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The Hidden Gems of Saskatchewan’s Real Estate Market: Why You Should Consider Rural Living
For many, the image of Saskatchewan is wide-open prairies, big skies, and a serene way of life. Yet, when it comes to choosing a home, a lot of people still default to urban areas without fully exploring the incredible options in Saskatchewan’s rural real estate market. As a local real estate expert, I’ve seen first-hand the advantages rural communities offer and how these hidden gems are transforming how people live, invest, and build community in this province.
1. Cost Comparisons: Urban vs. Rural
One of the biggest draws of rural living is affordability. Property values in rural municipalities are often significantly lower than in cities like Saskatoon or Regina, allowing you to get more space or higher-quality finishes for a lower price. According to recent stats, the average cost of a home in rural Saskatchewan can be up to 30-50% lower than in urban centers.
For those commuting to work in the city or simply looking for a weekend retreat, the financial benefits can be substantial. On top of lower property prices, rural homeowners generally enjoy lower property taxes and maintenance costs. With more budget left over, you have the freedom to invest in property improvements, extra land, or even start a hobby farm or home business.
2. Quality of Life: A New Pace and Perspective
When people consider a move to the countryside, they’re often attracted to the slower, more intentional pace of life. Saskatchewan’s rural communities are known for being close-knit, with neighbors often treating each other like family. This makes it easy to get involved, make connections, and truly feel at home.
Life in these areas also offers unparalleled access to nature. Many properties have sprawling yards, close proximity to lakes, hiking trails, and farmland, offering a direct connection to the beautiful prairie landscape. Rural Saskatchewan towns host charming local events and festivals that emphasize community spirit, and with fewer crowds and less traffic, everyday errands feel much less stressful.
For families, the quality of life in rural areas often includes smaller schools with more individualized attention, safe neighborhoods, and a community-centered approach to raising children.
3. Key Rural Municipalities and Towns in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is home to over 300 rural municipalities, each with its own unique personality, opportunities, and amenities. Here are just a few standouts:
- RM of Corman Park: Just outside Saskatoon, Corman Park offers country living with quick access to city conveniences. With sprawling acreages, parks, and riverfront views, it’s perfect for those who want space without sacrificing access to urban amenities.
- RM of Edenwold: Located near Regina, this municipality has seen a surge in popularity due to its close proximity to the city and fantastic recreational opportunities. Families appreciate the nearby schools and the welcoming, tight-knit community.
- Town of Maple Creek: Known as the “Gateway to the Cypress Hills,” Maple Creek has stunning views and easy access to outdoor adventures. The town is famous for its art galleries, historic sites, and annual festivals, making it a cultural hub for the area.
- RM of Dundurn: About 30 km south of Saskatoon, this area has easy access to Blackstrap Provincial Park, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a blend of rural and lakeside living that attracts families and retirees alike.
4. Investment Potential in Rural Real Estate
Rural real estate isn’t just for those looking to move out of the city; it’s also a savvy investment. Saskatchewan’s rural areas have shown steady growth in property value, and with rising interest in rural lifestyles, it’s a trend that’s expected to continue. Investors are seeing the value in rental properties, vacation homes, and land development opportunities in rural municipalities.
For example, properties near lakes or provincial parks are popular as seasonal rentals, while acreages and farmland offer opportunities for agriculture or even future development. With Saskatchewan’s economy rooted in agriculture, mining, and energy, rural land continues to hold strong investment value.
5. Success Stories from the Heart of the Prairies
Hearing about other people’s experiences is often what motivates buyers to consider rural options. Many clients of mine, who once felt uncertain about rural living, are now some of its biggest advocates. One family, who moved to an acreage outside Regina, shares that they wouldn’t trade their daily views of the prairies for anything. Their kids now have room to roam, their commute is manageable, and they’ve found a real sense of community in their small town.
For others, rural life has allowed them to slow down, start home-based businesses, or finally have the garden and animals they always dreamed of. These stories highlight that, while rural living may not be for everyone, those who embrace it often find a deeply rewarding lifestyle.
Conclusion
Saskatchewan’s rural real estate market is a treasure trove of opportunity for those looking to make a move, invest, or simply find a more fulfilling way of life. The financial benefits, lifestyle perks, and investment potential make rural areas well worth a second look. If you’re curious about what options might be available or are considering a move to one of Saskatchewan’s beautiful small towns or rural communities, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you find a home that truly matches your dreams—whether that’s a city condo, a lakeside retreat, or an expansive prairie acreage.
9 Reasons to Move to Saskatoon
Known as the Paris on the Prairies, Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan. With the South Saskatchewan River flowing through its centre, as well 6 traffic bridges and 2 train bridges, it has also been called the City of Bridges by many, too! No matter what nickname you choose to use, though, there is a lot to love about the city of Saskatoon; and more and more people are choosing it as a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family! Why? Well, here are just 10 reasons why:
Meewasin River Valley
Saskatoon lies on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River and has wide, tree-lined streets amid vast parks and green spaces. Listed by Reader’s Digest as one of the top 10 greatest hikes in Canada, the Meewasin Valley Trail extends for 60 kilometres along the east and west banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The trail is also great for cycling, running, and walking your furry friends, and is well-maintained year-round.
