FILE. Penticton.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

The natural allure of the Okanagan has helped place two of its cities on a Top 10 list ranking livability across Canada.

Kelowna, which ranked second, and Penticton, which ranked ninth, gained mention in the RATESDOTCA Most Livable Places 2021 list, which looked at a question top of mind during this pandemic year: “If you could move anywhere in Canada, where would it be?”

In the preface to the result, they said a new Leger survey conducted on behalf of RATESDOTCA found that almost one quarter (23%) of those who moved or plan to move since April 2020 cited COVID-19 as a reason for relocating. Around 21% of those who moved or plan to move are moving from a major city hub, like Toronto or Vancouver, to smaller towns/rural areas.

So, they came up with a list of options for those whose eyes are wandering to smaller and cozier towns and called it the Livability Report.

“Not only does it factor in traditional metrics like affordability and growth, but it also gives weight to lifestyle-oriented criteria like scenery, nightlife, outdoor activities and accessibility,” reads the report.

“In fact, the survey revealed that one of the top deciding factors when looking for where to move is scenery (proximity to mountains, major water bodies, forest, etc.) (17%), after affordability (33%). Other top factors include economic and job growth (12%), size of city/town (8%) and outdoor activities (8%).”

The list started 150 strong and was whittled down with a formula that awarded points for a growing population, low mortgage costs and scenic beauty, among other things.

Obviously, when it came to Kelowna and Penticton, the beauty aspect was a major consideration, but they were also the spendiest cities on the list.

While in Kelowna the minimum income required, with 20 per cent down, for a mortgage would be $86,616, third place contender Trois Rivieres Que. only needed a $48,866 income.

Better yet, the average home price there is $223,600 compared to Kelowna’s $553,175.

To see how each city’s offerings shook out, follow the link.

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