Relocating to Armstrong, BC
Armstrong’s official motto, “Heart of Country” says it all. This small farming town has experienced a resurgence in recent years as out of town buyers discover the tranquility of the rural lifestyle and the convenience of having Vernon just fifteen minutes south. There are a variety of living options from older character homes in established neighborhoods to newer subdivisions and larger acreages and farms on the periphery. Armstrong offers good value and lifestyle for the home buyer.
Weather:
The weather in Armstrong encompasses all four seasons of the Okanagan, hot summers perfect for taking a drive down some of the scenic back roads, beautiful springs with the first crops of the year beginning to fill the farmland. Fall scenery is lovely with harvests in full swing and winters are mild. Winter temperatures average at -3 C and summer months are warm and sunny with highs of 28 C. Rainfall averages 389mm annually with snowfalls at 85cm annually.
Amenities:
The local economy relies on an immense agricultural industry, Armstrong’s surrounding landscape is full of dairy farms, chicken barns and large fields of crops. Armstrong has an incredible farmers’ market that takes place every week, find local crafts, baking, organic vegetables, fresh fruits, meats and much more. After a trip to the market, stop by the renowned Village Cheese Factory and pick up some local artisanal cheeses, the perfect addition to any picnic basket. The community has a rich farming industry that can be explored at local antiques stores and the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery. The Royal York Golf Course and Clubhouse Restaurant is just minutes from town and provides the avid golfer with a gorgeous, well maintained course to play throughout the warm weather months. A local treasure is the world-renowned Caravan Farm Theatre, one of the most unique theatre experiences you will ever experience. The productions take place outdoors and spectators take in performances in the back of a horse drawn carriage that follows actors from scene to scene across the farm.
Armstrong is equipped with wonderful recreation facilities including a large outdoor skate park, outdoor swimming pool, skating rink, fitness centre, agricultural fairgrounds that include an ice pad, an indoor horseback riding arena, outdoor riding and performance venues, and a number of buildings designed to host a variety of events.
For the outdoor enthusiast, a number of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails surround the area. Enjoy a scenic hike on the ever-expanding trails located throughout the city. Mount Rose-Swanson is a local favourite with a stunning view of the valley from the summit, trails can be enjoyed on foot, by bike and on horseback.
Transportation:
Armstrong is located centrally along Highway 97A, approximately 10 minutes north of Vernon and 30 minutes south of Salmon Arm, accessible amenities can be found in the city limits but a short drive can have you in the larger city centres for any big shopping trips. Armstrong receives service from the local transit system with routes to Vernon. Commute to the Kelowna International Airport is very reasonable for those work remotely, at just 50 minutes by car. Armstrong is approximately 500 km (300 miles) from Calgary, Vancouver, Spokane and Seattle.
Food & Drink:
Armstrong’s food and beverage scene has had some great new additions in recent years. A local favourite is Farmstrong Cider Company, a beautifully renovated barn turned tasting room and event venue located on a quiet country road. Farmstrong serves up delicious house made ciders and homemade firestone pizzas, cooked to order in the outdoor oven. The Wild Oak Café is a cozy spot serving fresh coffee, sandwiches and soups made from local ingredients. A summer month hot spot is the Pink Rock Ice Cream Shoppe, a vintage ice cream shop offering vegan and gluten free so everyone can enjoy their favourite summer time treat.
Housing:
With a variety of detached homes, acreages hobby farms and strata properties, many people are attracted to the value and slower pace of life in the country side.
Schools:
The public school system is administered by School District 83 North Okanagan-Shuswap. Pleasant Valley Secondary School (PVSS), Len Wood Middle School, Highland Park Elementary, and Armstrong Elementary are almost all a short walk from one another and located in quaint residential neighbourhoods.
Events:
Famous for hosting the largest provincial exhibition in the interior, the IPE, Armstrong has repeatedly shown the small town, country welcome that return visitors have come to appreciate.
People travel from far and wide to enjoy the rodeo, amusement park, agriculture exhibits, live music and food fair.
Resources for Amenities & Recreation:
- City of Armstrong
- Armstrong Chamber of Commerce
- Regional District of the North Okanagan
- Armstrong Maps & Zoning
- Armstrong Parks & Recreation
- Armstrong Senior Center
- Heaton Place Retirement Community
- Armstrong Curling Club
- Armstrong Skating Club
- North Okanagan Knights Minor Hockey Association
- Armstrong Enderby Riding Club
- Armstrong Fish & Game Association
- North Okanagan Minor Lacrosse