Hey Creston Valley dreamers! Ever feel like finding the perfect home is like searching for that elusive ripe cherry in July? Well, good news! Right now, the Creston real estate market is offering a fantastic selection of homes just waiting for their new owners!

We’re seeing a healthy inventory of properties hitting the market, which translates to some exciting opportunities for you.Here in our beautiful valley, a wider selection means you have more breathing room to find a place that truly ticks all your boxes (and maybe even a few you hadn’t thought of!).

Why a Buyer’s Market (of Sorts!) is Your Moment to Shine:

• More Options, Less Pressure: With more homes to choose from, you can take your time exploring different neighborhoods, property styles, 
• Finding the Perfect Fit: That dream of a sprawling garden, a cozy fireplace for those Kootenay evenings, maybe a view of the majestic mountains or even a lake property? With more listings, the chances of finding a home that aligns perfectly with your lifestyle and needs just went up!
• Less Competition (Generally Speaking): While great properties still attract attention, a larger inventory can mean less intense competition compared to a market with limited listings. This gives you a better shot at landing your ideal place.

What This Means for You, the Aspiring Creston Homeowner:

Now is the time to get serious about your search! Whether you’re a first-time buyer eager to put down roots, a growing family needing more space, or someone looking to embrace the peaceful Creston lifestyle, this vibrant market offers something for everyone.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Shannon and I are keeping a close eye on all the new listings hitting the market, from charming in-town homes to picturesque acreages. We’re here to help you navigate this exciting landscape and find the Creston home you’ve been waiting for.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Let’s chat about your real estate goals and start exploring the wonderful array of properties currently available. Your Creston dream home might just be a showing away!

Give myself or Shannon a call today – we’re excited to help you find your perfect place!

Thinking about a move that blends stunning natural beauty with a genuinely welcoming community, all while keeping you conveniently connected? Then let me tell you a bit about Creston, a place my wife, Shannon, and I are incredibly proud to call home.

For years, we’ve helped countless individuals and families who had been looking to escape the hustle of the city discover the unique charm of the Creston Valley. It’s more than just picturesque; it’s a strategically positioned gem with a quality of life that’s attracting attention for all the right reasons.

Your Hub for Kootenay Adventures 

One of the first things people notice about Creston is its fantastic location. It’s not tucked away in isolation; it’s a central point that opens up a world of experiences:

• When in need of a City Fix: Don’t worry! Nelson and Cranbrook are both only a short drive away. Cranbrook (105km away or approx 70 min) has a large hospital, tons of shopping options, and boasts The Canadian Rockies International Airport which makes for shorter travel time when big cities are necessary. Nelson (124km away approx 1.5hr) has the historic Capitol Theatre, numerous galleries, a vibrant nightlife and dining scene with a reputation for having the most restaurants per capita in Canada. When in Creston you get the small-town peace without sacrificing access..
• International Exploration: Craving a cross-border getaway? The U.S. border is only a few minutes away. Easily travel to Idaho, Washington, or Montana in less time than a commute across the lower mainland. 
• Water Lover’s Paradise: Kootenay Lake, with its boating and water recreation opportunities, is a mere 20 minutes from your doorstep.
• Angler’s Dream: World-class fishing on a number of rivers in addition to the lake are at your fingertips. Imagine those peaceful mornings by the water!
• Winter Fun: With some amazing ski hills so close by it’s great to have options! 

1. Salmo Ski Area Approximately 45 min drive from Creston and known for its family friendly slopes a great beginner hill or way to get some local runs in. 
2. RED Mountain in Kimberley Approximately 2 – 2.5 hours drive. Family-friendly resort with sunny slopes and consistent snowfall.
3. Whitewater Ski Resort Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours drive. Known for its incredible powder and backcountry feel.
4. Big White Ski Resort Approximately  2.5hr drive is known for its deep powder and family friendly atmosphere. 
5. Panorama Approximately 3 – 3.5 hours drive. Offers a wide variety of terrain and stunning views.
6. Fernie: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours drive. Renowned for its deep snow and challenging terrain.

