Ottawa has long been one of Canada’s most attractive places to live, but as home prices rise and neighbourhoods become more crowded, more buyers are discovering the exceptional value of the surrounding communities. Areas just beyond the city limits — particularly Russell, Greely, and Embrun — offer a combination of affordability, lifestyle benefits, and long-term real estate stability that urban buyers often overlook.

At The Wrigley Team, we’ve helped many buyers who began their search in the city but ultimately found a far better match in these nearby communities. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or someone seeking more space without leaving the Ottawa workforce, exploring beyond the city line can unlock opportunities you may not have considered.

This detailed guide reveals the hidden value that makes Russell, Greely, and Embrun some of the strongest real estate choices near Ottawa — and why now is the perfect time to make your move.

1. More Home for Your Money Without Sacrificing Lifestyle

Buying near Ottawa often means paying a premium for limited space. In contrast, Russell, Greely, and Embrun offer larger properties, newer homes, and stronger long-term value — all at more accessible price points.

Russell: Modern Comfort and Established Neighbourhoods

Russell offers a thoughtful mix of established communities and thoughtfully planned subdivisions. Buyers often find:

Larger backyards
Spacious layouts
Family-oriented neighbourhoods
Room for long-term growth

Homes in Russell typically offer a higher standard of living per square foot compared to many Ottawa neighbourhoods.

Greely: Luxury, Space, and Privacy

Greely is known for its upscale homes, generous lots, and peaceful residential communities. Many properties feature:

Custom-built designs
Mature landscaping
Multi-car garages
Space for home offices, gyms, or recreational areas

Buyers seeking privacy, comfort, and long-term value often find Greely the perfect match.

Embrun: Modern Developments and Family Appeal

Embrun is one of the fastest-growing areas near Ottawa, offering:

Newly built homes with modern finishes
Attractive subdivisions
Affordable price ranges
A strong sense of community

For first-time buyers and families, Embrun provides an accessible path to homeownership without compromising quality.

2. Shorter Commutes Than You Expect

Many buyers assume moving outside the city means long, stressful commutes — but that isn’t the case with Russell, Greely, or Embrun.

Russell

Thanks to easy access to Highway 417, Russell residents can commute to Ottawa efficiently. Most drives fall between 25–35 minutes depending on the time of day.

Greely

Greely sits just south of Ottawa and is extremely commuter-friendly. Depending on your destination, the commute can be as short as 15–20 minutes.

Embrun

Like Russell, Embrun benefits from direct highway access and proximity to Ottawa’s east end. Commutes often range between 25–35 minutes.

The hidden advantage?
You get more space, more peace, and more comfort — without giving up access to workplaces, schools, or essential services.

3. Strong Community Values and Safe Neighbourhoods

A home isn’t just a structure — it’s part of a larger community. Russell, Greely, and Embrun offer exactly what families seek: safe, friendly, connected environments.

Russell: A Town Built on Connection

Russell’s welcoming neighbourhoods, community events, and strong recreational programs make it one of the most family-friendly communities near Ottawa.

Greely: Peaceful, Private, and Upscale

Greely is ideal for buyers who want a calm, quiet setting with stylish homes and well-maintained streets. The community has a refined, peaceful character perfect for families or professionals seeking balance.

Embrun: Growing With Intention

Embrun’s ongoing development brings new parks, trails, and amenities every year, creating a vibrant environment where families feel supported and connected.

Safety, community involvement, and small-town warmth make these areas especially attractive — and often overlooked by buyers focusing only on Ottawa.

4. Access to Nature, Recreation, and Outdoor Living

The ability to enjoy nature right outside your door is one of the most underrated benefits of buying near Ottawa. These communities make outdoor living effortless.

In Russell

Residents enjoy:

Beautiful walking and cycling paths
Well-kept parks and sports facilities
Nearby trails and green spaces

In Greely

Greely is surrounded by:

Quiet forests
Waterfront views in nearby areas
Golf courses
Outdoor recreation options for all ages

In Embrun

Embrun features:

Rivers and natural landscapes
Forested areas ideal for walking or snowshoeing
Playgrounds and family recreation centres

Whether you enjoy morning walks, sports, gardening, or simply being outdoors, these communities offer the freedom to live more naturally.

5. Excellent Family Amenities and Schools Nearby

Buyers with children often find that Russell, Greely, and Embrun provide everything their families need — without the congestion of city living.

These areas offer:

High-quality elementary and secondary schools
Recreation centres
Sports leagues
Libraries and community programs
Safe residential streets for walking and cycling

Families love the ease of accessing activities and services while enjoying a safer, quieter environment for children to grow up in.

6. A Strong and Growing Real Estate Market

One of the greatest hidden values of buying near Ottawa is the long-term stability and growth potential of the real estate market in these communities.

Russell’s Long-Term Strength

Russell consistently shows stable appreciation. As more Ottawa residents look eastward for affordability and space, demand continues to rise.

Greely’s Upscale Market

Greely’s luxury properties hold strong value. The area attracts buyers seeking higher-end homes with privacy — a trend that only grows with changing work-from-home lifestyles.

Embrun’s Rapid Growth

Embrun is expanding quickly. Development, new housing, and strong community planning make it one of the most promising markets for future appreciation.

Investing here means enjoying both lifestyle improvements and strong financial value.

7. A Better Work–Life Balance

One of the biggest hidden advantages of moving just outside Ottawa is the improvement in quality of life.

Buyers who relocate to Russell, Greely, or Embrun often say they feel:

Less stressed
More connected to community
Closer to nature
More space to relax
Better daily routines
More freedom for outdoor activities
A stronger sense of belonging

Lower density, safer streets, and more peaceful surroundings make a noticeable difference — especially for families and professionals used to the pace of city life.

Conclusion: The Hidden Value is Real — And It’s Growing

For many buyers, the realization comes only after exploring these areas in person:
Russell, Greely, and Embrun offer a better way of living — at a value that’s hard to find anywhere closer to Ottawa.

Whether you’re seeking space, affordability, comfort, peace, or long-term growth potential, these communities check every box. They offer:

Room for families to thrive
Strong real estate fundamentals
A healthy balance between city access and suburban calm
Appealing homes at accessible prices
A lifestyle that supports both work and relaxation

At The Wrigley Team, we specialize in helping buyers explore these hidden-gem communities with confidence, clarity, and local expertise.

If you’re ready to experience the value of living just outside Ottawa, visit WrigleyTeam.ca or connect with our team today. Your next chapter — and your next home — may be waiting in Russell, Greely, or Embrun.