East Hill is Vernon’s original neighbourhood of choice. Tree-lined streets, 1890s heritage homes, big views over the city and the North Okanagan hills, and a 10-minute walk to downtown. It’s also where I live. This guide covers everything I tell buyers about East Hill before they start looking.
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Where is East Hill in Vernon?
East Hill rises up the slope directly east of downtown Vernon. Locals generally describe it as:
- West: Pleasant Valley Road and 27th Street, where the hill starts climbing from downtown
- South: Highway 6 / Coldstream Avenue and 30th Avenue
- East: out toward the South BX farmland and the Coldstream boundary
- North: roughly 43rd Avenue, where East Hill meets the lower BX
Vernon Secondary School (VSS) sits near the heart of the neighbourhood, and the famous Crescents mark the top of the hill. Neighbourhood lines are informal, so if you’re unsure whether a home counts as “East Hill”, ask me.
A little history
In the 1890s East Hill was where Vernon’s merchants, mayors and professionals built their homes. Four Victorian-era houses still stand on Pleasant Valley Road near the 35th Avenue roundabout. They include the 1895 Sommerville house, now the Caetani Cultural Centre, and the 1893 Queen Anne-style home built by W.R. Megaw, Vernon’s 1899 mayor. Walk a few blocks in any direction and you’ll find character homes from the early 1900s mixed with 1950s–70s family homes and new infill builds.
What homes look like in East Hill
- Heritage and character homes: early-1900s houses with big porches, mature trees and deep lots. Many have been lovingly renovated.
- Mid-century family homes: solid 1950s–70s bungalows and split-levels, often with suites or suite potential and city views.
- New infill and townhomes: modern duplexes, townhomes and carriage houses on subdivided lots, especially closer to downtown.
- Revenue properties: older homes converted to suites, plus small multi-family buildings.
Prices change every week. For current numbers, check the live East Hill listings or ask me for a free market snapshot.
Why people love living here
- Walk to downtown: restaurants, coffee shops, the library and the Performing Arts Centre are all a short walk or bike ride down the hill.
- Schools in the neighbourhood: elementary schools and VSS are close by. See the East Hill schools guide.
- Parks: Lakeview Park, with its free “Peanut Pool” and spray park, reopened after a major upgrade in 2024. See parks and things to do.
- Views: as you go up the hill you get views west over the city to the hills beyond.
- Close to the hospital: Vernon Jubilee Hospital is just down the hill, which is handy for health-care workers.
- Quick drives: Kalamalka Lake, Coldstream, SilverStar Mountain Resort and Highway 97 are all nearby.
Things to know before you buy in East Hill
- Older homes need proper inspections. Knob-and-tube wiring, oil tanks, galvanized plumbing and old foundations all show up in character homes. Budget for a thorough inspection.
- Heritage status: a few homes are on the City of Vernon Heritage Register. It’s worth knowing before you plan a big renovation.
- Suites and infill: BC’s small-scale multi-unit housing rules have opened new options for suites, carriage houses and multiplexes on many lots. Always confirm with the City of Vernon for a specific property.
- Hills and winter: some streets are steep. Look at driveway slope and snow clearing when you view homes in winter.
- Parking near the school: streets around VSS get busy at drop-off and pick-up times.
Thinking about selling your East Hill home?
Buyers pay a premium for East Hill’s location and character, but only when the home is marketed properly. I live here, so I know what buyers ask about. See how I sell East Hill homes or call me at (250) 550-6979 for a no-pressure home value.
