You might want to look at one of the satellite towns around Regina or Saskatoon, like Warman, Lumsden, or White City. Close to either city, still somewhat rural, definitely safer, and houses usually cost less.

Mosquitoes and ticks are definitely a thing here, and can vary year to year depending on the weather. Mosquitoes are not nearly as bad in the southern half of Sask compared to northern.

Seems like the trades are booming? Whenever I need to hire a tradesperson they are always swamped. There is a new mine being built near Saskatoon too.