Forest Grove, Saskatoon: Is It A Good Neighbourhood For Families?

Forest Grove At A Glance

Forest Grove is an established northeast Saskatoon neighbourhood known for its schools, parks, mature residential streets, and convenient access to Attridge Drive, Central Avenue, the University of Saskatchewan area, and nearby University Heights amenities. It may be a strong fit for families, first-time buyers, university-connected households, and buyers who want an east side location without only looking at newer subdivisions. It may be less suitable for buyers who need new construction, a fully walkable lifestyle, or a neighbourhood with most daily errands inside the subdivision itself.

Forest Grove’s appeal is its balance. You get a residential setting, a meaningful mix of housing options, and good access to major routes, but buyers should still compare home age, location within the neighbourhood, parking, updates, and school catchments carefully.

Quick Facts

The City of Saskatoon’s Forest Grove profile lists a 2025 population of 6,012, 60.0 percent homeownership, a 2.6 average household size, and $317,624 as the 2024 average sale price across recorded residential categories. The same profile lists 2,452 total dwellings, including 52 percent single-family, 18 percent two-unit, and 30 percent multi-unit housing.

Market Data Note: the average sale price above is historical City profile data, not a current pricing estimate. For buying or selling, use recent comparable sales, current inventory, property condition, and location within Forest Grove.

Where Is Forest Grove In Saskatoon?

Forest Grove is in northeast Saskatoon, within the University Heights area. It sits near Attridge Drive to the north, Central Avenue to the west, Berini Drive and Forest Drive to the east, and Gray Avenue / the rail corridor to the south. The City’s neighbourhood map shows key internal streets such as 115th Street East, Kellough Road, Forest Drive, Rossmo Road, Balsam Drive, and Birch Crescent.

This location gives residents good road access in several directions. Attridge Drive connects toward University Heights, Circle Drive, Preston Crossing, and the University of Saskatchewan area. Central Avenue connects south toward Sutherland and College Drive. Berini Drive and Nelson Road help connect the neighbourhood to nearby University Heights amenities, high schools, recreation, and library services.

Forest Grove is also close to Sutherland, Silverspring, University Heights Urban Centre, Erindale, and Arbor Creek, which makes it useful for buyers who want to compare established northeast and east side neighbourhoods without moving too far from the university, schools, and commercial services.

What Is Forest Grove Known For?

Forest Grove is known as an established residential neighbourhood with a strong family presence, two elementary schools, and a noticeable mix of detached homes, semi-detached options, condos, and multi-unit housing. It does not feel as new as Willowgrove, Evergreen, or Brighton, but that is part of the appeal for buyers who like mature neighbourhoods and a more settled street pattern.

The housing stock is especially important. According to the City profile, 84 percent of dwellings were built between 1961 and 1990, with the largest share from 1981 to 1990. That means buyers will often be looking at homes where updates, mechanical systems, windows, shingles, basement condition, and renovation quality matter.

Forest Grove also has more housing variety than some nearby single-family-heavy areas. The City profile shows 30 percent multi-unit housing and 18 percent two-unit housing, which creates options for condo buyers, first-time buyers, and investors, not only detached-home buyers.

The main trade-off is that Forest Grove is not a brand-new subdivision and not every pocket feels the same. Some locations are closer to parks and schools, some are closer to Central Avenue or Gray Avenue, and some homes will need more updating than others.

Is Forest Grove A Good Neighbourhood For Families?

Forest Grove can be a strong fit for families who want an established east side neighbourhood with elementary schools, park space, and access to nearby recreation. The neighbourhood includes École Forest Grove School and St. Volodymyr School, with Les Kerr Park sitting near the school area. The City profile lists Forest Grove School and St. Volodymyr School in the neighbourhood’s school enrolment section.

Families may like Forest Grove because many streets are residential, there are parks inside the neighbourhood, and nearby University Heights adds access to Alice Turner Library, the Saskatoon Sports Centre, high schools, shopping, and services. Alice Turner Library is located at 110 Nelson Road, and the Saskatoon Sports Centre is located at 150 Nelson Road.

