Long the playground of vacationing Albertans, the Columbia Valley region of the East Kootenay is being discovered by a new generation of B.C.’s urban expats, who no longer need to work in city offices. Spectacular mountain settings, world-class recreational opportunities and affordable homes are all part of the draw. Local buzz has it Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, a jewel of the region (and one of B.C.’s top fly-in communities with its own airstrip) may be eyeing a revitalization in the future. columbiavalley.com, rdek.bc.ca
Buy here: Average assessed single-family home value in Invermere: $418,000 (+3%) and Cranbrook: $327,000 (+6%).*