Population estimates for the South Okanagan region are nearly 85,000 in 2010. Main economic drivers for the region are agriculture, tourism, foresty and mining. With Okanagan BC vacations homes having risen significantly in the past decade, construction work and manufacturing have been a leader in the labour market. Health care and public administration are also strong components of the labour force which is not surprising because Penticton is well known as a BC retirement mecca. Accordingly, much of the new home construction in the South Okanagan caters to the retired buyer, or soon to be retired. This means condo developments and gated communities of stand-alone ranchers and one-storey townhomes continue to be popular in Penticton BC and Summerland BC.

  Okanagan Real Estate in the Okanagan-Similkameen Region does varies greatly and the third most sought after type of BC property is waterfront property. The South Okanagan BC has many smaller lakes in addition to Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, and Vaseaux Lake offers some intersting new resort property options for those seeking South Okanagan Real Estate.