Nature’s Embrace: The Wildlife Factor

For nature lovers, Creston is a true paradise. The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, a vital wetland habitat, offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing right in our backyard. You could be sipping your morning coffee while watching a heard of elk pass by below your deck! Try getting that in the suburbs!

Shannon and I often hear from buyers who are drawn to this incredible connection with nature. It’s a chance to trade concrete jungles for the sights and sounds of the natural world, a true lifestyle change.

Who Calls Creston Home? 

What makes Creston so dynamic is the diverse group of people who choose to live here:

• Agricultural Enthusiasts: Our fertile valley is a haven for those with a passion for growing, from established orchardists to those just starting their hobby farm dreams.
• Semi-Retired Professionals: The mild climate, a slower paced way of life, friendly close knit community and more affordable living, coupled with that crucial connection to urban centers, make Creston a smart choice.
• Young Families: With quality schools and a safe, nurturing community, Creston provides an ideal environment to raise children without the hefty price tag of larger cities.
• Remote Workers: Work form anywhere, why not here?

Keeping it Real: Things to Consider

We believe in honest guidance, so it’s important to be upfront about everything Creston offers. While it’s a fantastic place, it’s not a bustling metropolis:

• Fewer Big City Events: While our community punches above its weight with some wonderful community happenings, the scale of cultural events is smaller than in larger centers like Nelson.
• Quieter Nights: If you’re looking for extensive nightlife, Creston might not be the hot spot. However, we have cozy pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed evening.
• Rural Rhythms: Being an agricultural community, you might experience seasonal dust or see farm equipment on the roads. It’s part of the valley’s charm.
• Spring Runoff: In some lower-lying areas, spring runoff can occasionally lead to temporary flooding concerns. It’s something we always discuss with potential buyers.

As I always tell my clients, and Shannon wholeheartedly agrees, “Creston is perfect for many people, but not for everyone. The happiest residents are those who come here with a clear understanding of what valley life truly entails throughout all the seasons.”

The Undeniable Creston Advantage

What truly distinguishes Creston is its unique blend: the abundance of agriculture, a milder climate compared to many other Kootenay towns, and that strategic location we talked about. While some mountain towns offer dramatic but sometimes challenging weather, and larger centers come with higher costs, Creston offers a balanced and increasingly attractive option.

Shannon and I have our fingers firmly on the pulse of this wonderful community. We’re passionate about helping people find their perfect place here, offering honest advice, leveraging our extensive local network, and providing the kind of personalized service you deserve.

Whether you’re picturing a heritage home with character, an orchard with breathtaking views, or a modern family home, we’re here to help you explore the abundant possibilities that Creston has to offer. Come discover the sweet life with us!

They say money doesn’t grow on trees — but in Creston, it kind of does. Cherries, peaches, grapes, and even lavender are thriving like it’s their full-time job. If your dream involves fruit baskets, farm animals, or sipping Pinot with a view — this valley is basically the VIP lounge of BC agriculture.

Why Rural is Ripe:

BC agricultural land values: Up 12.7% in 2024 

Interest in local food systems & rural lifestyle: Surging, especially among young families, former city-dwellers, and “I just want to grow something” dreamers.

Creston isn’t just dirt and tractors — it’s a full-blown lifestyle upgrade with a side of pie.

Hot Markets:

Creston Valley:
Let’s just call it what it is: a produce paradise. The microclimate here is the kind of thing fruit trees write love songs about. Soft fruits like cherries, peaches, plums, apricots — plus berries, apples, and everything in between — are thriving.

Vineyards:
Creston’s wine game is on point. Think award-winning wineries such as Baillie Grohman, Skimmerhorn Winery and Vineyard, and Red Bird Estate Winery that all feature seasonal tasting lounges, exceptional views, and have kept our town a buzzing during our summer tourism season.

Field Crops:
From asparagus to lavender, and wheat to lettuce, if it grows in Canada, it probably grows better here. Just as the incredible Cartwheel Farms that does home delivery of their freshest organic selections. The soil’s rich, the sun’s friendly, and the vibes are farm-fresh.

Livestock & Dairy:
Many diaries including the renowned Kootenay Meadows along with a community of small-scale ranchers have cows so content they practically hum. Locals are catching on to the value of happy, grass-fed animals, and top-tier meat and dairy.

