Moving to Greenwood means stepping into a town designed for convenience, recreation, and community. Located in the heart of the gorgeous Annapolis Valley, living in Greenwood or its next-door neighbour, Kingston, is a great spot for working parents and active children. While many people moving to the Annapolis Valley gravitate toward the collegiate charm of Wolfville or the historic streets of Annapolis Royal, Greenwood and Kingston are built for families and serve as the region’s functional and energetic heart.
Whether you are a military family on a posting, a remote worker seeking a high quality of life, or a retiree looking for a flat, walkable hub, here is everything you need to know about making the move. It’s the home of 14 Wing Greenwood – the largest Air Force base on the East Coast – as such, this community offers a unique blend of military precision, family-centric amenities, and rural tranquillity.
The 14 Wing Influence: A Town with a Mission
Greenwood is inseparable from its military history. 14 Wing Greenwood is the town’s primary economic driver and social anchor. Even if you aren’t affiliated with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the base provides infrastructure that benefits the entire community.
The presence of the base means the local population is transient but incredibly welcoming. There is a constant influx of new people, making it one of the easiest towns in Nova Scotia to integrate into socially.
Finding a Place to Live
If you do not qualify for military housing, the Greenwood and Kingston area (often referred to as a single, twin-town hub) offers some of the most practical real estate in the province. Home prices are quite reasonable, and there are many rural opportunities nearby (Margaretsville, Middleton, etc.). A good place to search for homes is viewpoint.ca, a Nova Scotia-only real estate website.
The rental market is a bit trickier as rentals are harder to come by. Competition for rentals is high due to military rotations. If you are looking to rent a house, start your search at least 4–6 months in advance.
Stay with us while you search for a new home
Being so close to the base, the Aurora Inn hosts many families coordinating their moves, including for longer-term stays in our suites. Book your room here, or contact us for more information.
Logistics: What You Need to Know Before You Arrive
Greenwood is located in the Annapolis Valley, 1.5 hours from Halifax and the Halifax International Airport. It’s a 45-minute drive from Wolfville or Annapolis Royal. It is accessible via Highway 101 (the main highway) or the Harvest Highway (number 1), which was the old highway running from Grand Pre to Digby.
A car is definitely required in Greenwood and the Annapolis Valley. Also nearby are the Bay of Fundy coast (and many coastal towns), and a car helps if you plan to explore.
For weather, the Annapolis Valley is in Nova Scotia’s “Banana Belt”, and Greenwood stays a few degrees warmer than Halifax in the summer. It’s perfect for backyard BBQs and gardening (zone 6a), and the humidity can be high in July and August. Hurricane season is from June 1 to October 31, and residents should be prepared for storms. During winter, there can be a lot of snow, and freezing rain occurs frequently, but these extreme events are typically short-lived.
What’s in Town
Shopping and Amenities: The Valley’s Commercial Hub
Having the military base nearby means that there are plenty of amenities. Greenwood has many shopping options, including a Walmart, Canadian Tire, Sobeys, Shoppers Drug Mart and an NSLC (Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation).
One of the biggest perks of living in Greenwood is the Greenwood Mall. It is the largest shopping center in the Annapolis Valley, housing major retailers and essential services.
Recreation and Leisure
One of the main attractions in Greenwood is the Greenwood Aviation Museum. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Canada’s military heritage, featuring iconic aircraft parked right outside, including the Argus and the Lancaster. The museum is free for visitors, but donations are always appreciated.
If you enjoy staying active, Greenwood is arguably the best-positioned town in the Valley. The Harvest Moon Trail – a 110 km trail that runs right through the region – is perfect for cycling in the summer and snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in the winter.
The 14 Wing Fitness & Recreation Centre (open to the general public) is one of the best recreation facilities in the province, featuring an indoor swimming pool and a gym. Beyond the base, the Greenwood Gardens Arena and local parks provide year-round activities for kids.
Greenwood is also a popular spot for golfers. There are two courses located in Kingston and Greenwood, and a number of other golf courses in the Annapolis Valley are nearby.
There is plenty of hiking and exploring nearby. For a casual walk, Stronach Park offers a quiet forest trail and is popular amongst locals. Nearby Crystal Falls is a popular spot for hiking on South Mountain and, during the summer months, for swimming.
In the winter, there are a number of activities nearby. There are curling clubs in nearby towns – Berwick Curling Club and Middleton Curling Club – that are both taking on new members. In Stronach Park, when the weather gets cold enough, the pond becomes an outdoor skating rink.
Education and Health
Greenwood is built for families. The community is served by the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education (AVRCE) and Nova Scotia Health. There are a number of elementary schools, high schools, and even a French-first language school, École Rose-des-Vents, which is a significant draw for many families.
For health needs, there is a clinic in Greenwood and hospitals in nearby Middleton or Kentville. There are a number of dentists, optometrists, massage therapists, and other health practitioners in and around the area.
Dining and Culture
Greenwood’s food scene reflects its community: practical, diverse, and welcoming. While the coast is known for seafood, Greenwood’s culinary heart is in its orchards and farms.Â
There are plenty of local farms where you can shop for the freshest ingredients, especially during the summer months. There are also many u-picks nearby, giving you the chance to select the finest fruit and vegetables to take home.
Throughout the summer, practically every town will have its own Farmers’ Market on specific days of the week. The Kingston Farmers Market is located on the Aurora Inn property and runs every Thursday from 3 – 7 pm during the summer.Â
As for dining out, there is no shortage of restaurants, breweries and pubs nearby. Some of the most popular dining options include Roofhound Brewing Co, Oaken Barrel Pub, and Green Elephant Cafe. There are plenty of fast-food options and lots of places for pizza, garlic fingers and donairs.
What’s Nearby
There are plenty of things to do in the Annapolis Valley and the areas surrounding Greenwood.
The charming and historic towns of Annapolis Royal and Wolfville are always popular with visitors and locals alike. Digby is worth visiting for its world-famous scallops. Bear River is a charming little town that is built on stilts for the tides from the Bay of Fundy. And there are countless charming seaside hamlets worth discovering, including a stop in Halls Harbour for some lobster.
FAQs about Moving to Greenwood
How many people live in Greenwood?
Approximately 5,000 people live in Greenwood, Nova Scotia
Are Greenwood and Kingston considered the same town?
No, despite how close the two towns are, they are not the same town.Â
How long is the drive to Halifax or the Halifax International Airport?
The drive from Greenwood to Halifax or the Halifax International Airport takes approximately 1.5 hours (depending on traffic conditions).
What’s the average home price in Greenwood?
The approximate home price in Greenwood, Nova Scotia (as of spring, 2026) is between $400,000-$500,000
Final Thoughts: Is Greenwood for You?
Greenwood offers a high standard of living, excellent recreational facilities, and a sense of security and community that is hard to find elsewhere. You can find everything you need nearby, and if it’s the coast you’re craving, the Bay of Fundy is just over the North Mountain.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us. We can certainly help and can’t wait to meet you!
Sarah is a co-owner of the Aurora Inn. She’s passionate about living in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley and being active in her hometown of Kingston. Apart from running the Aurora Inn, she is also a founder of the Kingston Farmers Market.