Here's what I will tell you: East Regina is where some of the best value in the city is right now, especially for first-time buyers. You don't have to sacrifice quality of life to get into a home you can actually afford. There are neighbourhoods over here with parks, schools, shopping, and quiet streets — and they're priced well below the city average.
Let me walk you through the ones I think are worth your time.
Spruce Meadows — The Most Affordable Entry Point
If budget is your biggest concern — and for most first-time buyers, it is — Spruce Meadows should be on your list. The median home price sits around $238,900, which is about 28% below the city benchmark. That's a significant difference when you're stretching to make your first purchase work.
What I like about Spruce Meadows is that it doesn't feel like you're compromising. Sandra Schmirler Leisure Centre is walkable from most of the neighbourhood — that's a pool, gym, and library all in one spot. The streets are quiet crescents, not busy through-roads, and the crime rate runs about 40% below the Regina average. It's the kind of place where you can let your kids ride their bikes around the block without worrying.
For a lot of my first-time buyers, this is where the math starts making sense.
Wood Meadows — Walk to Everything
Wood Meadows is one of those neighbourhoods that surprises people. Homes average between $279,900 and $285,000, which puts you about 19-22% below the city average. That's solid value. But the real selling point here is the walkability — and that's rare in suburban Regina.
Victoria Square Mall is right across the street. Groceries, gym, movies — it's all there without getting in the car. The homes were mostly built in the 1980s, so you're getting larger lots, mature trees, and solid construction. These aren't flimsy builds. They've been standing for 40 years and they're holding up well.
If you're someone who doesn't want to drive everywhere but also can't afford Cathedral or the Crescents, Wood Meadows is worth a serious look.
Glencairn — Established and Affordable
Glencairn has been around for a while, and that's part of its appeal. The average home price sits around $300,750 — still well under what you'd pay in the south end of the city for a comparable property.
It's a neighbourhood with real roots. There are multiple parks, a recreation centre, and a shopping centre all within the neighbourhood itself. The community is multicultural, which I think adds a lot of character. F.W. Johnson Collegiate is here for families thinking ahead to high school years.
Now, I'll be honest with you — the homes in Glencairn tend to be older, mostly 1960s through 1980s construction. That's not a bad thing, but it means you should absolutely budget for a proper home inspection. Older homes can have surprises — plumbing, electrical, foundation stuff. I always tell my clients: don't skip the inspection to save $500. That's the kind of decision that can cost you $15,000 down the road. I'll give you all the options, but I won't let you walk into something with your eyes closed.Parkridge — The Sweet Spot
Parkridge — The Sweet Spot
I call Parkridge the sweet spot because it hits a really nice balance. Median prices run between $280,000 and $330,000, you're walking distance to Henry Braun School, and Costco and Superstore are about a five-minute drive away.
The lots here are mature with good-sized yards, and a lot of the homes have double garages — which matters when you're dealing with Regina winters. The streets are mostly quiet crescents, so it's got that tucked-away feel even though you're close to everything.
Here's the part that really gets my first-time buyers' attention: comparable homes in Wascana View typically go for $50,000 to $75,000 more. You're getting a very similar lifestyle in Parkridge for significantly less money. That difference can mean a lower mortgage payment, less stress, and actually being able to enjoy your home instead of being house-poor.
East Pointe Estates — New Construction Under $300K
If you're a single buyer or a couple just starting out, East Pointe Estates is worth knowing about. Entry-level condos here start around $207,500, which makes it one of the most accessible options in the city for getting into the market.
The Pilot Butte Creek pathway system runs through the neighbourhood, so there's good outdoor space. Condo fees typically run $150-$200 per month, which covers exterior maintenance and common areas. Just make sure you factor those fees into your monthly budget — I've seen buyers forget about condo fees and then feel squeezed once they move in.
New construction means you're not worrying about a 40-year-old furnace or surprise plumbing issues, and that peace of mind is worth something when you're already stressed about buying your first place.
Varsity Park — The Quiet Contender
Varsity Park doesn't get talked about as much as it should. It's close to the University of Regina, which means good transit connections, and there's a nice mix of housing types — single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. It's a quieter neighbourhood that tends to fly under the radar, but for first-time buyers who want options at different price points, it's worth driving through.
Before You Start Looking
I know you're excited to start touring homes. But before we book a single showing, here's my number one piece of advice — and I say this to every single client:
Are you preapproved?
If you're not, that's the first step. Not the second step, not something you do after you find a place you love. The first step. A preapproval tells you what you can actually afford, and it shows sellers that you're serious. Without it, we're just window shopping.
And here's something a lot of first-time buyers don't realize: what the bank says you're approved for and what you should actually spend are two different numbers. The bank will often approve you for more than you'll be comfortable paying every month. I'm very patient with this part of the process — we'll sit down, look at the real numbers, and figure out what makes sense for your life. Not just the mortgage payment, but property taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance. The full picture.
If you're looking at older homes — and in East Regina, a lot of the best-value homes are older — budget for a home inspection. It's non-negotiable in my book. I'll hold your hand through the whole process, but I won't let you skip the stuff that protects you.
And honestly? Don't rush. I know it feels like you need to make a decision right now, but you don't. Take your time. Look at all your options. Drive through these neighbourhoods on a weekday evening and see what they actually feel like. That's how you find the right fit — not by panicking into a decision, but by being informed and taking it one step at a time.
I'll be here when you're ready.