The main things families should double-check are school boundaries, French Immersion eligibility, before and after school care availability, traffic near school zones, and whether a specific home’s layout fits the family’s needs. As with any Saskatoon neighbourhood, school programs, capacity, and catchments can change, so buyers should confirm directly with Saskatoon Public Schools and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools before relying on a specific school plan.

Schools Near Forest Grove

Public Elementary

École Forest Grove School is located at 501 115th Street East. Saskatoon Public Schools describes it as a kindergarten to Grade 8 school offering both English and French Immersion programming. The school page also notes that it opened in 1984 and provides two-way transportation for French Immersion students in the catchment area at no cost.

Catholic Elementary

St. Volodymyr School is located at 302 Kellough Road in Forest Grove. Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools lists the school address, phone number, and contact information on its official school page.

Nearby High Schools

Forest Grove is close to the University Heights area, where many families will look at nearby high school options such as Centennial Collegiate and St. Joseph High School. Buyers should confirm the current high school catchment, program availability, transportation, and registration details directly with the school divisions.

School Buyer Note

Do not assume a home automatically qualifies for a preferred school, program, or bus route. Confirm the exact property address with the school division before writing an offer if school placement is important.

Parks, Recreation, And Daily Amenities

Forest Grove has four named park spaces in the City profile: Les Kerr Park, Balsam Park, T.J. Quigley Park, and Forest Grove Linkage. The City lists 8.8 hectares, or 21.7 acres, of total park area in the neighbourhood. Les Kerr Park is the largest at 7.0 hectares / 17.3 acres.

The City’s park amenities page lists the following locations:

The City’s Forest Grove park amenities sheet identifies Les Kerr Park as the main recreation-focused park, including sport-field amenities, a playground, an outdoor rink, walking paths, and other park features.

The Sutherland / Forest Grove Community Association also supports community programming, and the City lists outdoor rink locations at Forest Grove School, Sutherland School, and Bishop Filevich School.

For daily errands, Forest Grove residents often look to Central Avenue, University Heights Urban Centre, Attridge Drive commercial areas, Preston Crossing, and nearby services in Sutherland and Erindale. The neighbourhood itself is mainly residential, so buyers who want groceries, restaurants, and most services within a few blocks should compare specific locations carefully.

Forest Grove is also within a reasonable drive of the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, which the City describes as a National Historic Site with restored heritage buildings, garden spaces, and Saskatchewan’s only CAZA-accredited zoo.

Types Of Homes In Forest Grove

Forest Grove has a broader housing mix than many buyers expect. The City’s dwelling count shows 1,279 single-family units, 449 two-unit dwellings, and 724 multi-unit dwellings. In percentage terms, that is 52 percent single-family, 18 percent two-unit, and 30 percent multi-unit.

Buyers can expect to see:

Because much of Forest Grove was developed before 1990, buyers should pay attention to shingles, windows, furnaces, water heater age, electrical panel capacity, basement moisture, grading, sewer line age, insulation, and renovation permits where relevant.

Buying In Forest Grove

Forest Grove can work well for buyers who want east side access without only shopping in newer, higher-priced subdivisions. It has schools, parks, transit access to the university, and a mix of ownership and rental housing. The 2021 Census data in the City profile shows 60 percent owned and 40 percent rented housing, which reflects both owner-occupied stability and rental demand.

From a buyer perspective, the biggest advantage is choice. Forest Grove has detached homes, semi-detached homes, two-unit properties, and low-rise condos. That gives buyers more ways to enter the neighbourhood compared with areas that are mainly detached or mainly condo-based.

The main risk is assuming all homes are comparable. A renovated 1980s single-family dwelling with a strong location, functional layout, updated mechanical systems, and good basement condition is very different from a dated property with deferred maintenance. Buyers should also compare proximity to Attridge Drive, Central Avenue, schools, parks, transit, and the rail corridor.

