Regina is a great city to live in — but not every buyer wants to live in the city. For a growing number of Saskatchewan families and professionals, the answer is just down the highway: a bedroom community that offers more square footage, a bigger yard, a quieter street, and a price tag that goes a lot further — all within a short commute of Regina's jobs, amenities, and services.
Team TNT works with buyers across the full region, and we've watched communities like White City, Pilot Butte, and Lumsden grow dramatically over the past decade. Here's an honest look at each of the major communities surrounding Regina, and what you should consider before making the move.
Why Are People Leaving Regina for Surrounding Communities?
It comes down to three things: space, value, and lifestyle. In Regina, a $450,000 budget gets you a solid family home in a good neighbourhood. In White City or Pilot Butte, that same budget gets you a newer, larger home — often with a double attached garage, a bigger lot, and sometimes even an acreage. For growing families, that trade-off is very compelling.
Remote and hybrid work has also changed the calculus. When you're only commuting two or three days a week, a 20-minute drive feels entirely manageable. Many buyers who wouldn't have considered living outside the city a few years ago are now making the move without hesitation.
The Communities Worth Knowing
🏘️ White City — The Fast-Growing Family Town
White City has transformed from a quiet bedroom community into a genuine small city in its own right. With a population now exceeding 10,000, it has its own schools, recreational facilities, and a strong local identity. Homes here are newer, lots are generous, and the community has a young, family-focused energy. The commute to Regina is roughly 20 minutes on a clear day.
🌾 Pilot Butte — Acreage Lifestyle, City Convenience
Pilot Butte sits just 15 minutes east of Regina on the Trans-Canada and has long been a favourite for buyers who want acreage-style living without a full rural property commitment. You'll find a mix of residential lots and larger acreage properties, a tight-knit community feel, and very easy highway access. It's particularly popular with tradespeople and outdoor enthusiasts.
🏞️ Lumsden — The Valley Gem
Lumsden is unlike anywhere else in the region. Nestled in the Qu'Appelle Valley about 30 minutes northwest of Regina, it has a character all its own — historic homes, a thriving arts community, stunning valley views, and a pace of life that city dwellers move here specifically to find. If scenic beauty and community character matter to you, Lumsden deserves serious consideration.
🏡 Emerald Park — Quiet and Accessible
Tucked between Regina and White City, Emerald Park offers a quieter alternative to its faster-growing neighbour. A mix of residential lots and acreage properties gives buyers flexibility, and easy Trans-Canada access makes commuting effortless. It's a popular choice for buyers who want the feel of the country without going too far out.
💰 Balgonie & Pense — Maximum Value
If affordability is your top priority, Balgonie (east of Regina) and Pense (west on the Trans-Canada) offer some of the best value in the region. Both are small, tight-knit towns with strong community spirit, and both allow buyers to get significantly more home for their money. The trade-off is a longer commute — about 35–40 km — but for buyers who work remotely or don't mind the drive, these communities represent exceptional value.
What to Consider Before You Buy Outside the City
- Commute honestly. Drive the route at rush hour, not on a Sunday afternoon. Winter roads matter too — factor in a few bad weather days per season.
- School options. Some communities have excellent local schools; others require busing to Regina. If you have school-age children, this is a major consideration.
- Services and amenities. Groceries, medical clinics, and restaurants are mostly in Regina. Make sure you're comfortable making those trips regularly.
- Resale and growth trajectory. White City and Pilot Butte have strong resale demand. Smaller communities like Pense and Grand Coulee are more niche — great value, but a smaller buyer pool when it's time to sell.
- Property taxes. Rural municipality taxes differ from Regina city taxes. In some cases they're lower; in others, you may be responsible for costs like well maintenance or septic systems.
Team TNT Sells Across the Entire Region
We work with buyers and sellers in all of these communities, and we know the local nuances that matter. Whether you're drawn to the energy of White City, the character of Lumsden, or the value of Balgonie, we can help you find the right fit — and make sure you're getting a fair price.
If you're weighing life inside vs. outside the city, give us a call. There's no pressure — just honest advice from agents who know this market inside and out.
Our agents sell in Regina and across Southern Saskatchewan. Let's find the community that fits your lifestyle and budget.