Friendly Kelowna?

[CoffeeCanuck]

I've noticed that when someone is considering a move to Kelowna and asks what it's like, there is a definite split in opinions as to it's friendliness. It seems people think Kelowna is either very friendly or not so much. I haven't heard many people, if anyone, say it's so/so. Soooo, I'm curious as to how people honestly view Kelowna. Where do you all stand. Friendly, not so friendly, or kind of in the middle? I am of course referring to Kelowna as a whole. Of course there are friendly and unfriendly people in the city just as there is anywhere.

~D

[BoB76]

I would say it is middle of the road.

[Snowbaby]

I'm middle of the road there CoffeeCanuck. After having lived in Ontario till my early 20's then out here for a few years then to PEI (which I'd love to return to!!), I find that it's split. There are friendly people out there, but there are a he!! of a lot of unfriendly ones too. The friendly ones just take some finding.

[mekathy]

I have found that people on the Westside (I don't live or work in Kelowna) are very friendly. I find that people moving here sometimes have strange expectations. They seem to want to make instant best friend relationships. I have a very full life with work and my family and have found making friends very easy. I think it is because I don't require being around others twenty four seven. I have found some people that move out here a little over anxious. I met a parent of one of my children's friends that had recently moved here from Ontario. Nice lady and we got together for coffee. Then she called the next day and invited us for dinner. Then she called the next weekend sounding a little hurt that we weren't able to get together with them.

[CoffeeCanuck]

I'm middle of the road there CoffeeCanuck. After having lived in Ontario till my early 20's then out here for a few years then to PEI (which I'd love to return to!!), I find that it's split. There are friendly people out there, but there are a he!! of a lot of unfriendly ones too. The friendly ones just take some finding.

I feel mostly like you do Snow. There certainly are friendly people in Kelowna, just look at these forums. I'm talking about real life though. Ones neighbours, co-workers, the store clerk, gas station attendant, bank teller, policeman/woman, etc.

I would like to challenge people to make an effort the next time they are out walking in the mall or downtown to look everyone in the eye that you meet, smile, say hello and see how many 'genuine' hello's you get returned. I did just this before I moved and I was shocked. I walked downtown and passed a variety of people. Teens, seniors, middle aged, business people, and bums. I smiled, made eye contact and warmly said hello to them all. Not one person gave me a warm and sincere hello back. I was ignored, quickly glanced at, given weird looks as if I was going to mug them and the odd person gruffly grunted a hi as they hurried on by.

~D

[Snowbaby]

Actually Coffee, I was talking real life, not forum life. I have had a few friendly service people over the years. As for my neighbours, in this complex the few I've actually managed to meet are nice enough...tho I must admit, I have met not even 1/3 of them.

Growing up, I always walked down the street and smiled at those I passed...a trait I inherited from my grandparents. I still do it to this day. Like you Coffee, I must say, there are not that many that smile or say hi in return. And pushing a stroller down the street and needing to go in a door...well let's just say I am a pro at the one handed open and push through manoeuvre (sp). Tho I will open and hold the door for other moms or older people with walkers....all are surprised at that.

[LoneWolf_53]

I sure couldn't go with the definitive "I sure do" option as it simply wouldn't be true.

The friendliest place I've ever resided was Saskatoon and Kelowna comes nowhere near it in that department.

There's definitely good folk here but I think you encounter about ten indifferent ones for every genuine person.

[AlanH]

That attitude can change easily, it starts with one person, you, maybe it will spread. And I see plenty of friendly people every day.

[SpazmoTheMagnificent]

That attitude can change easily, it starts with one person, you, maybe it will spread. And I see plenty of friendly people every day.

Are they medicated?
LOL...
Yup Kelowna has by far the most friendliest people on the entire planet...We don't have one...if your not rich like me, screw off person. Nor do we have an...I'm an original Kelownaite and your just an intrusive foriegner, when are you leaving person. Nor do we have...I'm an ignorant jacked up pickup driving racist, *bleep* blackie go back to africa person. Nor do we have an...I'm just trying to make a living, so please leave me alone and don't bother me person...Lordy no!
We just have a bunch of friendly, upbeat, non-stressed, happy people that are not self centered, or solopcistic and smile at everyone they meet, I'll be your friend, don't worry about it, welcome to Kelowna people!
Don't we?

Can't wait for the sunshine to come and brighten our happy days here in happy valley!

Y'all have a good night! I can hardly sleep cuz I'm so filled with glee in anticipation of seeing your happy smiling faces in the morning!

