Located in the middle-southern portion of the province, the city of Saskatoon has grown around both sides of the South Saskatchewan River and enjoys more hours of sunshine annually than any other major Canadian city. With a city population of 246,376 and a larger metro area population of 295,095, Saskatchewan is the largest city in the central Canadian province of Saskatchewan and has approximately 96,000 homes.

Like other Canadian prairie centres, over the years Saskatoon has absorbed many of the surrounding suburbs into the city proper: as neighbouring communities like Nutana were reached through natural expansion, they were annexed into the population of Saskatoon. The Saskatoon Metropolitan Area currently includes over 20 additional municipalities including the city of Martensville and the Towns of Allan, Asquith, Colonsay, Dalmeny, Delisle, Dundurn, Langham, Osler, and Warman.

Known as the City of Bridges for its seven river crossings, Saskatoon is a city rich in history, heritage and community spirit. Set in the fertile prairie land of southern Saskatchewan, the area is known for its pristine rivers and aspen parklands.

Nicknames:

City of Bridges, Hub City, Paris of the Prairies, Toon Town, POW City, S'toon

Population (2016):

City: 246,376 | Metro Area: 295,0950

Area (2016):

City Area: 209 km sq | Metro Area: 5,214 km sq

In the heart of Saskatoon are the Core Neighbourhoods, where the towns of Nutana, West Saskatoon and Riversdale first came together to form the city of Saskatoon in 1906. This area includes the Downtown Central Business District which is the urban centre of Saskatoon, home to major shopping, restaurant and arts organizations within the city. In addition to being the arts and business hub of the city, the Downtown area also has a number of preserved heritage buildings and landmarks. Homes in this area are primarily a mixture of condominiums and trendy converted warehouse lofts available in a diverse price range covering the spectrum from entry-level condo to luxury penthouse.

Surrounding the Central Business District are many of Saskatoon's original communities, including the mature neighbourhoods of Caswell Hill, City Park and Westmount with tree-lined streets and a mix of unique single-family character homes, war-era houses and modern infill development. Both Westmount and North Park have smaller, cozy homes affordable for first time Saskatoon home buyers, while the area of Nutana features larger heritage homes at higher price points.

More charming character homes can be found in Saskatoon's west community of Montgomery Place, a veteran's village annexed in the 1950s, and the neighbourhood of Buena Vista located in the city's south central area. The community of Richmond Heights in Saskatoon's north side forms a small, tight knit community with very low home turnover, while Varsity View near the University of Saskatchewan campus is a popular neighbourhood for students and showcases some of the city's prettiest scenery.

First time Saskatoon home buyers will find affordable entry-level houses and condo properties in the neighbourhoods of Confederation Park and Exhibition. For home buyers looking for mid-range homes in family-friendly areas, look to the suburban-styled neighbourhoods of Erindale, Silverspring and Forest Grove in east Saskatoon or Lawson Heights and Silverwood Heights located on the north side of the city.

Professional singles and couples who prefer a "lock and leave" lifestyle will find plenty of Saskatoon condos in the Central Business District, but also in the Lakewood and University Heights communities which are almost entirely composed of apartment-style condominium and townhouse homes.

In recent years, Saskatoon has added the village-concept subdivisions of Hampton Village and Willowgrove to its borders. These self-contained communities include a commercial and park centre, and when complete this urban village centre will include higher density multi-family homes as well as service and shopping amenities.

In addition to the large character homes of Nutana, Saskatoon has several communities featuring primarily luxury and executive homes, including Briarwood to the south east, Arbor Creek to the east, and the small neighbourhood of John Avant Park within the subdivision of Erindale.

With over 400 acres of riverbank trails and city parks to explore, the Saskatoon is known for its beautiful parkland setting and the South Saskatchewan River Valley that cuts through the middle of the city. The Meewasin Valley Authority protects the natural land around the river valley, preserving heritage spots and areas of historical interest. Many of the interactive displays, lookouts, nature centres and interpretive trails within Saskatoon have been cultivated and cared for by the Meewasin Valley Authority, and are a source of deep pride for residents.

Within the central neighbourhoods of Saskatoon are four well known parks along the river valley regularly used by many residents: Kinsmen Park, Victoria Park, Friendship Park, and the Kiwanis Memorial Park which honours the city's war veterans with a memorial fountain. Victoria Park is popular for racket sport enthusiasts as the home of both the Saskatoon Badminton Club and the Saskatoon Riverside Tennis Club, while Kinsmen Park provides access to the Meewasin Valley Trail for hiking and cross country skiing.

Located in the north east Saskatoon community of Silverspring is the 34 acre Saskatoon Natural Grassland area, a parcel of the native ecosystem that has been preserved and protected. Many local Saskatoon students visit the grasslands here as part of their studies to learn more about the complex web of life that includes grasses, fungi, lichen, animals, insects and plant life.

Golfing is a popular pastime for residents and visitors of Saksatoon, and there are a number of finegolf courses in the area including the public golf courses of Holiday Park, Silverwood and Wildwood, and the private courses of Saskatoon Golf & Country Club, The Willows, and Greenbryre Country Club. Most of the courses within Saskatoon are located on the south and east sides of the city.