Merritt vs. Kamloops vs. Logan Lake: Which is the Best Place to Call Home?

When you’re thinking of making a move in the Thompson-Okanagan region, three names tend to pop up: Merritt, Kamloops, and Logan Lake. Each community has its own personality, advantages, and challenges — and the best choice really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and what you value most in a place to live.

Let’s break it down by town size, traffic, amenities, and price points, so you can figure out which spot feels most like “home.”

Merritt: The Hub of the Nicola Valley

Pros:

• Town Size & Lifestyle: With around 8,500 residents, Merritt is big enough to have grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and healthcare, but small enough that you’ll still run into familiar faces. It’s a close-knit community that prides itself on outdoor adventure — fishing, ATV’ing, hiking, and camping are all at your doorstep.

• Traffic: Forget traffic jams. Even at “rush hour,” you can get across town in under 10 minutes.

• Amenities: Merritt punches above its weight — you’ll find big box stores like Walmart and Canadian Tire, local coffee shops, recreation centres, and even its own hospital. It’s also only an hour from Kamloops or Kelowna for anything Merritt doesn’t have.

• Price Points: Homes in Merritt are still very affordable compared to Kamloops. Detached homes often range from the $400,000s to $600,000s, with townhomes and condos starting lower. Rental demand is strong, so investors also love Merritt.

Cons:

• Fewer job opportunities than Kamloops, so many residents commute or work in trades, forestry, or healthcare.

• Nightlife and shopping are limited compared to a larger city.

Kamloops: The Big Little City

Photo Credit: Sean Jenkins

Pros:

• Town Size & Lifestyle: With over 100,000 residents, Kamloops is a full-fledged city. If you want diversity, bigger schools, and more career opportunities, this is your place.

• Traffic: For a city its size, Kamloops traffic is manageable. Yes, there are busy stretches on Hillside Drive or Summit, but it’s nothing like Vancouver or Kelowna.

• Amenities: Kamloops has it all — Costco, major malls, an airport, Thompson Rivers University, big sports facilities, and a buzzing restaurant scene. Healthcare is robust with the Royal Inland Hospital.

• Price Points: Kamloops real estate comes at a premium compared to Merritt and Logan Lake. Expect most detached homes to start in the $600,000s to $800,000s, with condos and townhomes filling in the lower price brackets.

Cons:

• Higher cost of living, both for housing and day-to-day expenses.

• Traffic is starting to build up, especially as the city grows.

• Busier lifestyle — less of that “everyone knows you” small-town feel.

Logan Lake: The Quiet Mountain Town

Pros:

• Town Size & Lifestyle: Logan Lake is the smallest of the three, with around 2,000 people. It’s quiet, friendly, and surrounded by nature — a true small-town feel. If you want peace, this is it.

• Traffic: Basically none. Driving here feels like stepping back in time — no congestion, just open roads.

• Amenities: You’ll find the basics — a grocery store, schools, gas, and a few restaurants. For bigger shopping trips, you’ll likely head to Merritt or Kamloops.

• Price Points: Logan Lake offers some of the most affordable housing in the region. Detached homes often fall into the $350,000s to $500,000s, making it very attractive for first-time buyers or retirees.

Cons:

• Limited job market, heavily tied to the Highland Valley Copper Mine.

• Fewer amenities — you’ll be driving to Merritt or Kamloops for more options.

• Smaller housing market means fewer choices when listings come up.

So, Which One Is Right for You?

• Choose Merritt if you want a balance of affordability, amenities, and small-town charm with easy access to the outdoors.

• Choose Kamloops if you want the opportunities and amenities of a city, and don’t mind paying more to get them.

• Choose Logan Lake if you crave peace, affordability, and a true small-town lifestyle, but don’t mind driving for extras.

At the end of the day, it comes down to lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re drawn to the mountain solitude of Logan Lake, the urban energy of Kamloops, or the balanced, affordable charm of Merritt, you’ll find a community worth calling home. When you've made the decision, or if you're still deliberating feel free to reach out to a local expert realtor like Jared Thomas to help you decide which market best suits your lifestyle!