I get a few calls every month from people in Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary who've been quietly researching Regina. They've seen the housing prices online. They've done the math on their mortgage payments. And now they're wondering if it's real — if you can actually buy a four-bedroom home with a double garage and a backyard for what a one-bedroom condo costs them right now.
It's real. But there's more to relocating than just the price tag on a house. I've helped out-of-province buyers navigate every part of this move, from the initial "am I really doing this?" phone call to the day they pick up their Saskatchewan plates. So let me walk you through what moving to east Regina actually looks like — the good parts, the practical stuff, and the honest reality checks you won't find on a tourism website.
The Affordability Shock
Let's start with the part that makes people's eyes widen.
In the $300,000 to $500,000 range in east Regina, you're looking at a detached single-family home. Not a condo. Not a townhouse. A house — with a yard, a garage, and enough square footage that your kids don't have to share a bedroom.
At $350,000, you'll find solid options in Spruce Meadows, Wood Meadows, or Richmond Place — 1,200 to 1,500 square feet, established lots, functional neighbourhoods with schools and parks already in place.
At $450,000 to $500,000, you're into newer builds in Parkridge, Eastbrook, or Woodland Grove — we're talking 1,800-plus square feet, open-concept layouts, double attached garages, and modern finishes. In Vancouver, that money gets you a parking spot. In Toronto, maybe a deposit.
The property taxes are lower too. A $400,000 home in Regina runs roughly $3,200 to $3,800 per year in property tax. Compare that to what you're paying in the GTA or Metro Vancouver, and the monthly savings add up fast.
I'm not going to pretend Regina is Toronto or Vancouver — it's not, and it shouldn't try to be. But your dollar goes further here, and for a lot of families, that changes everything. You can browse all east Regina homes for sale to see what's available right now.
What East Regina Actually Looks Like
People who've never been here picture flat prairie and not much else. I get it. But east Regina has grown a lot in the past 15 years, and the neighbourhoods on this side of the city are some of the most well-planned communities in Saskatchewan.
The southeast quadrant has newer subdivisions like The Towns, Eastbrook, and Greens on Gardiner — built within the last decade with connected pathway systems, naturalized green space, and commercial hubs within walking distance. Then you've got established neighbourhoods like Woodland Grove and Parkridge, where the trees are mature, the lots are bigger, and the community has had time to settle in.
Schools are a big draw. Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools both have strong coverage in the east end, and you'll find French Immersion options at several schools.
Parks and trails aren't an afterthought either. Riverbend has a 3.9 km lake loop trail. Eastbrook has naturalized wetlands and over 24 acres of dedicated parkland. The Creeks backs onto 171 acres of protected environmental reserve. This isn't a concrete sprawl — there's real green space woven through these communities.
The Practical Stuff Nobody Talks About
This is the part that catches people off guard, so let me save you the confusion.
Driver's licence. You have 90 days after becoming a Saskatchewan resident to swap your out-of-province licence. SGI handles everything — bring your existing licence and proof of address, and they'll issue a Saskatchewan licence. Budget about $50 for the licence fee. Your driving history transfers.
Health card. This one's important. Saskatchewan has a three-month waiting period before your provincial health coverage kicks in. That means for the first 90 days, you're not covered under the Saskatchewan Health Authority. I always tell my out-of-province clients to either confirm their previous province will still cover them during the transition or look into interim private health insurance.
Vehicle registration. You need to register and insure your vehicle through SGI within 90 days. Saskatchewan uses a public auto insurance system — most people coming from BC or Ontario find the costs are comparable or lower.
Property taxes. Regina's property tax rate is competitive with most mid-size Canadian cities. The City of Regina sends out annual tax notices, and most mortgage lenders can roll property tax into your monthly payment.
The Weather — Let's Be Honest
I'm not going to sugarcoat this. Saskatchewan winters are cold. We're talking minus 30 with wind chill in January and February, and it stays below zero from roughly November through March. If you're coming from Vancouver, that's going to feel extreme.
But here's what I tell people: it's predictable. You know winter's coming, you prepare for it, and you get through it. Block heaters, winter tires, a good parka — these aren't optional. The good news is that Saskatchewan gets more sunshine hours than almost any other province. Even in January, you'll get clear blue-sky days. It's cold, but it's bright.
And summers? Summers are honestly one of the best-kept secrets about living here. June through August you'll get long, warm days — highs in the mid-20s to low 30s, sunshine until 10 PM, and enough outdoor festivals and lake weekends to fill every calendar slot.
Which Neighbourhood Fits Your Life?
Young Professionals and Couples
If you're relocating for work and you want something modern without a huge footprint, look at Riverbend, The Towns, or Eastbrook. Riverbend has condos and townhomes built around a lake with trail access. The Towns offers newer builds close to commercial amenities. Eastbrook has architectural variety and naturalized green space. All three are 10 to 15 minutes from downtown.
Families with School-Age Kids
Parkridge, Woodland Grove, and Creekside are the ones I bring up most often. Parkridge has mature lots, walkable schools, and strong value. Woodland Grove gives you established trees and cul-de-sac streets. Creekside is a newer option with family-sized homes. All three have the kind of streets where you'll see kids playing outside after dinner.
Downsizers and Empty Nesters
East Pointe Estates and Wascana View are worth a serious look. East Pointe Estates has condos and townhomes starting in the low $200Ks with walking trails. Wascana View offers a more upscale feel with park access and quieter streets.
Budget-Conscious Buyers
Spruce Meadows, Wood Meadows, and Richmond Place offer some of the best value in east Regina. Spruce Meadows has a median around $239K. Wood Meadows brings bigger lots and mature trees under $285K. These aren't flashy neighbourhoods, but they're functional, safe, and honestly priced.
Where You'll Work
Downtown Regina is 10 to 20 minutes from most east-side neighbourhoods. Government jobs are concentrated downtown and in the north end. The University of Regina campus is right on the edge of the southeast. The Global Transportation Hub and the industrial east end are easy to reach via Ring Road.
Remote workers are a growing group too. I've had clients come from BC and Ontario who work remotely and chose Regina purely for the cost of living. Their salary didn't change, but their mortgage went from $3,500 a month to $1,400. That math is hard to argue with.
What Surprises People Most
The community. Regina is small enough that you'll run into people you know at the grocery store. Your neighbours will introduce themselves. People wave. It's not performative — it's just how things are here.
The space. Not just lot sizes and square footage, but the feeling of space. Wide streets. Open sky. No bumper-to-bumper traffic at 7 AM.
The food scene. Regina's restaurant culture has grown a lot. It's not going to compete with Toronto's, and I won't pretend it does. But there are genuinely good local restaurants and craft breweries that surprise people.
The lack of mountains. If you're coming from BC or Alberta, you'll notice the flat horizon. Some people miss the mountains badly. Others find the prairie sky has its own kind of beauty.
Making the Move
If you're seriously considering this, come visit first if you can. Drive around the east side. Walk through a few neighbourhoods. Get a feel for the pace of the city.
Get your mortgage pre-approval sorted before you start looking at homes. And talk to someone who knows the neighbourhoods — the actual, honest differences between communities.
That's where I come in. I'll truly listen to what matters to you, give you all the options, and let you make the decision that fits your family. No pressure, no rush. Give me a call at 306-581-1212 or send me a message. I'm happy to answer whatever questions you've got — even the ones you think might be silly. They're not.
