Want to live and work in Lakewood?

Lakewood attracts established middle-class families in Saskatoon and professionals who have already moved past their first home in Stonebridge or Hampton Village and upgraded to larger houses. There are many families with school-age children, and the average age tends to be higher than in Stonebridge or Aspen Ridge.

Recent immigration is dominated by the Philippines, India, Pakistan, China and South Korea, largely brought through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. Briarwood and Lakeridge have a significant share of recent immigrants. Sikh gurdwaras, Hindu temples, mosques and Korean churches in other parts of the city serve these communities. The Brazilian community is small, with a few scattered families.

English is the dominant language. Tagalog, Punjabi, Mandarin, Urdu and Korean appear in immigrant households. Families with Ukrainian, German, British and Dutch roots have a strong presence in the sector. University of Saskatchewan students occasionally appear in Greystone Heights and College Park, close to campus.

The sector is dominated by homes built in the 1990s and 2000s, in neighborhoods such as Briarwood, Lakeridge and Wildwood. The two-story style predominates, with 3 to 4 bedrooms, double garage, yard and finished basement. Unlike Aspen Ridge, still under construction, Lakewood is already established, with mature trees and developed landscaping.

Greystone Heights and College Park are older neighborhoods in the sector, from the 1970s and 1980s, with more affordable bungalows and split-levels. Lakewood Suburban Centre concentrates townhouses and low-rise condos. Briarwood Lake is the most valued stretch, with homes facing the artificial lake.

For rentals, landlords ask for proof of income, references and a half-month deposit. Sites such as Kijiji, RentFaster and Facebook Marketplace dominate. Mainstreet Equity, Boardwalk and Avenue Living manage some buildings. Winter limits in-person visits between December and March, so signing a remote lease before arriving is common.

Resident children are entitled to free public schooling through Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Each neighborhood has at least one elementary school. High schools in the sector include Centennial Collegiate, Bishop James Mahoney and Walter Murray (in the neighboring sector). Schools in Briarwood, Lakeridge and Wildwood are generally well rated. Several offer French Immersion programs.

The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is 5 to 10 minutes by car from the sector, at the main campus to the west. It is one of Canada's 15 U15 universities, with approximately 26,000 students. Strong in agriculture, veterinary science, medicine, engineering and physics. International tuition ranges from CAD 24,000 to CAD 40,000 per year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic maintains campuses elsewhere in Saskatoon, offering technical programs in health, engineering, business and technology. There are also private schools such as Saskatoon Christian School. To study as an international student at the U of S, a study permit issued by IRCC is required before arrival.

Lakewood is considered one of Saskatoon's safest sectors. Briarwood, Lakeridge, Wildwood, Briarwood Lake and Greystone Heights have low crime rates by the city's standards. Walking at night on residential streets is safe, especially in neighborhoods with young families. Saskatoon Police Service maintains a regular presence in the area.

The most commonly reported crimes are vehicle theft (especially pickup trucks), break-ins to cars parked on dark streets and bicycle theft. Pickup trucks are frequent targets throughout Saskatoon, so a locked garage is a basic recommendation. During busy hours at shopping centers like Briarwood Centre, there are more opportunities for quick thefts in parking lots.

Winter brings slips on icy sidewalks and frequent traffic accidents caused by snow. Simple precautions address most risks: a locked garage, a car alarm for vehicles parked on the street, a U-lock for bicycles and caution on icy roads. In January, extreme cold is a greater risk than crime.

Summer is short and bright. From June to August, highs range between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius, with long days, dry air, and steady breezes. It is the season for cycling shared trails, visiting parks, and outdoor barbecues. Evenings tend to be cool and call for a light jacket.

Winter defines the daily routine. From November through March, lows of minus 25 degrees Celsius are common, with biting wind and accumulated snow. Every home has central gas heating, reinforced insulation, and an enclosed garage. Anyone commuting to work needs a parka, hat, gloves, and thermal boots.

Rainfall is light and concentrated almost entirely in summer, around 350 millimeters per year. Snow accumulates roughly one meter from November to March. Schools and shopping centers have covered walkways and heated buses, making the cold manageable day to day.

Lakewood Suburban Centre is a planned neighborhood built around small artificial lakes that give the area its name. Streets follow a curvilinear design, lined with family homes, schools, and the Lakewood Civic Centre, which houses an indoor pool and public library. Briarwood Lake is the local landmark, with a walking path and sports courts.

For attractions in the wider city, Lakewood residents head to the Meewasin Valley Trail, which follows the river into downtown Saskatoon. The Remai Modern, a contemporary art museum holding the world's largest collection of Picasso ceramics, sits on the riverbank. Wanuskewin Heritage Park, to the north, is a First Nations-connected UNESCO World Heritage candidate.

In summer, the Saskatoon Folkfest and Saskatchewan Jazz Festival bring life to downtown. Near Lakewood, the Brighton and Stonebridge neighborhoods offer movie theaters and shopping centers such as Lawson Heights. Bowling, amateur hockey at the Lakewood Civic Centre, and skating on frozen lakes in winter round out the local calendar.