One of the things Lisa Salt loves about living in Vernon is hearing how quickly people who move here begin to feel at home. But what makes someone leave a place they already love and start over somewhere new?

In this conversation, Lisa is joined by Laura Reners, one of the REALTORS® at RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler, to talk about her move from Pincher Creek, Alberta, to Vernon and how life in southern Alberta compares with life in the North Okanagan.

Laura grew up in Pincher Creek, a small community in southern Alberta nestled near the Rocky Mountains. Like many people who grow up in smaller communities, she moved around for school and work before eventually arriving in the Okanagan following a job transfer for her husband.

Her first impression of Vernon came from driving through the community on the highway. Although she had travelled through Vernon many times, she hadn't realized that the community was surrounded by lakes. After living here, she came to appreciate just how much water and scenery are part of everyday life, with Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Swan Lake all contributing to the landscape.

Weather was another major difference Laura noticed after moving to Vernon. She describes southern Alberta as having a much shorter transition between winter and summer, while the Okanagan offers four distinct seasons. Alberta can bring extremely cold temperatures, but those winter days are often sunny. Vernon generally has milder winters, although winter inversions can bring extended periods of grey weather.

For Laura, the milder weather in Vernon creates more freedom to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. While Alberta can offer bright winter days, the extreme cold can limit how much time people want to spend outside.

After living in Vernon for several years, Laura also came to appreciate the community's size. Having moved from Calgary, and having grown up in a very small community, she realized that she enjoys the convenience of a smaller city. In Vernon, she jokes that everything is roughly 10 minutes away, something she didn't realize she had missed until she experienced it again.

Her hometown of Pincher Creek is considerably smaller, with Laura estimating a population of roughly 4,000 to 5,000 people. That smaller population also means significantly fewer choices when it comes to real estate. She recalls looking at homes with her brother and finding only a handful of properties for sale at the time.

Laura explains that Pincher Creek has a strong agricultural identity, with plenty of farmland and acreages. She compares the community in some ways to Armstrong, with a rural and agricultural character that is quite different from Vernon.

Real estate values are also very different between the two communities. Laura describes a 1950s home her brother was considering in Pincher Creek that was priced between $200,000 and $300,000 and required renovations. Because there were so few properties available, buyers had limited alternatives.

While Laura has embraced life in Vernon, there are still things she misses about Alberta. One is the expansive landscape. Growing up in an area where you can see long distances across relatively flat terrain creates a sense of familiarity that can be nostalgic.

She also describes the smell of Alberta as something that feels like home. It is difficult to explain exactly what it is, but for Laura, returning to Alberta and experiencing that familiar scent brings back a feeling of home and nostalgia.

Laura also feels that Alberta has a different pace and mentality. She describes things as moving a little quicker than they do in British Columbia, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. She also jokingly acknowledges that Alberta's lack of provincial sales tax is something people in BC might miss.

There is one thing Laura definitely does not miss about Pincher Creek: the wind. She describes it as one of the windiest places in Canada. While the community can be beautiful when the weather is calm, winter can bring powerful winds and very different conditions.

Lisa and Laura also discuss who might be a good fit for Vernon. Laura points to people who work in industries such as oil and gas and who have the flexibility to live somewhere other than where they work. For people who fly in and out for work, living in the Okanagan can provide access to lakes, hiking and outdoor recreation during their time off, while still allowing them to maintain their careers elsewhere.

On the other hand, Laura says young families and young couples focused on building careers and getting ahead financially may find Alberta offers different opportunities and that their money can go further there.

That doesn't mean Pincher Creek lacks outdoor recreation. Laura explains that people there enjoy activities such as dirt biking, skiing at Castle Mountain, visiting Waterton National Park, rodeo and horseback activities. The agricultural and outdoor lifestyle attracts many people who enjoy spending their free time outside.

After nine years in Vernon, Laura says she would absolutely make the move again. She still enjoys returning to Alberta to visit family and spend time there, but Vernon now feels like home. She loves the weather, the activities and the friendships she has made in the community.

Lisa and Laura also put the two communities through a rapid-fire comparison, although Laura finds that many of the answers depend on the person's stage of life and what matters most to them.

When it comes to scenery, Laura sees appeal in both places. Southern Alberta offers sprawling fields with mountains in the distance, while Vernon offers mountain and lake views. For weather, Laura gives Alberta the nod because of its winter sunshine, while Vernon offers milder conditions and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

For raising a family and getting ahead financially, Laura says Alberta can offer advantages, particularly for younger people. For outdoor recreation, she chooses Vernon. When it comes to restaurants, she points out that Pincher Creek has some great options, but Vernon simply offers more choice.

Real estate is another area where Laura sees a difference. She says Alberta offers better value at the point of entry, while properties in BC may have stronger appreciation. However, the overall cost of owning a home in BC can also be higher when factors such as Property Transfer Tax and other taxes are considered.

When Lisa asks Laura where she would buy a home today, her answer is Vernon, the community she has chosen to call home.

For Laura, the comparison between Pincher Creek and Vernon isn't about one community being right or wrong. Both have their own character, lifestyle and advantages. Ultimately, the right choice depends on what fits a person and their family best.

If you're watching from southern Alberta and wondering what life is really like in Vernon, this conversation offers a firsthand perspective from someone who has experienced both communities.

If you had the choice, would you rather wake up looking at the Rocky Mountains or spend your day on Okanagan or Kalamalka Lake? Let us know in the comments and tell us where you're watching from.

If you're thinking about relocating to Vernon, the North Okanagan or the Shuswap, contact Laura Reners at RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler and download the FREE Relocation Guide.