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Regina has one of the largest urban Indigenous populations in Canada in relative terms. First Nations peoples (Cree, Saulteaux, Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota) and Métis make up a significant share of the city. This profile is reflected in the First Nations University of Canada, cultural centres, and schools with dedicated programs for Indigenous students.

Recent immigration is led by Filipinos, Indians, Pakistanis, Nigerians, Ukrainians, and Chinese, largely brought through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). There are large Sikh gurdwaras, active mosques, and specialty markets carrying Asian and African products. The Brazilian community is small, numbering a few hundred people connected to the university, the healthcare sector, and positions in construction and agribusiness.

English is the primary language. Tagalog, Punjabi, Mandarin, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Spanish are spoken at home among immigrant families. Older families have Ukrainian, German, British, and Scandinavian roots, a heritage still visible in dishes such as perogies and holupchi and in festivals like the Mosaic Festival.

Regina is dominated by suburban neighborhoods with single-family homes, double garages, and wide streets. The Cathedral Area, Lakeview, and the Crescents are considered charming, with older homes on tree-lined streets close to Wascana Park and downtown. For young families, newer neighborhoods such as Harbour Landing, Greens on Gardiner, and The Creeks offer modern homes and nearby schools.

Downtown is compact and more office-oriented, with some condominium options. Neighborhoods such as Albert Park, Glencairn, and Normanview offer affordable rent and easy access to the city centre. North Central and Heritage have lower prices but a more difficult reputation in terms of safety.

To rent, landlords typically require proof of income, references, and generally a half-month deposit. Sites such as Kijiji, RentFaster, Facebook Marketplace, and PadMapper concentrate listings. Boardwalk, Mainstreet Equity, and Avenue Living are the most common property management companies. Winter limits in-person viewings between December and March.

Resident children are entitled to free public education through Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools. The most sought-after schools tend to be in neighborhoods such as Lakeview, Cathedral, Harbour Landing, and The Creeks. French Immersion programs are available at several schools for those seeking bilingual French education.

The University of Regina (U of R) has its campus inside Wascana Centre, with around 17,000 students. It is strong in business, engineering, computer science, social justice, and journalism, and maintains a close partnership with First Nations University of Canada, which offers programs focused on Indigenous studies, governance, and education. International tuition ranges from CAD 22,000 to CAD 36,000 per year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic maintains a campus in Regina, offering technical programs in health, engineering, business, and technology. There are also small private colleges focused on business and ministerial training. International students must hold a study permit issued by IRCC before arriving.

Regina appears in national rankings with crime rates above the Canadian average, partly due to specific neighborhoods. Across most of the city, however, daily life is calm. Lakeview, Cathedral, Harbour Landing, The Creeks, and Albert Park are considered safe, with few violent crimes and a cooperative relationship with the Regina Police Service.

The most challenging area is North Central, north of downtown, which has long faced social issues tied to poverty, precarious housing, and substance dependency (particularly methamphetamine and crystal meth). It is not a dangerous zone, but walking alone at night is best avoided. Heritage and parts of East Central also appear more frequently in crime statistics.

The most common everyday crimes are vehicle theft, car break-ins, and bicycle theft. Winter brings frequent traffic accidents due to ice. Basic precautions address most risks: nothing visible left in cars, locked garages, a U-lock for bicycles, and extra awareness on dark streets at night.

Summers in Regina are warm and sunny. From June to August, highs range between 24 °C and 27 °C, with cool nights and low humidity. The city records one of the highest sunshine averages in Canada. Wascana Park, surrounding the central lake, is the hub of outdoor activity. Summer storms are brief but intense. Air conditioning is recommended.

Winters are severe. From December to February, highs range between -9 °C and -3 °C, with lows frequently reaching -30 °C. Annual snowfall totals around 100 cm, less than in eastern Canada, but prairie winds produce occasional blizzards and whiteouts. Wind chill can reach -45 °C in January.

Homes in Regina are built for extreme cold, with triple-pane windows, heavy insulation, and natural gas heating. A heated garage or engine block heater plug is standard. A heavy parka, gloves, hat, scarf, and insulated boots are essential. The city is quiet, flat, well-serviced, and has clean air.

Wascana Centre, an urban park surrounding the artificial Wascana Lake, organizes city life. Within it are the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the MacKenzie Art Gallery, and the Saskatchewan Science Centre. The Conexus Arts Centre hosts ballet, opera, and the Regina Symphony Orchestra.

The RCMP Heritage Centre, located on the Mounted Police training campus, is the force's national museum and draws visitors from across the country. Mosaic Stadium is home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL, a local passion that paints the city green on game days. Government House preserves the historic residence of the lieutenant governor.

Cathedral Village is the most charming neighborhood, with bookshops, cafes, and the Cathedral Village Arts Festival in May. The Regina Folk Festival, held in August at Victoria Park, features national and international acts. For day trips, Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, about an hour away by car, offers swimming, fishing, and hiking trails in summer.