North Kelly Prince George Neighborhood Guide for Families Acreages and The Woodlands

by Evan McLeish

If you’ve been exploring real estate in Prince George and wondering where you can find space, quiet, and a community vibe that’s still within reach of the city, North Kelly should definitely be on your radar.

Yes, it’s known for acreage living, but don’t let that fool you , North Kelly also offers a range of property sizes, including some smaller-lot homes that make this northern neighbourhood more approachable for families at different life stages.

Let’s dive into why North Kelly in Prince George, BC is increasingly being seen as one of the most family-friendly acreage communities in Northern BC.

1. Acreage Living in North Kelly, Plus The Woodlands New-Build Option

Love the northern setting but not sure you want to manage several acres. North Kelly gives you both choices. Classic acreage properties offer space, privacy, and direct access to nature, while The Woodlands provides newer homes on average size city lots for simpler day-to-day living.

Quick hits

Lifestyle: Acreages mean room for shops, toys, gardens, and quiet. The Woodlands prioritizes modern comfort and low maintenance.
Homes: Newer builds in The Woodlands with attached garages and efficient layouts. Mixed-age homes on larger parcels across North Kelly.
Lots: The Woodlands has average size city lots. North Kelly ranges from smaller manageable yards to multi-acre properties.
Schools: Springwood Elementary on North Kelly Road, Heather Park Elementary nearby, and Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary for older students.
Errands: 15 to 20 minutes to Hart Highlands and the Austin corridor for groceries, fuel, and services.
Recreation: Trails, lakes, and forest access in both settings.
Upkeep: Acreages require planning for driveways, snow, wells or septic, and outbuildings. The Woodlands is closer to a city-style maintenance routine.
Who it fits: Acreages for space seekers, hobbyists, and trades. The Woodlands for busy families who want newer construction and shorter chore lists.
Buyer tips: Check internet speeds by address, confirm any design guidelines or covenants in The Woodlands, and compare total cost of ownership vs acreage.

Deep Dive

One of the biggest draws to North Kelly is the feeling of freedom that comes with having more land and the lifestyle that land unlocks. While many homes in the area are on lots ranging from two to six or more acres, not every property is massive. There are homes with smaller, more manageable lots too, which opens the door for families who want elbow room without the full acreage commitment. Day to day, the appeal is straightforward. Space for a detached shop or gear storage, room for backyard rinks and big gardens, trails close by for walking and snowshoeing, and genuine privacy between you and your neighbors. It is the northern edge-of-the-city rhythm where you choose when to head into town, and the rest of the time you get quiet, trees, and sky.

Prefer an average-size lot with a newer home. Meet The Woodlands. This newer subdivision sits in the same northern pocket and delivers modern floor plans, attached garages, and energy efficient features on city-style lots. You keep the proximity to Hart amenities and trail access while trading acreage upkeep for simpler weekend living. For many buyers, The Woodlands feels like a best-of-both scenario. You get the Prince George north-side vibe and quick access to recreation, but with easier snow clearing, smaller yards to maintain, and a streetscape of newer builds that works well for busy family life. If you are weighing acreage versus convenience, include The Woodlands in your tours. It is the practical counterpoint to the classic North Kelly acreage lifestyle and a strong fit for anyone who wants new construction on an average-size lot.

2. A Strong Sense of Community Despite the Space

Even though homes are spread out, there’s still a tight-knit, country-neighbour feel in North Kelly.

Kids often go to the same local schools (Springwood Elementary, Heather Park Elementry & Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary)
Weekend trail rides and walks are a shared routine
Families connect through school events, sports, and community centers in nearby Hart Highlands and Austin

This is the kind of place where neighbors look out for one another , even if your nearest one is a few acres away.

Deep Dive

At first glance, you might think a neighborhood like North Kelly, with its wide-open spaces and large lot sizes, would feel a little… disconnected. But what actually happens is the opposite. There’s a strong sense of community here , just built differently. Instead of bumping into your neighbor on the sidewalk, you’re waving as you pass by on Chief Lake Road, meeting up at school events, or catching each other during weekend runs to the feed store, trailhead, or hockey rink.

