When it was first settled by the Europeans in the 1790s, Scarborough wasn’t much more than a small collection of farms and tiny villages. Now amalgamated into the present city of Toronto, this metropolitan area has grown significantly and it has a lot to offer.
It’s one of the largest districts in the Greater Toronto area and its population is wonderfully diverse, thanks to waves of new immigrants over the years. It’s a vibrant, exciting place to live and there are so many things to see and do.
Here are 5 reasons you’ll love Scarborough:
Reasons to Live in Scarborough
1. There’s Plenty of Great Food
Scarborough has no shortage of places to fill up on something delicious. There’s the iconic Johnny’s Hamburgers, a retro diner that has been a local favourite since the 1970s. You’ll also find dim sum, bento boxes, sushi, ramen, roti and many other diverse dishes at various eateries throughout the neighbourhood.
When it comes time for dessert, you can head to Patisserie Royale and try the wonderfully flaky baklava. Or, the divine crème Brule at 0109 Dessert & Chocolate.
2. It’s Safe
According to Toronto Police, the crime rate in Scarborough is three percent lower than it is in the rest of Toronto. Although Scarborough has a reputation for high crime rates, these are unfounded and many city councillors have spoken out about how unfair and untrue they are.
It’s a friendly, safe place to live and there are many excellent schools – making Scarborough a great choice for families with young children.
3. It’s Incredibly Green
Scarborough has a reputation for being greener than any other part of Toronto. The northeast area of the suburb is mostly rural, with some of the last remaining farms in the Greater Toronto Area. Also, this neighborhood includes some of the most popular natural landmarks in the city, such as the Toronto Zoo and Rouge National Urban Park.
On a warm day, you can enjoy the fresh air and go for a swim in the river. Rouge Beach is a hidden gem that is one of the prettiest spots in Scarborough. It’s peaceful, relaxing and lined with soft sand. Or, take a walk along the Scarborough Bluffs and admire the steep cliffs and stunning views. Being outdoors is good for your health, so this is one of the most important reasons to live in Scarborough.
4. There’s Plenty of Great Shopping
Another great reason to base yourself in Scarborough is the city’s fantastic shopping scene. You’ll find a lot of great options for fashion at the Scarborough Town Centre. It’s a massive mall with lots of selection – so you’ll be sure to find what you are looking for.
For more info on the retail therapy available in this part of town, you can check out our shopping guide to Scarborough.
5. You Can Be Active
The parks, beaches and green spaces mentioned above make it easy to stay healthy and active when living in Scarborough. A beautiful hike, run or bike ride is never far away. This is another one of the great reasons to live in Scarborough.
But even in the winter, it’s possible to lead an active lifestyle here, thanks to the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. This facility has everything from swimming pools, a climbing wall, a gym, drop-in classes and much more.
6. It’s an Affordable Place to Live
Some areas of Canada have become so expensive they are almost unattainable. However, it’s still reasonably affordable to live in Scarborough. The prices of housing and rental apartments are accessible, yet you’ll still be within reasonable proximity to Toronto.
Living in Scarborough means that you’ll still be within a short subway ride from the city. Yet, you’ll be able to avoid ridiculous prices.
Related: Great Family Activities in Scarborough, Toronto
7. It’s a Hotbed of Talent
This vibrant Eastern suburb has been home to some of the biggest talents to come out of Canada. There’s musician The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye), actor Mike Myers and singer Deborah Cox. The Barenaked Ladies formed in 1988 in Scarborough and members Jim Creeggan and Ed Robertson are from there.
Scarborough is also the hometown of Olympic sprinter Andre de Grasse, Former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley, actor Eric McCormack (of Will and Grace fame) and actress and comedian Debra McGrath. So, if you choose to live in Scarborough you should know that you’ll be in good company.
Living In A Furnished Apartment In Scarborough
Are you looking for a furnished apartment in Scarborough for more than 30 days? You could be in the middle of a renovation or you could be hired for a project that is in the area, DelSuites provides great condo rental options with beautiful amenities that are convenient to major shopping and transit hubs.
View fully furnished apartments in Scarborough now.
