23 Jun Moving to Kamloops? Here’s What You Should Know About Renting an Apartment Here
Moving from another city to Kamloops can be complicated, not to mention stressful. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, retirement, or simply a change of scenery, understanding the local rental market can make your search much easier.
When searching for Kamloops apartments, knowing a little about the city’s rental market, how to search, and learning about the area before you arrive can make finding your new home much easier.
Start Your Search Early
Kamloops has experienced steady population growth in recent years. Demand for purpose-built apartment rentals is high and supply is low. While Canada’s average vacancy rate is about 3%, the vacancy rate for Kamloops apartments fell to 1.2% last year, on par with the low vacancy rates the city has experienced for the past decade.
Because of the high demand, it’s important to start your search several months before you move.
Searching for Apartments for Rent Kamloops BC
When searching remotely, don’t rely on just one website. Compare listings on Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and Zumper to get a better feel for what’s available.
Before comparing rental apartments, make a prioritized list of things that are important to you, including:
- Monthly rent
- Number of bedrooms and square footage
- Apartment amenities (types of appliance, flooring, laundry facilities, personal storage)
- Age of the building
- Pet policies
- Whether utilities are included
- Building amenities: security, parking, fitness room, common rooms, outdoor picnic spaces
- Proximity to work, school, grocery stores, healthcare, parks, recreation, walking trails, or transit.
Having clear priorities makes it much easier to narrow your options.
Apartment Hunting from Another City
Finding an apartment in Kamloops while you’re living in another city can be challenging, although it’s possible. Below are a few ideas that can make it easier.
- If you prefer viewing apartments in person, schedule viewings around your time-off or vacation days and take a little time to tour the city
- Ask the property manager if they can set up a virtual tour by video call (e.g. Zoom, Google Meet)
- If you have friends or family in the city, ask them to attend the viewing and give you a virtual tour by video call
- Hire a student from Craigslist to provide a virtual tour by video call
- Be sure to view galleries and floor plans
Be cautious of rental scams. Never pay before confirming the legitimacy of the property and the property management company.
Get to Know Kamloops Remotely
You can become familiar with the city without visiting by watching these virtual neighbourhood tours on YouTube.
To learn about local culture, events, outdoor recreation, restaurants, attractions, and other things to do in and around Kamloops, visit Tourism Kamloops.
Rent a Modern Kamloops Apartment
McGill Ridge Kamloops apartment community has a lot to offer. We rent modern, recently built studios, 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom plus study and 2 bedroom apartments. Our 6-building, professionally-managed development is located steps from Thompson Rivers University near shopping, restaurants, services, entertainment and nature.