As the second-largest country in the world, Canada has quite a reputation. When non-Canadians think of Canada, they imagine year-round snow, hockey, and Tim Hortons. While these stereotypes can be accurate, there's more to this country than meets the eye.
The province of Saskatchewan is one of Canada's hidden gems. As one of the lesser-known locations - not quite as popular as Toronto or Vancouver - cities in Saskatchewan are often overlooked. But no longer.
Situated right in the middle of the prairies, Saskatchewan is home to some of the most iconic Canadian landscapes. Wide-open plains and blue skies as far as the eye can see will greet you every morning. Not to mention that it also boasts rapid economic and population growth, and excellent health plans.
If you're considering moving to beautiful Saskatchewan, you've come to the right place. Here are the top five best cities to live in Saskatchewan.
1. Weyburn
The city of Weyburn, SK is one of the fastest-growing cities in the province, earning it the nickname of the "Opportunity City". It is the tenth-largest city in Saskatchewan with a population of 10,870.
Weyburn is excellent for business because of its agricultural roots. Its average household income is $78,592 and the average home price is around $279,000. The unemployment rate is 7.3% as of 2016.
With a crime rate of 5,802 per 100k people, Weyburn is safely below the national average. It was ranked 5th best place to live in all of Canada - and Canada is huge!
Weyburn is a city with a strong sense of community and is rich in history and culture. Upon moving here, you can enjoy attractions such as the Soo Line Historical Museum, where you can learn about the history of Saskatchewan and Canada. You can also take the Crocus Tour, a walking tour of historic sites and points of interest across downtown.
If you're interested in the arts, you can also attend the Outdoor Walking Gallery, put on by the Weyburn Arts Council. This gallery features artwork from local artists and contributors from the community, giving it a fresh local feel. You can also visit the Allie Griffin Art Gallery, which boasts artwork from Saskatchewanian artists.
And it doesn't end there. If you're more of an outdoorsy type, there are loads of physical activities available as well. In Weyburn, you can participate in disc golf, fishing, hunting, and winter ski trails, and can also attend a variety of beautiful parks.
2. Saskatoon
Named after the Saskatoon berry, this city is one of the best cities in Saskatchewan. It is the largest one in the province with a population of 331,051, and also may be one of the most well-known Saskatchewanian cities.
Saskatoon is home to a tight-knit community with a welcoming and friendly culture. It is an affordable and desirable place to live with an average household income of $79,001 and home prices averaging about $330,300. The Saskatoon crime rate is roughly 7,153 per 100k people, and the unemployment rate is 6.5%.
Nicknamed the "City of Bridges", due to the eight bridges that the city houses, Saskatoon sits on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. This provides residents with a beautiful natural sight as well as lots of riverside activities, like hiking or bicycling.
Saskatoon is also one of the sunniest cities in Canada and has a very dry climate, meaning that it has less rainfall and humidity than most other cities. Its wide-open skies and northern location also mean that the Northern Lights can occasionally be seen from the city itself.
3. Regina
Regina is the capital of Saskatchewan and is the second-largest city in the province. It has a population of 242,479 and is an area of steady economic growth, making it one of the best cities to live in Saskatchewan.
The average household income in Regina is $81,832 and the average home price is around $344,000. Its crime rate is 7,398 per 100k people and the unemployment rate is quite low at 3.9%.
Like Saskatoon, Regina is one of the best places in Saskatchewan for clear and sunny skies. It is the sunniest capital city in Canada and has a dry, brisk climate.
You'll also find no shortage of things to do in Regina. There are lots of entertainment facilities to experience.
Regina is home to the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, where you can learn about the history of the province and its importance to Canada's identity as a country. If you're more scientifically inclined, you can also pay a visit to the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina, which has over 180 hands-on exhibits.
Of course, if you're moving to Saskatchewan, you'll have to visit Mosaic Stadium to see the Saskatchewan Roughriders play. As the only Saskatchewan team in the CFL, they're a must-see.
4. Estevan
Estevan is the eighth-largest city in the province with a population of 12,418. It has been nicknamed the "Energy City" because of its oil, mining, and power generating industry.
With its strong entrepreneurial spirit and affordability, Estevan is one of the best cities to live in Saskatchewan. The unemployment rate is 8.0%, the average household income is $96,945 and the average home price is around $300,000. It's important to note that over 70% of people own their homes in Estevan!
The crime rate is also well below the national average at 4,709 per 100k people. This makes Estevan a safe and friendly city, good for raising a family or starting a new business.
If you're interested in the arts and culture, then Estevan is the place for you. With a variety of art galleries, museums, and theatres, you'll get a well-rounded artistic experience.
And if that's not for you, then don't worry! Estevan is also home to lots of parks and athletic-based activity centres. Affinity Place, a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex, has hosted tons of spectacular events, including NHL games, incredible concerts, and more.
5. Moose Jaw
Known as Canada's Most Notorious City, Moose Jaw has a population of 35,620, and a crime rate of 6,766 per 100k people. It's very affordable, with the average household income being $68,083 and the average home price being $226,900. Not to mention, the unemployment rate is only 2.8%!
Like its fellow cities in Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw is one of the sunniest cities in Canada. The cities in the Prairie provinces, with their open plains and dry air, tend to provide beautiful sunshine all year round, and Moose Jaw is no exception.
Moose Jaw also is home to tons of fun attractions. It boasts the most amazing main street in all of Canada, for one. You can also feast your eyes on the amazing CFB airshow, or take a tour on the Trolley.
And of course, it wouldn't be Canada's Most Notorious City without some intriguing history. You can visit the Tunnels of Moose Jaw for guided theatrical tours of underground tunnels with links to infamous gangster Al Capone. You'll also get fascinating information about the history of Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan as a whole.
Definitely the Best Cities to Live in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has a unique and beautiful charm that is both desirable and affordable. It's no wonder why the populations of the best cities to live in Saskatchewan are steadily growing.
If you're thinking of moving, you should start comparing insurance rates and offers in Canada. Get a quote today!
