Greely, Ontario – Community & Neighbourhood Guide

Greely is a growing rural-suburban community located south of Ottawa, known for larger lots, newer homes, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and a quieter lifestyle with easy city access. This guide covers what it’s like to live in Greely, including location, schools, amenities, lifestyle, and community features.

Looking for Greely Real Estate? Browse the MLS® and access Greely active and sold listings.

This guide provides an overview of where Greely is located, what it’s like to live there, neighbourhoods and subdivisions, schools, amenities, commuting options, and frequently asked questions about the area.

South Village neighbourhood in Greely Ontario aerial view, Greely real estate, Greely homes for sale

Aerial view of South Village - a Greely neighbourhood.

  • Affordability: ★★★☆☆

  • Schools: ★★★★☆

  • Commute: ★★★☆☆

  • Lifestyle: ★★★★☆

  • Green Space: ★★★★★

  • Community Feel: ★★★★★

Best for: Families, rural-lifestyle buyers, professionals seeking space and privacy outside the city

Where Is Greely, Ontario?

Greely is located approximately 20–25 kilometres south of downtown Ottawa, within the City of Ottawa’s municipal boundaries. It sits east of Manotick and west of Metcalfe, with convenient access to major routes such as Bank Street, Mitch Owens Road, and Highway 417 via nearby connectors.

Although Greely feels rural in character, it is fully integrated into Ottawa’s infrastructure and services, making it a popular choice for residents who want more space while remaining within commuting distance of the city.

What Is It Like to Live in Greely?

Living in Greely offers a blend of rural atmosphere and suburban convenience. The community is characterized by wider streets, newer developments, and a strong sense of neighbourhood identity. Many residents choose Greely for its quieter environment, lower density, and family-friendly feel.

Greely tends to attract:

  • Families seeking larger lots and newer homes

  • Professionals commuting to Ottawa’s south end or downtown

  • Buyers looking for space, privacy, and outdoor living

  • Long-term residents who value community stability

The pace of life is noticeably calmer than in central Ottawa, while still offering everyday essentials close to home.

Neighbourhoods & Subdivisions in Greely

Greely is made up of several established and newer subdivisions, each with its own character:

Greely Village

The original village area, featuring older homes, mature trees, and a more traditional rural layout.

Sunset Lakes

First lake-front community in Greely. Older homes (30 - 40 years), mostly 1/2 acre lots. South of Mitch Owens and west of Old Prescott.

Arial view of Orchardview neighbourhood in Greely

Arial view of Orchardview neighbourhood in Greely

Orchardview

Larger homes in spacious treed lots (2+ acre). South of Apple Orchard and East of Manotick Station.

Thunderbird Cove

Similar neighbourhood to Sunset Lakes. Homes 25-35 years, mostly 1/2 acre lots. South of Mitch Owens and west of Old Prescott.

Woodstream

Sister neighbourhood to South Village. Waterfront neighbourhood, homes 10 - 20 years old on half acre lots. South of Mitch Owens and east of Stagecoach.

Cedar Lakes

Newer homes less than 15 years old, 1/2 acre lots. Some waterfront. South of Parkway and west of Stagecoach.

Lakewood Trails

One of newest subdivisions - homes less than 10 years old. 1/2 acre lots. South of Parkway, east of Old Prescott.

Water’s Edge

Located on east side of Bank street, built on old farm land. 1/2 acre waterfront lots, close to Greely Village Park. South of Parkway and east of Bank.

Lake Forest Estates

New subdivision, 1 acre lots, some waterfront. South of Mitch Owens and west of Stagecoach.

View of Village Lake in South Village, Greely Ontario

View of Village Lake in South Village, Greely Ontario

South Village

Family-oriented subdivision in Greely known for lakes, parks, private community centre. 1/2 acre lots, homes less than 20 years old. South of Mitch Owens and west of Old Prescott.

Greely Orchard

Subdivision on 1/2 acre lots, built on what used to be a large Apple Orchard. South of Apple Orchard and west of Stagecoach.

Greely West

Older Greely subdivision. Homes on 1/2 acre lots. West of Stagecoach, and north of Parkway.

Lakeshore

Subdivision with modern detached homes, surrounding large lake east of Stagecoach just south of Parkway.

Creekside & Emerald Links Area

Known for newer builds, larger properties, and proximity to recreational amenities, including Emerald Links Golf course. South of Mitch Owens between Stagecoach and Manotick Station.

Shadow Ridge & Surrounding Developments

Low-density residential areas offering spacious homes and a quieter setting.East of Old Prescott and south of Parkway.

These neighbourhoods contribute to Greely’s reputation for space, privacy, and modern suburban design.

Schools in Greely

Greely is served by multiple school boards, making it appealing to families with school-aged children.

Public Schools

Catholic Schools

  • Elementary Catholic schools serving the Greely area

  • Secondary schools located in nearby communities with bus service

School availability and catchment areas can vary, so families often review options carefully when moving into the area.

Amenities & Everyday Services

Greely offers a growing range of local amenities, with additional services available nearby in Manotick, Findlay Creek, and Riverside South.

Local and nearby amenities include:

While Greely is more car-dependent than urban neighbourhoods, most daily needs are within a short drive.

Parks, Trails & Outdoor Space

One of Greely’s strongest features is access to green space and outdoor recreation. The area includes:

  • Local neighbourhood parks and playgrounds

  • Walking and cycling routes

  • Nearby conservation areas and rural landscapes

  • Easy access to Rideau River recreational areas

Outdoor space is a major reason many residents choose Greely over denser suburban neighbourhoods.

Commuting & Transportation

Most Greely residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting, though limited public transit options are available.

Typical commute times:

  • Downtown Ottawa: ~25–35 minutes (traffic dependent)

  • Ottawa South employment areas: ~15–25 minutes

  • Highway 417 access via nearby connectors

Greely’s location makes it particularly convenient for those working in Ottawa’s south and southeast sectors.

Pros & Cons of Living in Greely

Advantages

  • Larger lots and newer homes

  • Quiet, family-friendly environment

  • Strong sense of community

  • Access to green space and outdoor living

Considerations

  • Car-dependent lifestyle

  • Fewer walkable amenities than urban areas

  • Limited public transit options

For many residents, the benefits of space and lifestyle outweigh the trade-offs.

Final Thoughts on Greely, Ontario

Greely continues to grow as one of Ottawa’s most attractive semi-rural communities. With its combination of space, newer neighbourhoods, access to amenities, and reasonable commuting distances, Greely appeals to residents seeking a balance between city access and a quieter lifestyle.

This neighbourhood guide is designed to help anyone researching Greely, Ontario understand what the community offers and whether it aligns with their lifestyle preferences.

Greely Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Greely is officially part of the City of Ottawa, even though it maintains a rural-suburban character.

  • Greely is approximately 20–25 km south of downtown, depending on the route taken.

  • Greely is best described as semi-rural or rural-suburban, combining larger lots with planned residential communities.

  • Yes. Greely is widely regarded as a family-friendly community, with schools, parks, and quieter streets.