What’s It Like?
Scarborough residents have an abundance of top neighbourhoods to choose from, each with a different feel.
Birch Cliff & Cliffside are established, community-minded neighbourhoods in transition. They are close to the beach and populated with numerous cafes and shops along Kingston Road.
These enclaves are great for families as it’s where you’ll find the Hunt Club Golf Course, Birchmount Stadium, a community centre, baseball diamonds, playing fields, Variety Village, and Rosetta McClain Gardens. Seniors and retirees also love living in these communities because of access to amentities, and the abundance of single-story homes (bungalows). Visiting Birch Cliff & Cliffside for the first time? Check out the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant—home to a beautiful park and impressive architecture overlooking the lake.
Like Birch Cliff & Cliffside, Clairlea-Birchmount is a neighbourhood in transition. It is centrally located and close to almost every amenity imaginable. Residents here are walking distance to the subway station, abundant parks, and Taylor Creek. They also have easy access to Dentonia Park Public Golf Course.
There is a strong sense of community in this diverse neighbourhood. There are approximately 154 ethnic groups in Clairlea-Birchmount! It’s a favourite for families, singles, and seniors.
The Bluffs (Cliffcrest) & The Guild (Guildwood) are two highly family-oriented enclaves. With great schools and sought after real estate, these communities are established and upscale. The Bluffs is close to Bluffers Park and beach, and Bluffers Park Marina (Toronto’s only full-service marina), and there are even fishing charters available.
The Guild is a picturesque setting surrounded by the bluffs, established in the 1950s. It’s a quiet neighbourhood that’s tucked away and secluded—it doesn’t feel like you’re in a city as there is lots of greenspace, but residents have access to all the city amenities—and it’s close to the lake, with spectacular views. Outdoor enthusiasts can walk the Doris McCarthy Trail at the end of Sylvan Avenue.
While most people commute using cars, transit options are abundant here, so it’s easy to get around the area and connect to the rest of the city. Most residents are families, seniors, and singles. There are also a number of couples without kids.
West Hill is a quiet community with a sense of pride and a trend of multigenerational families living in the area. Its signature enclave is Highland Creek, a transitional niche with diverse, established families and sought after real estate. Highland Creek is also home to the U of T Scarborough Campus. Next to the university is the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, a world-class recreational facility. There is plenty of greenspace here, as well as a number of waterfront parks, and plenty of transit options.
Foodies can indulge in Italian cuisine at Pasta Tutti Giorni in West Hill or get a pint at Black Dog Pub across the street. East Point Park is a favourite for locals. Visitors should also check out the historic W.J. Morrish Store. The West Hill neighbourhood is particularly favourable for retirees, and there is even a condo community that caters to this demographic.
Schools In Scarborough
- RH King Academy is located in the Scarborough Bluffs community and run by TDSB, but offers specialty programs
- Bond Academy at 1500 Birchmount Avenue is a well known local private school, serving K-Grade 12. They also have scholarship programs for athletics (e.g., basketball)
- Neil McNeil Catholic High School is an all-boys Birch Cliff school, where celebrated Canadians have attended, including actor John Candy
- St. John Henry Newman Catholic High School sits on 45 acres of land overlooking The Bluffs and Lake Ontario
Homes In Scarborough
There is a variety of real estate available throughout Scarborough. Most homes tend to be single-family properties, with some on large lots and mature streets, like in the Clairlea-Birchmount area. The Bluffs neighbourhood features a collection of unique Toronto Float Homes. There are also a number of properties with lake views in Scarborough. There are some semi-detached homes, townhomes, and a handful of condo buildings throughout as well. Single-family detached properties are typically listed in the $1-1.5M range and semi-detached homes sell around the $900,000s, while freehold townhomes average around the mid $700,000-$900,000s. Condo townhomes sell around the mid $700,000s and condo apartments are typically listed in the $500,000s.