Families in North Kelly are drawn together by shared values: space, self-sufficiency, and a quieter lifestyle. This creates a kind of unspoken respect and camaraderie that’s different from what you might experience in a denser suburban setting. It’s not about how often you interact — it’s about knowing that people have your back when it counts. Whether it’s lending a snowblower, helping get a truck unstuck in the winter, or just keeping an eye out on your place while you're away, the neighborly support is real.

A big part of what makes the community feel strong is the school network. Most kids in the area attend Springwood and Heather Park Elementary or Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary, which naturally creates connections between families. School plays, sports teams, and pick-up or drop-off conversations often turn into long-term friendships and community roots. There’s also a spillover connection to nearby neighborhoods like Hart Highlands and Austin East, where you'll find more concentrated amenities and occasional community events.

Even with all that space between homes, there’s still a social fabric here — just one that’s woven across property lines and built around lifestyle overlap. People in North Kelly tend to look out for each other without being in each other’s business, which is the perfect balance for many families. If you're looking for a place where your kids can safely play outside and grow up with a little more freedom, while still having that subtle community backbone, this is it.

3. Schools and Services Are Close, But Not Too Close

The biggest concern for many relocating families is access to schools, groceries, and healthcare. North Kelly offers a sweet spot: remote enough to feel private, but close enough to stay connected.

Schools: Springwood Elementary is right on North Kelly Road. Heather Park & Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary serves the area with a strong reputation.
Groceries & essentials: You’ll need to drive about 15–20 minutes for major errands, typically into Hart Highlands or the Austin East/West corridor.
Healthcare: Emergency and specialized services are located in the city center, but accessible with a planned commute.

Deep Dive

For relocating families, the big question is access to schools, groceries, and healthcare, and North Kelly hits a comfortable middle ground. Kids in the area commonly attend Springwood Elementary on North Kelly Road and Heather Park Elementary, with Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary serving older students, so daily school runs are straightforward with predictable commute times. Most errands are a simple 15 to 20 minute drive toward Hart Highlands or the Austin East and West corridor, where you will find groceries, fuel, and quick services. For healthcare, routine needs can be handled at clinics closer to the Hart, while emergency and specialized care are concentrated in the city center, which is manageable with a bit of planning. The day to day rhythm becomes one of batching errands, timing school drop offs, and choosing when to be in town, which preserves the privacy and quiet that make North Kelly appealing in the first place.

4. Built for Families with Higher Incomes or Trades Lifestyles

Let’s keep it real: this isn’t a “budget” neighborhood.

Average household income here is $108,600, higher than the Prince George average
Many homes feature truck shops, barns, garages, and dedicated outbuildings for trades work, hobbies, or equipment storage
You’ll often see families with two vehicles, both outfitted for Northern BC winters, which you’ll need, since snow removal on rural roads takes longer

It’s a lifestyle investment, but for many, the payoff is worth it.

Deep Dive

North Kelly tends to attract established families and professionals who can comfortably handle the logistics of rural living and the extra upkeep that acreage properties require. The proxy area data shows an average household income around $108,600, notably higher than the city average, which aligns with what you see on the ground: well-kept homes, purpose-built shops, and owners who invest in their properties for the long haul . Many properties include utility-forward features like large truck shops, barns, and multiple outbuildings — ideal for trades, gear-heavy hobbies, or small home businesses — and that utility is a real part of the value proposition in this area . Day to day, the lifestyle is built around vehicles and planning: this is a car-dependent pocket on the city’s northern edge, with limited transit that’s better as a backup than a primary commute option, so most households run multiple vehicles and batch errands into the Hart Highlands or Austin corridors . Winter adds another layer , residential roads here are a Priority 3 classification, meaning plowing typically follows heavier snow thresholds and can lag several days behind the main routes , so reliable AWD or 4WD and quality winter tires are not optional, they’re part of the budget and safety plan . From a financial perspective, expect a premium for move-in-ready acreage with high-utility structures compared to citywide medians, plus higher ongoing operating costs like fuel for longer drives, specialized vehicle upkeep, and potentially elevated insurance for outbuildings and rural infrastructure . Due diligence is non-negotiable: beyond the standard home inspection, you want targeted reviews of wells, septic systems, and any large shops or barns, and you should verify zoning compliance if you plan to run a business or put those buildings to work . Finally, confirm internet at the exact civic address before you fall in love with a property; North Kelly sits in that “last mile” zone where fiber or high-speed cable may not reach every driveway, and relying on slower alternatives can impact remote work and daily life . If you’re prepared for these realities, the payoff is big: privacy, utility-rich land, and a calm, spacious home base that supports family life and work in equal measure .