City of Festivals
From the Wintershines Festival to the Saskatoon Blues Festival, the Fringe Festival to the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Saskatoon is home to many festivals throughout the year. No matter what your interests, there is a season for you, and plenty of fun for the whole family at the city’s annual Exhibition Fair!
One of the Sunniest Cities in Canada
As the city’s slogan states, ‘Saskatoon Shines’! No matter the time of year—whether the ground is cloaked in snowy white or graced with green grass—the sky overhead is likely to be filled with sunshine. Residents of Saskatoon enjoy an average 2,381 hours of sunshine every year (a fact which undoubtedly contributes to their sunny dispositions). If you are looking for a place to soak up the sun, visit one of the city’s 198 parks or take a drive out to one of the many nearby beaches found at Pike Lake or Blackstrap Lake Provincial Parks.
City of Bridges
What do Paris and Saskatoon have in common? Bridges! Six traffic bridges and two train bridges span the city, all of which cross the South Saskatchewan River, and make travel through the city quick and convenient, no matter where you are coming from.
Persephone Theatre
For those who love live performances on the stage, the Persephone Theatre is made for you! Sigh, laugh, cry, and immerse yourself in the world of creative theatrical performances hosted at the Persephone throughout the year, including comedies, classics, tragedies, and even contemporary pieces. The theatre offers something for everyone, so discover the beautiful world of the human imagination and experience it all for yourself.
The Remai Modern Art Gallery
The Remai Modern Art Gallery sits on the banks of the Saskatchewan River, and offers 11 gallery spaces and spectacular views of the twisting waterway over the city plains. It hosts an assortment of art designs and tastes from the 21st century, and is regularly updated, so you can visit over and over again for a new experience each and every time!
Wanuskewin Heritage Park
Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a monument to the history of the Northern Plains indigenous people of Canada. It features a beautifully renovated heritage site—home to exhibits, a gift shop, and gorgeous conference and event spaces—as well as over 6 kilometres of walking trails amongst the stunning landscape. The park is designed to help visitors connect and understand the culture of bygone societies and their bond with the land.
Low Cost of Living
Saskatoon enjoys one of the lowest costs of living among major cities in Canada. This means that you will pay less for housing, utilities, food, and taxes in Saskatoon than in other similar-sized or larger cities. Paying less for these essential things means that you will have more money available for saving or spending on less essential items!
Affordable Housing
The Saskatoon real estate market is known to be quite generous, giving you much more bang for your buck than other major Canadian cities, such as Toronto or Vancouver. The average price of residential properties in the first quarter of 2021 was just $333,826. The mature Nutana area, the family-friendly Sutherland neighbourhood, vibrant City Park, and the peaceful Avalon district are some of the most popular places to settle down in.
Of course, these are just some of the reasons you’ll love living in Saskatoon, should you decide to buy a home here. If you’re ready to move to Saskatoon please reach out to me. We can discuss your neighborhood, and lifestyle wish list and find a home that will suit your needs!
Home Buying Incentives
The Saskatoon real estate market is hot right now. Buyers are searching for homes for sale quicker than they are coming on the market, and homes in certain price ranges are seeing an increase in value. This is making it even tougher to get onto the property ladder as a first time home buyer. These programs from the Government of Canada may be helpful to you if you are ready to start your house hunt:
The First Time Home Buyer Incentive
The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is just like it sounds—an incentive for first time home buyers to buy their first house.
If you have the minimum down payment for an insured mortgage, you can apply to finance a portion of your home through a shared equity mortgage with the Government of Canada. For a purchase price of $500,000 or less, the minimum down payment is 5%. When the purchase price is above $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5% for the first $500,000 and 10% for the remaining portion.
A shared equity mortgage is where you take a smaller mortgage, in exchange for your lender owning some equity in the home. You’ll essentially become a co-owner of the property alongside your bank lender. You’ll get to live in the house, but only borrow a fraction of the purchase price. When you sell the house, you’ll share the profits and losses from the sale with the lender, in line with your equity share.
The Home Buyer’s Amount
The Home Buyer’s Amount is a non-refundable credit for first-time home buyers and buyers with disabilities. It offers a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired during the year. For an eligible buyer, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief.
The Home Buyer’s Plan
The Home Buyers’ Plan is a program through the Canada Revenue Agency that allows eligible first-time home buyers to withdraw up to $35,000 in a calendar year from their RRSP to buy or build a qualifying home. The program states the funds withdrawn must be paid back within 15 years.
GST/HST New Housing Rebate
The GST/HST New Housing Rebate allows an individual to recover some of the GST or the federal part of the HST paid for a new or substantially renovated home that will be used as a primary residence.
To begin buying a house, start by assembling a team of real estate professionals to guide you through the process. Your lender can help you understand exactly what you can afford, and the steps you can take to afford the home you want. They can also give you solid advice on whether the first-time homebuyer incentive is something you should participate in. Your lender can then provide you with a pre-approval which will help your REALTOR® assist you in not only finding a home, but also in making an offer and negotiating the real estate agreement on your behalf!
