Wilden: Keeping Health and Balance in Mind
Wilden is one of the largest master planned communities in the Okanagan that puts you in close proximity to the core of the city, while being embraced by nature. You’ll find a mixture of cozy single family and townhome neighbourhoods. There are natural grasslands, rocky mountains, and wilderness within steps of your home. At Wilden you get sweeping views of Okanagan Lake, mountains and valley views paired with a refined elegance. Walking, biking and hiking trails beckon you. Come out and play.
Echo Ridge is the newest hillside neighbourhood in Wilden. It is located next to the Wilden Skylands, which is the highest neighbourhood in the area. Your rewards for moving here are panoramic lake-view trails and fantastic view spots a short hike away.
For a better idea of neighbourhoods within the Wilden Community, visit their website.
Location
Wilden is tucked into the hills about ten-minutes north of downtown Kelowna and south of YLW airport. It’s a short drive to shopping, restaurants, and parks including Knox Mountain with it’s fabulous views and trails. Directly across the lake is Bear Creek Provincial Park.
History
In 1995, owner and developer, Gerhard Blenk started working on the Wilden master plan.
What started as one neighbourhood, is now over 15 distinct areas, all developed with the Okanagan lifestyle in mind.
An interesting aspect of this community is the Living Lab. This is a pioneering research initiative for sustainable homebuilding. In 2017 they built two different homes: one to current code and one using the best technology available to enhance energy efficiency. The results are amazing with the energy efficient home using 67% less energy and 99.63% less carbon emissions. Move info is available on the Wilden Living Lab website.
Wilden Amenities
Currently, there is no retail component here. That will change in the future with Wilden Village and Market Square which may include residential, commercial and a school. For now, it’s a quick 10 minute drive to everything the City of Kelowna has to offer.
Schools
Wilden is a great area to live if you have school age children. There are two elementary schools within 10 minutes of this community, as well as a French Immersion Middle School. Drive a few more minutes and there is a preparatory school and an arts school, both K-12.
Post-secondary schools including technical, arts, university and colleges are no more than 30 minutes away.
Demographics
This area is a slice of heaven. Families and retired folks love it here.
Wilden average age: 43
Wilden average Income: $168,000
Wilden households with children: 53%
Home Values
Wilden has a large assortment of home styles. For example Echo Ridge has lots and home packages starting at $660,000. Pre-owned home prices run from $699,000 throughout the community to $2,300,000 for a home on Sheerwater Court with lake views.
Walkability
The Walkability score for Wilden is great if you want to take a hike on their trails. Otherwise, the walkability score is close to zero with minimal bus service. On the plus side, Wilden scores a 10 out of 10 for peace and quiet.
An area’s walkability score is based on the following:
90–100: Walker’s Paradise – Daily errands can be done on foot
70–89: Very Walkable – Most errands can be done on foot
50–69: Somewhat Walkable – Some errands can be done on foot
0–49: Car-Dependent – Most to all errands require a vehicle