5. Recreation Right Outside Your Door

One of the biggest perks of living in North Kelly? You can just walk out your back door and into the forest.

ATV and snowmobile trails connect through the Chief Lake area
Horseback riding and hiking are common
Eskers Provincial Park is just 40 minutes away , a local gem for year-round outdoor fun

You don’t need to go to the wilderness , it’s already part of your backyard.

Deep Dive

If your family’s happy place is outside, North Kelly delivers in a big way. The neighborhood blends into a patchwork of forest, meadows, and low-traffic rural roads, so day-to-day recreation starts the moment you step off the deck. Kids can roam, build forts, and ride bikes without crossing busy streets, while adults have easy access to trail networks for walking, running, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when winter settles in. Quads, sleds, and side-by-sides are common tools for exploring backcountry routes, and many properties have the space to store boats, campers, and gear so spontaneous weekend adventures are simple to pull off. Horseback riders will appreciate the room for paddocks and the ability to connect to quiet routes without hauling out every time. When you want a change of scenery, nearby parks and lakes expand the options with hiking loops, picnic spots, paddling, fishing, and winter trail systems. The result is a lifestyle where recreation isn’t something you schedule, it’s woven into the rhythm of everyday life, from after-school trail walks to dawn skates on a backyard rink and long summer evenings around the fire.

6. Things to Know Before You Move

Let’s quickly touch on some reality checks to make sure North Kelly is a fit for your family:

You’ll need a car , no walkability here
Internet can be spotty in some areas. Confirm fiber or high-speed cable before buying
Winter readiness is essential , snow removal is slower (Priority 3 zone), so make sure you have a 4x4 and winter tires
Due diligence is critical for acreage properties: wells, septic systems, outbuildings — get them all checked

Deep Dive

North Kelly rewards you with space and quiet, and it asks for planning in return. Daily life is car dependent, so most households run two reliable vehicles and batch errands toward Hart Highlands or the Austin corridor. Transit exists but works better as a backup than a routine commuter plan, and school buses serve the area so families often time mornings around pickup windows. Internet quality varies by street, which makes address-level verification essential, especially if anyone works from home or streams heavily. Winter preparation matters more here than in town, because residential roads are cleared after the major routes, so think proper winter tires, a maintained AWD or 4WD, and a trunk kit with booster cables, blankets, and a shovel. Power outages can happen during storms, which is why many owners keep a portable generator, extra water, and a few days of essentials on hand. Acreage due diligence is non negotiable, because you are buying land and systems, not just a house. Arrange inspections for the well, septic, electrical to outbuildings, and any large shop or barn, and confirm permitting and zoning if you plan to operate a business or board animals. Insurance can be different for properties with multiple structures or wood heat, so get quotes early, and ask about wildfire and outbuilding coverage. Wildlife is part of the charm and the reality, so secure trash, consider fencing for dogs or gardens, and review fire smart practices around the home. Finally, plan for the simple things that make rural living smoother, like gravel for driveways, a plow service or tractor arrangement, bulk propane or wood supply if applicable, parcel locker options for deliveries, and a labeled spot for fuel and outdoor gear. With these boxes checked, the day to day rhythm becomes easy to manage, and you get exactly what drew you here in the first place, a calm, private home base with nature at the doorstep.