Expert Quote:

“Creston is the kind of place where a backyard garden can turn into a business, and a few chickens can lead to big dreams.”
– Shannon Veitch, Century 21 Assurance Realty

Whether you want to bottle wine, name a cow, or just live a little slower, Creston is where it all starts — in the soil, under the sun, and surrounded by possibility.

The future is fertile. Come get your hands dirty.

Turns out, “working from home” hits different when your home has mountain views, zero traffic jams, and a goat named Kevin. As remote work becomes the norm, more folks are swapping urban hustle for rural tranquility.

Signs of the Shift:

• Interprovincial Migration Trends: In 2023, British Columbia experienced a net loss of over 8,600 residents to other provinces. This marks the first such decline in a decade .​BC Chartered Professional Accountants+4Burns Lake Lakes District News+4Times Colonist+4
  
• Remote Work Revolution: Self-employment in Canada has seen a resurgence, with 2.7 million self-employed workers recorded in March 2025, up 3.0% from the same month in 2024 .​Statistics Canada
  
• Internet Infrastructure: TELUS has expanded its PureFibre network, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 250 Mbps in various regions. This allows for enhanced connectivity for remote workers .​Reddit+3TELUS+3BC Technology+3
  

Top Rural Retreats:

Creston Valley: Affordable living with a community feel. The ongoing rollout of fiber-optic internet ensures that you can attend Zoom meetings without a hitch, all while enjoying the serenity of rural life.​

Nelson: A haven for artists and entrepreneurs alike. With co-working spaces and a vibrant arts scene, Nelson combines creativity with connectivity.​

Kimberley & Invermere: Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on their caffeine fix. These towns offer a blend of adventure and amenities.​

Expert Insight:

“The urban exodus isn’t just a phase—it’s a cultural shift redefining how and where we live and work.”
– Dana Mirza, Urban-to-Rural Migration Researcher, UVic

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of swapping traffic jams for tractor sightings, or replacing your office view with rolling hills and roaming deer — this might be your sign. Rural BC isn’t just where you live — it’s where you thrive, breathe a little deeper, and maybe finally learn how to keep a basil plant alive.

Give us a call, your lakeside cabin, cozy cottage, and scenic Zoom background await — country living never looked so good 🌻🐓✨ 

From cherry orchards to climate-smart crops, Creston is blending its rich farming roots with the tools of tomorrow — and with farmland in high demand, this soil is as valuable as it is fertile.

With its rich agricultural heritage and diverse crop production — Creston is uniquely positioned to benefit from major agricultural market trends. Here’s how they play out locally:

🌱 Precision Agriculture & Smart Farming

Impact in Creston:
Creston’s mix of orchards, vineyards, and field crops makes it a perfect candidate for precision tech. GPS-guided tractors and moisture sensors are already helping local farmers fine-tune irrigation and reduce inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. For smaller-scale producers, drone mapping and app-based crop monitoring are becoming cost-effective tools to boost yields while being eco-smart.

➡️ Smarter growing = more efficient land use, better yields, and happier cherry trees.

🌿 Regenerative Agriculture

Impact in Creston:
With Creston’s naturally fertile soils, regenerative practices like cover cropping and rotational grazing are a natural fit. Many local producers are shifting toward soil-first approaches — not just for sustainability, but also because healthier soil grows better fruit (hello, award-winning cherries and apples!). There’s also growing interest in composting and reduced tillage practices among organic and hobby farms.

➡️ It’s not just good for the planet — it makes your peaches juicier.

🧬 Biotechnology & Climate-Resilient Crops

Impact in Creston:
As climate patterns shift, Creston growers are paying closer attention to resilient crop varieties. Drought-tolerant grape vines, disease-resistant apple rootstocks, and early-bloom cherries are increasingly being planted. While large-scale gene editing isn’t a major player here yet, the trend toward climate-smart varietals is well underway.

➡️ Science is helping ensure that Creston’s fruit bowl stays full — rain or shine.

