Pros & Cons of Moving to Saskatoon
Saskatoon is a growing, friendly city. Since its founding in 1883, the city has welcomed people from all over Canada and the world. Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan, the city’s name being a reference to the Saskatoon berries that grow in the region. With its great quality of life, beautiful landscapes, and warm community, it’s no wonder so many people love calling the city home !
So, are you considering becoming a Saskatonian? If so, the information in this article should be able to help you make the right decision.
The following are the top pros and cons of moving to Saskatoon.
Pros of Moving to Saskatoon
1. It’s Rich in History and Culture
Are you fascinated by history and culture? If you are, then Saskatoon will most likely appeal to you, especially if you're a fan of live music.
Although it was officially founded in 1883, the Saskatoon area has a settlement history of anywhere between 5,000 and 8,000 years.
The Wanuskewin Heritage Park, for example, contains some rare finds that pre-date the Egyptian pyramids. Having been recognized as a national historic site, the Wanuskewin Heritage Park celebrates First Nations culture that dates back over 6 millennia ago.
2. Saskatoon is a Beautiful City
From cascading prairies to winding rivers and national parks, Saskatoon is a city filled with ice rinks and surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
A lot of the surrounding area of the city remains untouched. So, if you like to explore nature without the interruption of major construction, then moving to Saskatoon should be at the top of your list!
3. The Cost of Living Is Relatively Low
The cost of renting an apartment in Saskatoon is relatively low when compared to other major Canadian cities. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Saskatoon is half the price of an equivalent apartment in Toronto.
Also, property values are relatively low as well. The divide between the cost of purchasing a property in Saskatoon vs the same type in any other major Canadian city like Vancouver can be in the millions.
4. The Tax Rate Is Also Relatively Low
The tax rate is also something worth considering before moving to a new city. Luckily for you, Saskatonians enjoy some of the lowest tax rates in the country.
While most provinces in Canada charge a tax rate of about 15%, the tax rate in Saskatoon is only 11%. This is the 5% nationwide Goods and Services Tax plus the 6% Provincial Sales Tax.
5. The Economy Is Rapidly Growing
When it comes to the growth rate, Saskatoon ranks high in the fastest-growing urban centres, according to Statistics Canada (StatCan).
Agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to the province’s rapidly growing economy. It’s the world’s largest exporter of oats, flaxseed, canola, lentils, peas, and durum wheat.
Also, Saskatoon houses over 66% of the world’s recoverable potash on top of being home to Cameco – the world’s largest publicly traded uranium company.
Other things that are a major backbone of the economy here are coal, diamond, gold, oil and gas.
6. Saskatoon Has High-Quality Education
Education is pretty much standardized across Saskatchewan, as is the rest of Canada. Every child is able to attend school for free up to Grade 12. However, undergraduates here also get a rebate of $20,000 under the graduate retention program.
The education system is generally divided into three main levels: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary. The body responsible for administering the educational programs are the district school boards which work under the Ministry of Education.
7. Saskatoon is Conveniently Located Near Major Road Networks
The city is on Highway 16 – the Saskatchewan section of the Yellowhead Highway. In addition, Highways 5, 7, 11, 14, 41, 219, 684 and 762 all converge in Saskatoon.
Aside from the roads, residents also get to enjoy the links created by the city’s railway system. VIA Rail connects Toronto to Saskatoon.
Cons of Moving to Saskatoon
1. There Is A Lot of Space
As already mentioned, Saskatoon is nestled in an expansive area. That said, you might at times feel lonely in that space. For some perspective, the province of Saskatchewan is almost double the size of England. In England, the population is about 55 million whereas in Saskatchewan is just a little over a million .
What this means is that you can drive for hours without ever seeing anyone. While some people will certainly love that idea and the freedom of space, others may find it isolating. If you are accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the city, you may find yourself feeling a little alone more often than not. It will certainly be an adjustment, but most people warm up to the area after enough time.
2. The Weather May Not Be the Best
There are no large bodies of water in the entire province of Saskatchewan. This means that the weather conditions tend to be extreme. The summers, for instance, tend to be hot and humid. During the winter months, the cold tends to be harsh, associated with windy and stormy conditions.
However, Saskatoon does experience one of the highest numbers of sunny days in all of Canada. If you’re someone who doesn’t like dreary days, this may be your silver lining!
3. The Nightlife Isn’t Exactly Lively
Saskatoon isn’t the sort of city that has lively bars and restaurants. If you choose to move here, you might have to be inventive with your own entertainment. Options include taking nature walks or hiking during your spare time.
The population isn’t dense, and therefore social interactions are somehow limited. So, if you are a party animal, you might have a hard time acclimatizing. However, some people love this element as you’ll be familiar with most of the community.
Bottom Line
To sum up, there’s no denying that Saskatoon is a great city to live in when considering other options in Canada. Ultimately, knowing if this is the right fit for you depends on your personal values and lifestyle. Before you move here, just make sure to weigh the pros and cons!
