Thinking of moving to Vernon, B.C.? The pictures look like a dream with the lakes, the mountains, and the sunshine. But there is more to this place than what you see on Instagram and TikTok.

If I had known these seven things before I moved here, I would have been a little bit more prepared.

Hi, I am Laura Reners with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler, and today I am going to be sharing the seven brutally honest truths about life in Vernon.

These are the seven things buyers always ask me about after they move here.

So, let us get you ahead of the curve. Some of these things could save you time, others, maybe thousands of dollars. So, let us jump in.

Number one: Vernon moves slower, and that is a good thing, mostly, unless you are like my personality.

Vernon has that small town heartbeat. People are friendly, but they are also unhurried. So, you will notice right away that the pace of life is a little bit slower than what you are used to in Vancouver or Calgary or some of the bigger cities.

But there are no rush hours, no city buzz, and not a ton of stress, unless you are behind someone going 30 in a 50 zone.

But here is the thing, that slower pace can affect everything. Think of your service timelines, it may take a little bit longer. Trades are booked out for weeks in advance. Coffee shops and restaurants are closed on certain days and sometimes earlier.

But if you are ready to trade the hustle for hiking and the traffic for tranquillity, then the slower rhythm may work for you, and it is a gift.

Number two: Yes, we get summer, but we also get winter.

One of the biggest misconceptions here is this, is not the Okanagan all beach and sun? Well, not exactly.

Yes, we have gorgeous summers, but Vernon has four full seasons. Winters are very much part of the experience.

We do get a lot of sun in the summer, but in the winter, it can be a little bit grey. If you are not used to that, or you are coming from Alberta, you might find that a little bit depressing at times. But if you are coming from the coast, you will think it is great.

Sometimes people like to get up to the ski hill, which is about 20 minutes away, to get up into the sun. You will need a shovel and sunglasses. For outdoor lovers, there are lots of things like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating.

Number three: The market is not cheap anymore, but there is still good value here.

There was a time when Vernon was very affordable, especially if you wanted to be in the Okanagan. It was kind of a secret, but over the last few years, the secret is out, and the prices have climbed.

That said, compared to Kelowna, Lake Country, and some other areas in the Lower Mainland, Vernon is still a very affordable place if you want to be in the Okanagan.

Vernon still offers more home for your money, including bigger lots, more nature, and more options for every lifestyle, from lakefront to hobby farms. It is competitive, yes, but with the right guidance, we can find something that fits your budget and your lifestyle.

Number four: Neighbourhoods matter more than you think.

Most people do not realise that Vernon is not one town, it is a collection of completely different lifestyles and pockets of areas.

East Hill gives you mature trees and walkable streets. Okanagan Landing has lakeside living and the beach with a summer vibe. The BX has space, privacy, and acreages. Coldstream feels like upscale country living with Kalamalka Lake and Kal Beach as your backdrop.

Each neighbourhood has a different feel. Choosing the wrong area can be the difference between loving where you live and wanting to move again in a year.

Number five: Summer is magical, and busy.

Vernon in the summer is unreal. The lakes, the beaches, the patios, the paddleboarding, the farmers market, it is what draws people here.

But with all that beauty comes traffic, limited parking, and lineups. Kal Beach is packed. Marinas have waitlists. Restaurants require booking ahead or you will be waiting.

Locals bike, go early, and have secret swimming holes. If you are moving here for the summer living, it is amazing, but plan ahead.

Number six: Planning early can save you stress and money.

Vernon has a shortage of trades. If you are buying a home that requires a renovation or you want upgrades, book early. Inspections, landscaping, painters, moving companies, appraisers, and cleaners can all be booked up for weeks.

I have seen deadlines missed and budgets stretched simply because the right help was not lined up early.

Number seven: Most people who move to Vernon, they stay.

People come for the lakes, but they stay for the community, the pace, and the lifestyle. It is the kind of place where you run into friends at the market, your kids walk to school together, and you end your day watching the sun drop behind the hills.

It is not just about buying a home, it is about building a life you want to live.

So, those are the seven things I wish I knew before moving to Vernon. Some are practical, some are personal, but they are all real. Let me know in the comments which ones hit home for you.