Best Fit For Buyers Who Want

• An established northeast Saskatoon neighbourhood
• Access to schools and parks
• A mix of detached homes, condos, and semi-detached options
• Better access to the university area than many newer suburbs
• A residential setting near University Heights amenities
• More housing variety than some newer east side neighbourhoods

May Not Be The Best Fit For Buyers Who Need

• Newer construction throughout the neighbourhood
• A highly walkable urban lifestyle
• Most errands within the neighbourhood itself
• A detached home with no renovation or maintenance concerns
• A very uniform housing style
• A location far from arterial road activity

Selling In Forest Grove

Sellers in Forest Grove should understand what buyers are comparing against. A detached home in Forest Grove may be compared with Sutherland, Silverspring, Erindale, Arbor Creek, College Park East, and sometimes Willowgrove or Evergreen depending on price and condition. Condo listings may compete with options in University Heights Urban Centre, Sutherland, Lakewood, and other east side condo pockets.

The strongest seller positioning usually comes from being specific. Instead of relying on generic “great location” language, highlight the details that matter:

• Distance to École Forest Grove School or St. Volodymyr School
• Proximity to Les Kerr Park or quieter residential streets
• Updates to shingles, windows, furnace, air conditioning, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, and basement
• Garage, driveway, parking, and storage
• Basement layout and whether any suite potential is legal, permitted, or only future possibility
• Access to Attridge Drive, Central Avenue, University Heights, and the University of Saskatchewan area

Pricing strategy matters because Forest Grove has a wide housing mix. A dated detached home, a renovated detached home, a semi-detached property, and a low-rise condo should not be priced with the same logic. Location within the neighbourhood also matters. Homes closer to school and park space may appeal strongly to families, while homes closer to transit and arterial access may appeal to students, staff, and rental-minded buyers.

Investor Notes For Forest Grove

Forest Grove is worth watching from an investor perspective because it has a mix of housing types, access to transit, proximity to the University of Saskatchewan area, and a 40 percent renter share according to the City profile.

The neighbourhood may appeal to investors looking at:

• Low-rise condos with manageable price points
• Semi-detached properties
• Two-unit housing
• Detached homes with suite potential
• Properties near transit routes and the University area
• Long-term rental demand from students, staff, families, and service workers

Saskatoon Transit Route 26 connects Forest Grove with the University area, with the route map showing service between Forest Grove and University Place Riel, including stops around 115th Street, Berini Drive, Kerr Road, and nearby university-area stops.

Investor caution is important here. Do not assume a basement suite is legal just because a layout looks suitable. Buyers should confirm zoning, permits, fire separation, ceiling height, egress, parking, electrical, plumbing, and suite legality with the City of Saskatoon and qualified inspectors before relying on rental income. Older homes may also need capital planning for windows, shingles, furnaces, sewer lines, grading, and basement moisture.

For condo investors, the key review items are reserve fund health, condo fees, insurance, bylaws, rental restrictions, upcoming repairs, and the estoppel package.

Commute And Transportation

Forest Grove is a car-friendly neighbourhood with useful access to Attridge Drive, Central Avenue, Berini Drive, 115th Street, Gray Avenue, and Circle Drive connections. The 2021 mode of travel data in the City profile shows most workers drove, with smaller numbers using public transit, walking, or cycling.

Transit is still a meaningful part of the neighbourhood’s appeal, especially for university-connected buyers. Route 26 Forest Grove / University is shown on Saskatoon Transit’s route map and schedule, with University Place Riel as a major route point.

For buyers who drive in winter, off-street parking, garage access, street width, and snow storage should be considered. For buyers relying on transit, the exact walking distance to a stop matters, because not every part of Forest Grove has the same transit convenience.

Pros And Cons Of Living In Forest Grove

How Forest Grove Compares To Nearby Saskatoon Neighbourhoods

• Sutherland: Better fit if you want an older, more mixed-use feel with stronger access to Central Avenue and College Drive.
• Silverspring: Better fit if you want a quieter residential area near the river, Forestry Farm area, and more detached-home-focused streets.
• University Heights Urban Centre: Better fit if you want condos, services, library access, high schools, and a more commercial / civic hub feel.
• Erindale: Better fit if you want a residential east side neighbourhood with strong family appeal and access to schools, parks, and McOrmond Drive.
• Arbor Creek: Better fit if you want a newer east side residential feel with more consistent single-family housing in many pockets.