🔗 Digitalization of the Agri-Food Chain

Impact in Creston:
Traceability and direct-to-consumer models are becoming huge — especially with Creston’s emphasis on local, high-quality produce. More farms are adopting digital tools to track their product from field to farmers’ market, CSA box, or even tasting room. QR codes, online ordering, and digital record-keeping help small farms compete with big retailers.

➡️ That jar of Creston cherry jam? You might soon be able to trace it back to the exact row it came from.

🚜 So What Does This Mean for Real Estate in Creston?

As agriculture modernizes, land in Creston becomes more than just a pretty patch of earth — it’s an asset with future-forward potential. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a green-thumbed dreamer, Creston’s “crop stars” are only getting brighter.

Tech meets tradition here — and it’s growing into something pretty amazing. 

📞 Call today to find your piece of paradise 250-428-6600

Keeping up with the times is exhausting, so although the youngins only use chat gpt these days I am attempting to keep things entertaining by showing my age and producing written material. So welcome world! On today’s episode of ‘What the heck is going on out here’ interest rates have been dropping, meaning those on variable rate mortgages are happy, and those looking at moving are excited. With so much uncertainty with foreign relations many people are taking to the market to secure their future . This makes for dynamic market one that hasn’t taken a winter break, and we’ve been close to run off our feet! So of course it seemed like the perfect time to change things up and do a merger because…why not! We are now officially Century 21 Assurance Realty and this allows for Shannon and I to get down to business, how about a little friendly competition? We all know I can outsell my wife any day! Take your bets ladies and gentleman! 

The office is bustling. We have some seasoned realtors and some exuberant freshies that have joined our team and they seem to liven the place up a bit, but the fridge is always empty…I may, or may not, introduce them…we’ll see who brings an apple for the teacher…

Back to the market, keeping up with current trends is a must right now, there is a lot changing. Lots of people are moving from bigger cities where housing prices have become unsustainable for many. People are wanting family focused communities where they can raise their children, while not compromising on the beauty that BC has to offer. Multi-family homes are more common than ever before, so are homes with the potential to bring in income with rental suites, and secondary living accommodations. Canadian families are trying to be smart with their money, not overextending themselves. They want security for their future. Many people are looking at downsizing and getting in on a market that has increased their home’s value over recent years allows them to pull from a solid long term investment…their home! Because of this they are then able to live their retired years with less financial stress. With so many Canadians looking to support local, small businesses have new opportunities. These are exciting times here in our valley and I am all for it! Follow along as we explore the happenings and I show you what this awesome little town has to offer.

Alright, let’s talk cows. Not the ones on your favourite cheese wrapper or that suspiciously judgmental one in your dreams — we mean real, live, grass-munching, milk-donating bovines right here in our own backyard.

Que Kootenay Meadows, the holy grail of moo-licious, organic dairy goodness. Nestled on a glorious 900 acres boasting organically grown grain, alfalfa, and pasture (basically, cow heaven), this family-owned farm is living proof that you can have your cheese and eat it too.

Starting out with specialty cheese and a dream, they’ve now blossomed into a full-blown dairy empire — and by “empire,” we mean 100 cows living their absolute best lives. 

Cheese, Please!

They now whip up everything from a soft Scottish-style cheese, to Quebecois cheese curds, a bit of cheddar, and even — brace yourselves — soft serve ice cream, made right in the farm shop. Yes, you can literally meet the cow before you eat the cone. Now that’s farm-to-face service!

Cows + Community = A Moo-ving Experience

One of the best things about Kootenay Meadows? They’re not just about the dairy — they’re all about the dairy experience”. Their barns are open during shop hours, so your kids (and let’s be honest, you too) can hang out with the cows, see the farm in action, and probably fall in love with a Jersey named Daisy.

But the real showstopper? The Spring Turn Out Event, happening this Saturday, April 19th. Imagine a joyful stampede (ok, more of a jubilant trot) of cows leaping into green pastures after their winter hiatus. It’s like Coachella for cattle — complete with tail flicks, happy moos, and the kind of grass appreciation that puts your houseplant obsession to shame.

Bonus!

They also host artisan markets through the summer and the cozy fall turn-in event, so if you’ve been looking for a place to buy a hand-knitted tea cozy, a jar of small-batch jam, and a wheel of cheese — while possibly petting a calf — look no further.