Working From Home on East Hill: A Remote Worker's Guide
Quick answer: East Hill works well for remote workers who want a quiet residential street, character homes with room for an office, and a short trip to downtown Vernon for coffee, errands and a change of scene. Before you buy, check internet service at the exact address, the home's electrical capacity and where a proper office could go.
Remote work has changed how people choose where to live. Instead of commuting, you're spending most of your day at home, so the home itself matters more than ever. East Hill, the hillside right above downtown Vernon, has a lot to offer. Here's what to think about.
Why East Hill Appeals to Remote Workers
- Close to town, but residential. East Hill sits directly above downtown Vernon, so errands, lunch meetings and a change of scenery are only minutes away.
- Room to work. Many older homes have extra bedrooms, dens, attics or basements that can become offices.
- Easy breaks outdoors. A walk through the neighbourhood's hilly streets clears your head. Lakeview Park is in the neighbourhood, Kalamalka Lake's beaches are about 10 to 15 minutes by car, and SilverStar is about 30 minutes away for a midweek ski or ride.
- Travel links. Tourism Vernon notes Kelowna International Airport is about 30 minutes south of Vernon, which helps if you fly to meet clients or head office.
Choosing the Right Office Space
Location in the house
Think about noise, light and separation. A room with a door and a window is ideal. In a busy family home, an office away from the kitchen and living room makes calls easier.
Converting older spaces
- Attics: Check headroom, insulation and whether the space stays comfortable in summer heat.
- Basements: Look for signs of moisture, ceiling height and natural light. Building code rules apply if you're finishing space, so check with the City of Vernon about permits.
- Garden offices: A detached studio can give you real separation. Size, setbacks and permits depend on City of Vernon zoning.
Heating and cooling
Offices in older homes are often the coldest room in winter and the hottest in summer. A ductless heat pump can help with both, and rebates may be available through the Home Renovation Rebate Program. Check current rules first.
Internet and Tech Checks Before You Buy
This is the step remote workers most often forget. Internet options can vary from one street to the next.
- Check availability at the exact address with the providers you're considering, not just the neighbourhood.
- Ask the sellers what service they use and how it performs.
- Test mobile coverage at the home during your viewing, especially if you rely on your phone for calls or as a backup.
- Look at the wiring. Older homes may have fewer outlets, ungrounded circuits or smaller electrical panels. Have an electrician assess the home before adding equipment, a heat pump or an EV charger.
Making It Work Day to Day
Plan for power interruptions
Storms and wildfire season can affect power. A battery backup for your modem and router, plus a laptop with good battery life, will keep you online through short outages.
Smoke season
Summer wildfire smoke is part of life in the Okanagan. A good air purifier in your office and spare HVAC filters keep your workspace comfortable when you need to keep windows closed.
Get out of the house
Working from home can get isolating. The Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library is a good place for a change of scenery, and downtown Vernon has plenty of spots to meet a client or colleague.
Taxes and Home Office Costs
Some remote workers can claim home office expenses on their income tax, depending on their employment situation and current Canada Revenue Agency rules. If you're self-employed, the rules differ again.
This is general information only. Confirm tax questions with an accountant or the Canada Revenue Agency.
When you're ready to look, browse Tim's live East Hill MLS® search for homes with a den or flex room. Our buying in East Hill guide explains the process, and our East Hill guide covers the neighbourhood.
FAQ
Is internet reliable in East Hill?
Service varies by address and provider, so check availability for the exact home you're considering and ask the sellers about their experience.
Can I build a backyard office in East Hill?
Possibly. Size, setbacks and permits depend on City of Vernon zoning and your lot. Check with the City before you buy or build.
How far is the airport from East Hill?
Tourism Vernon says Kelowna International Airport is about 30 minutes south of Vernon.
Looking for the right home to work from? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
