Armstrong Real Estate: Heritage Built on AgriculturE:
With its charming character, preserved heritage, and rolling landscape dotted with dairy and agriculture farms, Armstrong real estate is desirable for young families, retirees, and everyone in between as it offers a number of amenities. It’s also ideal for those who want to own land for a hobby farm or farming enterprise.
Located at the heart of the beautiful Spallumcheen Valley, the City of Armstrong is located 24 kilometres north of Vernon and 40 kilometres south of Salmon Arm. It has a population of approximately 5,100 residents, according to the 2016 census. Many who move here choose a quieter lifestyle over all else.
A gathering place for centurieS:
Armstrong embraces its heritage, which dates back thousands of years to when the Splatsin and Okanagan peoples first hunted and gathered here. The fur traders would later come through the area in the early 1800s, following the waterways of the Hudson’s Bay Company Brigade Trail. Those on the path of the Cariboo Gold Rush would follow, along with cattle drivers and miners.
One of the area’s most known settlers was the family of Irish-born overlander Catherine Schubert, whose daughter, Rose, was the first white baby to be born in the BC Interior. The family settled in Armstrong in 1879, where Rose went on to marry Harry Swanson. The mountain that looms north of the city was named in her honour. Today, the peaks of Rose Swanson Mountain provide a popular hiking spot.
Character homes in Armstrong:
Some houses for sale in Armstrong consist of historical character homes, which according to the city’s heritage inventory, date as far back as 1891. There are more than 75 homes with heritage designation (built prior to 1930) listed in the inventory, and most have been preserved in their original fashion.
Armstrong Real Estate by the Numbers:
According to the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB), Armstrong real estate statistics show the average price for a single family dwelling in the city ranges from $400,000 to $460,000, slightly under Vernon.
However, the demand for acreages has increased exponentially, with some cattle ranches and farms going for more than $1.8 million, depending on the size and location of the property.
The average price of a lot also depends on location and size, but is calculated at approximately $100,000 per acre.
Schools, Recreation and Things to Do in Armstrong:
Families with school-age children looking to invest in Armstrong real estate have a elementary schools (Armstrong and Highland Park), one middle school (Len Wood) and one secondary school (Pleasant Valley).
Recreation facilities include Memorial Park, which features an outdoor swimming pool, a splash and play park, as well as the Lions’ Gazebo, which hosts outdoor concerts popular in the summer months.
Along with an outdoor skateboard park, the newer NorVal Arena offers a number recreation programs, including ice hockey and skating, as does the Armstrong Curling Rink.
The older Hassen Memorial Arena is open to a number of activities, including roller skating, trade shows, equine events, and more. It also features a gym with workout equipment.
Centennial Hall has an auditorium and is also home to the Armstrong Community Theatre, which offers live theatre productions throughout the year. The theatre also offers the occasional movie screening.
Other arts and culture facilities include the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum and Art Gallery as well as the world famous outdoor Caravan Farm Theatre, located a 10-minute drive northwest of the city in Spallumcheen.
Armstrong-Spallumcheen’s most known event takes place over five days before Labour Day. Now in its 118th year, the Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) attracts visitors from all over western Canada and features a pro rodeo, parade, animal and agricultural demonstrations and exhibitors, midway, and live entertainment.