Is Forest Grove Right For You?

Forest Grove is worth considering if you want an established northeast Saskatoon neighbourhood with schools, parks, housing variety, and access to the University area. It may not be the right fit if you want newer construction, highly walkable daily errands, or a neighbourhood where most homes are similar in age and style.

For many buyers, the decision comes down to the specific property. A well-updated home near Les Kerr Park may feel very different from a dated home on a busier edge of the neighbourhood. Forest Grove rewards careful comparison, good inspections, and a clear understanding of how condition, layout, parking, and location affect value.

Thinking About Buying Or Selling In Forest Grove?

I can help you compare the area, understand what homes are actually selling for, and decide whether this neighbourhood fits your goals.

Contact Tanner Washington with TW Real Estate to start a clear, local plan for your next move in Saskatoon.

Tanner Washington
REALTOR®
Boyes Group Realty Inc.
TW Real Estate
Phone: 639-295-4696
Email: tanner@twrealestate.ca
Website: https://twrealestate.ca

3. FAQ Section

Is Forest Grove A Good Neighbourhood In Saskatoon?

Forest Grove can be a good neighbourhood for buyers who want an established northeast Saskatoon location with schools, parks, housing variety, and access to the University area. It is especially worth considering if you want an east side neighbourhood that includes detached homes, semi-detached options, condos, and two-unit housing.

Is Forest Grove Good For Families?

Yes, Forest Grove can be a strong option for families. It has École Forest Grove School, St. Volodymyr School, Les Kerr Park, and other neighbourhood park spaces. Families should still confirm school catchments, program eligibility, and transportation directly with the school divisions before buying.

What Types Of Homes Are In Forest Grove?

Forest Grove includes single-family homes, two-unit dwellings, semi-detached homes, low-rise condos, and other multi-unit housing. The City profile lists 52 percent single-family, 18 percent two-unit, and 30 percent multi-unit dwellings.

Are There Schools In Forest Grove?

Yes. École Forest Grove School is a Saskatoon Public Schools kindergarten to Grade 8 school offering English and French Immersion programming, and St. Volodymyr School is a Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools elementary school located on Kellough Road.

Is Forest Grove Good For First-Time Buyers?

Forest Grove can be a good fit for first-time buyers because it has more housing variety than many newer suburbs. Condos, semi-detached properties, and older detached homes may create more entry points, depending on current inventory and market conditions.

Is Forest Grove Good For Real Estate Investors?

Forest Grove may appeal to investors because of its rental share, housing mix, transit access, and proximity to the University area. Investors should confirm suite legality, zoning, permits, parking, fire code requirements, condo documents, and long-term maintenance costs before purchasing.

How Does Forest Grove Compare To Nearby Neighbourhoods?

Forest Grove is generally more established than newer areas like Evergreen or Willowgrove and has more housing variety than some single-family-focused areas. Compared with Sutherland, it feels more residential. Compared with University Heights Urban Centre, it is less commercial and more neighbourhood-oriented.

What Should Buyers Watch For In Forest Grove?

Buyers should watch for renovation quality, basement condition, shingles, windows, furnace age, water heater age, sewer line age, electrical panel capacity, grading, parking, and location within the neighbourhood. Since much of the area was built between 1961 and 1990, inspections and document review matter.

Related Saskatoon Neighbourhood Guides

• Sutherland Saskatoon Neighbourhood Guide
• Silverspring Saskatoon Neighbourhood Guide
• University Heights Urban Centre Saskatoon Neighbourhood Guide
• Erindale Saskatoon Neighbourhood Guide
• Arbor Creek Saskatoon Neighbourhood Guide
• Evergreen Saskatoon Neighbourhood Guide

Tanner Washington
Boyes Group Realty Inc.
TW Real Estate
Phone: 639-295-4696
Email: tanner@twrealestate.ca
Website: https://twrealestate.ca

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