el-nuit Lake! Did you know it is a springfed lake that gets its water from many underground springs? The lake mystified early inhabitants of the area because they didn't understand how it got it's water supply, hence the name Tuc-el-nuit" an indigenous name that meant "Water by the river". After a major flood in 1970 an outlet was built to shuttle any extra water out to the nearby Okanagan River!
As Canada’s Wine Capital, it produces fifty percent of BC’s wine grapes. The “terroir” or environment including the soil makeup and climate is recognized by special designation in places such as the Golden Mile. Wineries, orchards, and festivals such as the Festival of the Grape that celebrate our agricultural heritage reflect this environment. More recently rebranded as Wine Capital Weekend, it includes live music and the annual Cask and Keg Festival.
Oliver also has a vibrant arts and live music community through the Venables Theatre and venues such as the Firehall Brew Pub and the District Wine Village just north of town. Partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band is a large part of Oliver’s character and history. From wineries, to golf courses, cultural center, campgrounds, luxury hotels, and most recently exploring the feasibility of an indoor aquatic center with the town, the Sylix nation is a big part of both Oliver and Osoyoos.
Housing options are varied from rural acreages, waterfront houses or townhouses, lakeview houses, mobile homes or condos. The various parts of town reflect the housing choices through the years with vintage character homes, homes with a view, plus 55 communities, mobile homes, new builds and condos or townhouses.
Homes for sale in Oliver predominantly consist of single detached houses and townhouses. About 30% of the properties in Oliver were built between 1960 and 1980, with the other significant building periods being pre-1960 and the 1980s. The typical homes here are two or three bedrooms. Homeownership is high in Oliver, with approximately three-quarters of the properties being owner-occupied, and the rest are rented.
The town is quiet, with a fairly low crime rate. The people are friendly and community minded.
From the 2021 Census:
“ The Town of Oliver’s population was 5094 in 2021 (Statistics Canada), with an additional 3,986 people living in the surrounding rural areas (Electoral Area “C”). Oliver’s saw a 3.4% of population growth. This compares to the provincial average of 7.6% and the national average of 5.2%.
The age and gender distribution of the population for the Town of Oliver is approximately 48% male, while 52% of the population is female, the same as the region. 50% of the population is between 15 and 64 years of age, the region is higher at 56%. “
Both Oliver and Osoyoos are wonderful places to live, raise a family or retire. Each have amazing assets. Both share access to Baldy Mountain Resort, world class wineries and golf courses, both share mild temperature winters, as well as mountain, lake and vineyard views.
If you would like to explore living in the South Okanagan, our years of experience and knowledge regarding this wonderful region can help you find that place to call home!
