Grand Forks

Grand Forks sits at the confluence of the Granby and Kettle Rivers, where the town’s 4,100 residents have mastered the art of living well on less. With a median household income of $61,600, this isn’t where you’ll find tech millionaires, but it’s where you’ll discover people who chose proximity to Christina Lake’s crystal waters over city paychecks.

The numbers tell an interesting story: 75.9% of homes are single-detached houses, and with a median age of 56, Grand Forks has become a magnet for those trading career stress for mountain views. The climate has literally warmed up — improving by half a hardiness zone since the 1990s — making it even more appealing for year-round outdoor enthusiasts and the growing population of retirees who’ve discovered this corner of the Boundary Country.

Phoenix Mountain’s ski runs and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail bring seasonal visitors, while the town’s agricultural roots run deep in the fertile valley soil. The loss of the Pope & Talbot mill hurt, but Grand Forks adapted rather than withered. Retail trade employs 17.1% of workers, followed by healthcare and construction — industries that serve both locals and the steady stream of lake-goers who’ve decided to stay permanently.

Tekamar offers equity-based lending in Grand Forks with a maximum LTV of 55%, recognizing that while property values remain accessible, the recovery timeline in this smaller market requires extra caution. For brokers working with clients who’ve found their slice of paradise but need flexible financing — whether for debt consolidation, bridge loans, or second mortgages — we understand that sometimes the best investments aren’t about the fastest returns, but about the places that make you want to stay.

The town’s 1.6% growth might seem modest, but in a place where people choose lifestyle over ladder-climbing, steady often beats spectacular.