(Do I need to incert rolly eyes here, or does everyone get it?)

[mekathy]

wow, can you say bitter?
I don't think there is any place on earth that doesn't have it's fair share of nasty people, but I really don't see Kelowna having more than the norm. Perhaps I just like to see the glass as half full as I have met many great people since moving here. I have not let the nasty people leave an enormous impression on me as they are not the type of people I tend to attract.

[Bsuds]

Maybe miserable attracts miserable!
For the most part I smile and say hello or good day to anyone I meet while out for a walk (which I do most days).
My wife was born here and is very friendly and outgoing (can't stop her from chatting with anyone) lol

I don't care if a person is black, brown or striped, I treat them with respect and don't form an opinion about them until I get to know them. Some I like some I don't, that's how people are.

[SpazmoTheMagnificent]

wow, can you say bitter?
I don't think there is any place on earth that doesn't have it's fair share of nasty people, but I really don't see Kelowna having more than the norm. Perhaps I just like to see the glass as half full as I have met many great people since moving here. I have not let the nasty people leave an enormous impression on me as they are not the type of people I tend to attract.

Nope MK, not bitter and not pessamistic at all. I have just lived and worked in many places and have alot to compare with. In comparison to the many places I have lived the people here are unfriendly and angry. Just an observation of difference in people...thats all.

[mekathy]

wow, can you say bitter?
I don't think there is any place on earth that doesn't have it's fair share of nasty people, but I really don't see Kelowna having more than the norm. Perhaps I just like to see the glass as half full as I have met many great people since moving here. I have not let the nasty people leave an enormous impression on me as they are not the type of people I tend to attract.

Nope MK, not bitter and not pessamistic at all. I have just lived and worked in many places and have alot to compare with. In comparison to the many places I have lived the people here are unfriendly and angry. Just an observation of difference in people...thats all.

Well once again I think it is your perception or perhaps it is where you are in life. I have lived and travelled to many places as well and my observations have been that all in all the people I have met make where I live a better place. Once again, I don't live in Kelowna, I live on the Westside, but I can't see there being that much of a difference. When I hike or just go for a walk it is unusual to have someone walk past without saying hello. I know all my neighbours and have to say I quite like them all. I might not want to be their best friend but I always stop to hello. When I shop in the stores the cashiers are friendly for the most part. Perhaps some of the people you find so angry are tourists

[SpazmoTheMagnificent]

wow, can you say bitter?
I don't think there is any place on earth that doesn't have it's fair share of nasty people, but I really don't see Kelowna having more than the norm. Perhaps I just like to see the glass as half full as I have met many great people since moving here. I have not let the nasty people leave an enormous impression on me as they are not the type of people I tend to attract.

Nope MK, not bitter and not pessamistic at all. I have just lived and worked in many places and have alot to compare with. In comparison to the many places I have lived the people here are unfriendly and angry. Just an observation of difference in people...thats all.

Well once again I think it is your perception or perhaps it is where you are in life. I have lived and travelled to many places as well and my observations have been that all in all the people I have met make where I live a better place. Once again, I don't live in Kelowna, I live on the Westside, but I can't see there being that much of a difference. When I hike or just go for a walk it is unusual to have someone walk past without saying hello. I know all my neighbours and have to say I quite like them all. I might not want to be their best friend but I always stop to hello. When I shop in the stores the cashiers are friendly for the most part. Perhaps some of the people you find so angry are tourists

Well, you live in a better place than I do. I can't count how many locals that wouldn't give you the time of day, if there life depended on it. And not just my perception. I have asked the same question to people from my work and from our community infolvement, who have moved to Kelowna, and they say exactly the same thing. I have lived in Toronto, Montreal, London, SanFrancisco, Chicago, Atlanta, Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax, Boston and now Kelowna. Out of all these places...the people of Kelowna, are easily the most undfriendly!
Our wife and I are very outgoing and friendly people...involved in the community and very active...we meet alot of people. We have done so in each of the places we have lived...so in honest comparison of our encounters with other folks in other places...we can clearly state this observation with confidence.

[CoffeeCanuck]

When I hike or just go for a walk it is unusual to have someone walk past without saying hello. I know all my neighbours and have to say I quite like them all. I might not want to be their best friend but I always stop to hello. When I shop in the stores the cashiers are friendly for the most part.

I'm glad you have had a very positive experience. What you describe is something I experienced in Kelowna as an exception and not the rule, and I lived in Kelowna for 35 yrs.

~D