From Dixon Dam Road to East Hill: My Move Across Vernon

Quick answer: In 2023 I sold my house on Dixon Dam Road, the home where we held Jonesapalooza, and moved to East Hill. East Hill puts you on the hillside right above downtown Vernon, with the hospital, schools and parks close by. If you’re thinking about a similar move from a rural road into town, here’s what to weigh.

I’ve lived in Vernon for 49 years and I’m in my 23rd year in real estate. I raised two daughters here. My most recent move was from Dixon Dam Road, out in the BX, to East Hill in 2023. Here’s that story, plus the practical side for anyone weighing a similar move.

The Dixon Dam Road years and Jonesapalooza

The Dixon Dam Road house is where we hosted Jonesapalooza, a big community fundraiser party with live music from local band Feet First. The 2023 edition, an ’80s-themed night in July, was the last one held there, and it raised just over $2,800 for The Emily Dahl Foundation. The foundation was set up through the Community Foundation North Okanagan in Emily’s memory and supports things like scholarships and donations to local organizations.

Many of my clients have become friends over the years, and much of my business comes from referrals. You can read the full story on my Jonesapalooza fundraiser page.

Moving to East Hill

After selling on Dixon Dam Road, I moved to East Hill in 2023, and I’ve lived here since. Here’s what the neighbourhood offers anyone making a similar move:

Close to downtown. East Hill is the hillside directly east of downtown Vernon, so shops, restaurants and services are nearby.
Health care nearby. Vernon Jubilee Hospital is just down the hill.
Schools. Vernon Secondary School sits near the centre of the neighbourhood. See my East Hill schools guide.
Parks. Lakeview Park, with the free Peanut Pool wading pool and spray park, is right in the neighbourhood.
History. Homes from the 1890s onward, the Caetani Cultural Centre on Pleasant Valley Road, and Campbell House at the top of 30th Avenue.
Still close to play. Kalamalka Lake beaches are about 10 to 15 minutes by car and SilverStar about 30 minutes.

There’s more on the neighbourhood on my living in East Hill page.

Thinking about moving from a rural property into town?

If you’re weighing a move like this, here are the questions worth asking before you list:

What do you want more of, and less of?

Space and privacy vs. walkability and neighbours close by;
yard work, long driveways and snow clearing vs. a smaller lot;
driving for errands vs. having things nearby.

What will the move cost and free up?

Selling costs, moving costs and any property transfer tax on your purchase;
differences in utilities, insurance and upkeep between the two homes;
what an older in-town home might need: wiring, plumbing, heating, foundation.

How will services change?

In Vernon, drinking water is supplied by the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Greater Vernon Water utility, and the City looks after sewer mains. A rural property might have a well, a septic system or different arrangements altogether, so compare what you’ll be responsible for in each home. Older in-town homes come with their own list, like original sewer lines and old heating systems, so budget for an inspection that covers them.

This is general information. Talk to your lender, accountant and lawyer about the financial side of buying and selling.

Sell first or buy first?

There’s no single right answer. It depends on your finances, the market at the time and how comfortable you are carrying two properties or renting in between. Prices and conditions change, so get a current market snapshot for both your home and the area you’re moving to.

Selling a rural or acreage-style home

Selling a property outside the city core can involve things buyers in town don’t think about, like wells, septic systems, outbuildings and zoning. I work in residential, farms and ranches, commercial, and building and development, and those questions are part of the job. My page on selling your home covers how I approach it.

FAQ

Where is Dixon Dam Road?

Dixon Dam Road is in Vernon’s BX area, outside the downtown core.

Is Jonesapalooza still happening?

The 2023 edition at the Dixon Dam Road house was the last one. It raised just over $2,800 for The Emily Dahl Foundation.

How far is East Hill from Kalamalka Lake?

Kalamalka Lake beaches are about 10 to 15 minutes by car from East Hill.

Thinking about a move within Vernon? Call or text me at (250) 550-6979, or browse East Hill homes for sale.