What makes University Park stand out today, though, is what surrounds it. The University of Regina campus is within walking or cycling distance. Wascana Centre — over 2,300 acres of parkland with 14 kilometres of pathways, a lake, museums, and the Legislature — is right there. You don't drive to nature here. You walk out your door and you're in it.
The trees that were planted when the first families moved in are now 25 to 40 years old. They've filled in completely, giving the neighbourhood a mature, established feel that new developments simply can't replicate. And with home prices starting at $123,000, University Park is one of the most accessible established neighbourhoods in the city. If you've been looking at University Park homes for sale and wondering what it's actually like to live here, this is the honest breakdown.
Who Lives in University Park?
It's a genuine mix. You've got families who moved here when their kids were small and stayed because the neighbourhood works. There are university staff and faculty who chose it for the short commute to campus. Students who want to be close to school without living right on top of it. And retirees who've been here for decades and aren't interested in leaving — the quiet streets, the pathways, and the access to Wascana Centre are exactly what they want at this stage of life.
The academic community's influence is subtle but real. It's a neighbourhood where people value stability and take care of their properties without making a fuss about it. Turnover is modest, and the residents who are here tend to be here for the long haul. That kind of consistency shapes a neighbourhood over time, and you can feel it when you drive through.
What You'll Pay
This is where University Park really catches people's attention. Homes here typically range from $123,000 to $165,000, and that's not a typo. At this price point, you're mostly looking at condos and smaller units — this isn't the neighbourhood for sprawling two-storey family homes. But for what you get, the value is hard to beat anywhere else in Regina.
For first-time buyers, this is genuinely one of the most realistic entry points into homeownership in an established neighbourhood. You're not buying into a brand-new subdivision with no trees and no character. You're getting mature landscaping, walkable schools, and proximity to the university and Wascana Centre — at a price that doesn't require stretching your budget to the breaking point.
If you're comparing options across the east side, it's worth looking at what's available in East Regina more broadly. Different neighbourhoods hit different price points, and I can help you figure out where your budget goes furthest.
Schools and Families
University Park was built around families, and the school access reflects that.
Wilfred Hunt School (K-8, public) is the neighbourhood anchor. It's connected to the rest of University Park via the internal pathway system, which means most kids can walk or bike there without ever stepping onto a main road. That kind of access is rare, and it's one of the reasons families with young children keep choosing this neighbourhood.
Campbell Collegiate serves high school students in the area and has a strong reputation for both its AP program and athletics. It draws students from across southeast Regina.
St. Dominic Savio School (Catholic, Pre-K to Grade 8) is worth knowing about even if you're not Catholic. It offers a Ukrainian language program from Grades 1 through 8 — one of the only schools in the city with that option. For families with Ukrainian heritage or those who simply value bilingual education, that's a meaningful draw.
University Park is also consistently identified as one of Regina's safer neighbourhoods for families. The cul-de-sac layout, the low traffic volumes, and the pathway system all contribute to that. It's a neighbourhood where kids still play outside, and parents feel comfortable with it.
Parks, Trails, and Things to Do
This is where University Park punches well above its weight.
Wascana Centre is the obvious highlight — 2,300-plus acres of parkland with walking and cycling trails, Wascana Lake, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the MacKenzie Art Gallery, and the Saskatchewan Legislature. It's one of the largest urban parks in North America, and University Park residents can access it on foot. Wascana Waterfowl Park connects directly via the pathway system, so you can be watching pelicans and geese within minutes of leaving your front door.
Closer to home, Arcola East Community Centre offers an indoor walking track and gym — particularly valuable during Saskatchewan's longer winters. It's a solid community hub for fitness and programming year-round.
For shopping and errands, University Park Shopping Centre sits right at University Park Drive and Arcola Avenue. It covers the basics without driving far. Victoria Square Shopping Centre is also nearby with around 46 stores, including grocery and retail options. Between the two, your day-to-day needs are well covered.
Getting downtown takes 10 to 15 minutes by car. Transit options include Routes 12, 21, 22, and 60, which connect you to the university, downtown, and other parts of the city.
If you're also considering nearby neighbourhoods, Varsity Park offers a similar mature character at a higher price point, while Gardiner Heights gives you larger homes with the same kind of established, family-oriented feel.
The Honest Downsides
I'd rather you know these before you buy than discover them after.
Affordable prices mean specific housing types. The $123K to $165K range is real, but it's dominated by condos and smaller units. If you're looking for a detached family home with a yard, University Park's inventory at this price point is limited. Know what's available before you set your expectations.
The homes are 35 to 40 years old. Original builds from the 1980s mean roofs, furnaces, windows, and plumbing may be at or past their expected lifespan. Budget for updates. A thorough home inspection is essential — ask specifically about the age of mechanical systems and the roof.
You'll likely need a car. University Park Shopping Centre and Victoria Square handle the basics, but there's no walkable commercial strip within the neighbourhood itself. Groceries, dining, and most activities require driving. Transit is available but not frequent enough for most people to rely on exclusively.
It's not a premium neighbourhood. University Park offers excellent value, and that's a real strength. But it doesn't carry the same cachet as some of the newer or higher-end communities in the city. If resale positioning and neighbourhood prestige matter to you, that's worth considering.
None of these are dealbreakers — they're trade-offs. And for the right buyer, especially someone entering the market for the first time or looking for low-maintenance living near the university, those trade-offs make a lot of sense.
If University Park sounds like it could work for you, browse current University Park listings to see what's available. I'm happy to walk you through the options and help you figure out if it's the right fit — no rush, no pressure. I'll truly listen to what matters to you, and we'll go from there.
