Living in Nutana, Saskatoon: Character Homes, Broadway and the River

Nutana is one of the most in-demand places to live in Saskatoon. It has Broadway Avenue, a long stretch of riverbank, and some of the best-loved character houses in the city. It also has a few quirks that come with being one of the oldest neighbourhoods in town. Here's what it's like to live in Nutana, what kinds of homes you'll find, and what we'd want you to know before you buy.

Where Nutana is

Nutana sits on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River, right across from downtown. The river wraps around the north and west sides. 8th Street East is the southern edge, and Clarence Avenue is the eastern edge, with Varsity View on the other side.

The streets are wide, and some of the ones near the river curve to follow the bank instead of sticking to a grid. That makes the area feel different from newer parts of the city.

The homes

Nutana has more variety than almost any other neighbourhood in Saskatoon. On one block you might see a 1910s two-storey, a 1950s bungalow and a brand-new infill. Here's what you'll typically find:

• Character homes from the early 1900s, often 1.5 to 2.5 storeys, with wood trim, hardwood floors and front porches
• Post-war bungalows, many of them updated over the years
• Modern infill homes, where builders have replaced older houses with new two-storeys
• Condos, from older walk-ups near Broadway to newer buildings with river views

Lots are often narrower than what you'd find in a newer suburb, and many homes have a detached garage off the back lane instead of an attached one.

What homes cost in Nutana

Because the housing is so mixed, prices cover a wide range. In recent listings, older detached homes and character bungalows have often come up somewhere in the high $400,000s to $500,000s. New infills and larger character homes on the best streets often list well above $800,000, and river-view condos at the top end can go much higher than that. Older condos near Broadway are usually the most affordable way into the neighbourhood.

For comparison, Saskatoon's overall benchmark home price was $439,600 in September 2026, according to the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association. So Nutana isn't the cheapest area in the city, but it isn't out of reach either, especially if you're open to a condo or an older home that needs some updating.

Prices change a lot street to street. A home a block from the river and a similar home near 8th Street can be priced very differently. If you're looking at a specific home, we'd always pull recent sales for that exact type of property before you make an offer.

Broadway Avenue

For a lot of people, Broadway is the reason to live here. It's lined with mostly independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, along with the Broadway Theatre. Side streets like 10th Street, Main Street and Dufferin Avenue have more businesses tucked in.

Broadway gets busy in summer. The Saskatoon Fringe Theatre Festival takes over the area every August with shows, street performers and food vendors, and the Broadway street festivals bring big crowds too.

Living a few blocks away means you can walk to coffee, dinner and groceries, then be downtown in a few minutes by crossing the Broadway Bridge.

The river and getting outside

The Meewasin Trail runs along the riverbank, so you can head north toward the University of Saskatchewan or south toward Gabriel Dumont Park and Diefenbaker Park. It's one of the busiest stretches of trail in the city for walking, running and biking.

Rotary Park sits right on the river near the Broadway Bridge. It's a popular spot for an evening walk, with a wide-open view of the river and the downtown skyline across the water.

The trees are another big draw. Many Nutana streets have big, mature trees and wide boulevards that newer neighbourhoods will take decades to grow.

Getting around

Nutana is one of the easiest neighbourhoods in Saskatoon to live in without driving everywhere. Several bridges connect it to downtown, and the University of Saskatchewan and Royal University Hospital are a short trip north. That's why the area is popular with students, university staff and people who work in healthcare.

Saskatoon Transit runs routes along Broadway and Clarence Avenue, and 8th Street gives you a quick way east to shopping and the rest of the city.

Schools

Nutana is close to several schools, including a few just over the line in neighbouring areas:

• École Victoria School on Broadway is a Saskatoon Public Schools elementary school that offers French Immersion only, from Kindergarten to Grade 8.
• Buena Vista School, just south of 8th Street in Buena Vista, is an English-program public school from pre-kindergarten to Grade 8. Saskatoon Public Schools lists it as serving Buena Vista, Exhibition and Nutana.
• Brunskill School is a public elementary school next door in Varsity View, on the other side of Clarence Avenue.
• Aden Bowman Collegiate, a public high school a short drive south on Clarence Avenue, is where Buena Vista School students typically go next. It's known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) and fine arts programs.
• Nutana Collegiate is in the neighbourhood, but it offers specialized programs rather than serving as the typical local high school.

Catholic schools are close by too, through Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.

If schools are a big part of your decision, check the current boundaries with Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools before you buy. We're happy to help you look into it for any home you're considering.

A few things to know before you buy

Every neighbourhood has trade-offs, and we'd rather you hear them from us.

Older homes need a closer look. A 100-year-old house can be full of charm, but plan for a thorough inspection. Ask about the foundation, wiring, plumbing, insulation, windows, and the age of the furnace and roof. Some older homes still have knob and tube wiring, which can affect your home insurance, so ask about it early.

Parking can be tight. Many older homes have no garage, or only a single detached garage off the back lane. Near Broadway, street parking fills up on event nights and weekends.

Event days are lively. Festivals bring crowds and noise to the streets closest to Broadway. Some people love being close to it. Others prefer a home a few blocks further in.

Expect some construction. Infill building is common here, so there's a decent chance a house on your block gets torn down and rebuilt at some point.

Good homes go fast. Well-kept character homes can draw a lot of interest. Having your pre-approval and a plan ready before you start looking really helps in Nutana.

Who Nutana is a good fit for

• People who want to walk to restaurants, coffee and shops
• Buyers who love character homes and don't mind some upkeep
• Anyone who works downtown, at the university or at Royal University Hospital
• People who want the river and trails at the end of the street
• Condo buyers who want a lively area without a long commute

If you like the idea of Nutana but want something quieter or easier on the budget, it's worth looking at nearby areas too. Exhibition gives you a lot of the same river access for less, and City Park has a similar mix of character homes on the other side of the river.

Thinking about Nutana?

Nutana has a lot going for it: the river, Broadway and some of the most interesting homes in the city. It also asks a bit more of you as a buyer, from inspections to parking to moving quickly when the right home comes up.

If you'd like to see what's for sale in Nutana right now, or find out what your own home in the area might be worth, send us a note or book a quick call. We're happy to walk the neighbourhood with you.

This article is general information only and current as of November 2026. Prices, listings and school boundaries change, so check current details before making a decision.