Hope

Hope sits at one of British Columbia’s most strategic crossroads, where the Fraser Valley meets the mountains and four major highways converge. This positioning has made it a natural stopping point for over a century, earning it the nickname “Gateway to the Cascades.”

The town’s claim to fame extends far beyond geography. Hope became Hollywood’s go-to mountain town after serving as the backdrop for the original Rambo film “First Blood” in 1982. The movie’s legacy lives on through annual Rambo festivals and a dedicated museum that draws fans from around the world. You’ll find Sylvester Stallone’s likeness carved into chainsaw sculptures throughout downtown—a quirky tribute that perfectly captures Hope’s blend of rugged mountain culture and unexpected charm.

Currently, Tekamar’s maximum LTV in Hope is 0%, meaning we don’t actively lend in this market. The combination of economic vulnerabilities, including an 11.6% unemployment rate and median household income of $64,000, creates challenges that don’t align with our conservative lending approach focused on principal protection.

Hope’s housing market reflects its transitional nature between urban and rural BC. With 74% single-detached homes and a median age of 54.8 years, it’s clearly attracting retirees drawn to the mild Zone 8b climate and outdoor recreation opportunities. The famous Othello Tunnels, carved through solid granite for the old Kettle Valley Railway, offer hiking experiences you can’t find anywhere else in the province.

The town’s economy relies heavily on its highway junction status, supporting a robust retail and accommodation sector that serves the constant flow of travelers heading to Vancouver, the Interior, or the US border. While Nestle’s water bottling operation provides industrial stability, Hope’s long-term appeal lies in its unique combination of accessibility and wilderness proximity—you’re two hours from Vancouver but surrounded by peaks that rival anything in the Rockies.

For mortgage brokers with clients considering Hope, the market dynamics suggest patience. The community’s enduring advantages and growing retiree population indicate potential, but current economic indicators keep us on the sidelines for now.