If you're curious about what's available in Varsity Park, or you're just trying to figure out if this neighbourhood's a fit for your family, I'll walk you through what I see on the ground. No rush, no pressure — I'm just here to give you all the options.
Who Lives Here
Varsity Park's population tells you a lot about the neighbourhood's character. You've got long-time residents who bought their homes in the 1970s and 1980s and aren't going anywhere. You've got university staff and faculty who appreciate being near campus without the student noise. And you've got young families who realize they can afford a proper house here — something they'd pay 30% more for in the newer southwest suburbs.
The neighbourhood skews a bit older than east Regina's average, which I think is a strength. People keep their properties maintained, streets stay quiet on weeknights, and there's a real sense of community. Kids know their neighbours. Folks wave on their walks. It's the kind of place where someone'll help you jump your car in December without expecting anything in return.
The University of Regina campus is practically your backyard, which creates this interesting dynamic. You'll see students walking through, but they're not partying on Varsity Park streets — they've got campus residences and the U-district to the west. That proximity is great if you work at the university, but it's also just nice knowing there's a major institution keeping the area alive and invested.
What You'll Pay
I'll give you the numbers straight because pricing is always the first question I get.
You're looking at roughly $270K to $380K for a typical home in Varsity Park. That's a significant difference from what you'd pay in Harbour Landing or the newer southwest neighbourhoods, where you're closer to $450K to $550K for similar square footage. You're also well below what you'd pay in higher-demand east Regina areas like Hillsdale or Whitmore Park.
What you're getting for that price is usually a 1,200 to 1,800 square foot single-family home, often with a basement (finished or unfinished). Most houses are bungalows or split-levels built between 1970 and 1985. Some are two-storey, but they're less common. Lot sizes run 30 by 120 feet or so — not huge, but decent enough for a garden and a small deck.
The trade-off is condition. A lot of these homes are original construction, which means they've got their original plumbing, electrical systems, and roofing in some cases. That's not automatically a bad thing, but it does mean you're often buying a house that'll need updates over the next 5 to 10 years. Furnaces, roofs, and kitchen renovations come up pretty regularly. If you're handy or you've got a good contractor relationship, that's manageable. If you want something completely updated with zero headaches, this might not be your neighbourhood.
Schools and Families
If you've got kids, this is where Varsity Park really delivers. Dr. A.E. Perry Elementary School is right in the neighbourhood, which means no long bus rides in the morning. The school's been around since the neighbourhood was new, and it's got a real community feel. Teachers know families because families stay put.
For high school, Campbell Collegiate is nearby in the southeast, and it's solid. Good academics, good sports programs, good reputation without being pretentious.
The University of Regina is technically in the neighbourhood, which is a nice backdrop if you've got teenagers thinking about post-secondary options — they can visit campus, check out the facilities, and get familiar with the place before applications even start.
The neighbourhood itself is safe and walkable for kids. Streets are quiet. You'll see kids on bikes, families walking to school, people using the parks. It's not as densely family-focused as some newer suburbs, but that's partly because the families here aren't all the same age — retirees and university staff mix in, which actually makes the streets feel more interesting.
Parks, Trails, and Things to Do
Varsity Park sits right on the edge of the Wascana Creek pathway system, which is one of Regina's best features for outdoor recreation. You've got walking and biking trails that connect you to Wascana Park, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, and Wascana Centre without ever leaving the path system. In summer, that's gold. In winter, it's quiet and peaceful (if you don't mind the cold).
The neighbourhood's got green space built in — mature trees everywhere, pocket parks, and the general feel that people cared about landscaping when they originally designed the place. There's a reason those 50-year-old maple trees look so good; they were planted with intention.
For recreation, the Dr. John Chicken Recreation Centre is close by, which has a pool, gym, and programs. It's university-operated, which means sometimes you get good pricing if you work on campus, but it's open to the public.
Shopping's nearby on Quance Street East and at Victoria Square Mall, though I won't pretend it's a vibrant retail district. You've got what you need — grocery stores, pharmacies, coffee places — but if you want trendy nightlife or boutique shopping, you're heading to the Warehouse District or downtown.
The proximity to the University campus is honestly one of the best parts. You've got cultural events, lectures, sports, and a whole campus community happening right there. If that appeals to you, Varsity Park's a smart choice. If you want to compare, the University Park neighbourhood right next door gives you similar pricing with a slightly different feel. You can also read my guide on what it's like living in University Park if you want another angle on southeast Regina.
The Honest Downsides
I wouldn't be doing my job if I only told you the good parts.
The aging housing stock is real. Most homes need work, and it's the kind of work that costs money — furnaces fail, plumbing needs updating, roofs need replacing. You're buying a house that's going to demand your attention and your budget. That's not a dealbreaker if you're prepared for it, but it'll surprise you if you're not.
Lot sizes are smaller than what you'd get in the southwest suburbs. If you need space for a garden and a small yard, you've got it. If you're imagining a big acreage-feeling property, this isn't it.
The walkable retail and restaurant scene is limited. You're not going to walk for dinner or coffee the way you might in other neighbourhoods. You're getting a quiet residential area, which is great, but that comes with trade-offs.
Some streets closer to the Ring Road deal with traffic noise, especially during rush hour. It's not constant, but it's there. If you're sensitive to that, worth checking out the specific street before you commit.
None of these are dealbreakers for most buyers, but they're worth knowing so you're not surprised six months after moving in.
Varsity Park makes sense if you want affordability, quiet, mature landscaping, and proximity to the university. It makes sense if you're willing to invest time and money into updates. It makes less sense if you want new construction or a trendy, walkable retail scene.
If you're curious about what's actually on the market, I've got current Varsity Park listings updated regularly. No rush, no pressure. I'm here to give you all the options.
