Today, we will be discussing the pros and cons of living in Scarborough, Ontario. Scarborough is near and dear to my heart because this is where my wife was born and raised and is now home to some of our closest friend and also some of my dearest clients.
Scarborough is home to over 650,000 residents and is known for its diverse population and vibrant culture. But like any other place, living in Scarborough has its pros and cons. Let's dive in.
Pros Of Living In Scarborough:
- Pro #1: Affordability: One of the biggest advantages of living in Scarborough is its affordability relative to the rest of the City Of Toronto. The most common type of house in Scarborough is the bungalow but there are also many high-end homes as well as affordable condos and town houses in good neighbourhoods.
- Pro#2: Diversity: In 2016, 56.6% of residents were foreign-born including both of my in-laws. There is a certain identity that those raised in Scarborough possess living in a melting pot of cultures. As such, if you want authentic food from a different country then this is the place to be. There are grocery stores, restaurants and take-out joints that will satisfy even the most discerning 'foodies' out there. Even Drake comes to a Scarborough strip-mall for some good eats.
- Pro #3: Public transportation: Scarborough has very good public transportation services relative to the rest of the city including buses, trains, and subways. For those working downtown there are a myriad of transit options available to get you to work on time. The long-awaited crosstown LRT will make this part of the city even more accessible.
Scarborough Transit Map
- Pro #4: Great Amenities: Scarborough is home to many beautiful natural spaces, including parks, beaches, and hiking trails. This makes it an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities and nature. As well, hockey rinks, soccer fields, and baseball fields dot the communities in Scarborough so there's ample opportunity to get out and have fun in the community.
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Outdoor Skating Rink At Scarborough Town Centre
Cons Of Living In Scarborough:
- Con #1: Crime rates: Like any other city, Scarborough has its fair share of crime. While the high-crime areas are sporadic they are not always easy to spot just by looking at them. It's important to get some guidance from a local expert before moving to Scarborough because most of Scarborough is awesome, there are some areas where trouble exists.
- Con #2: Traffic: Scarborough is very spread-out and the only expressway in Scarborough is Hwy 401. Traffic congestion during rush hour is definitely "a thing" and your commute times can vary greatly depending on traffic and if you're able to hit the traffic lights just right. As well, road repairs in the 'pothole capital of Canada' are omnipresent so consider that as well when looking at homes.
- Con #3: Limited job opportunities: While Scarborough has many businesses, the majority of the people who live in Scarborough do not work there.
Honorable Mention
When you move to Scarborough get ready for some horrible driving! I used to hate this but now I find my self smiling at just how bad the driving is. It's not unusual to see someone make a left hand turn from the right-hand lane and red lights are just a guideline.
Prior to the banning of postal code discrimination, insurance providers couldn't decide if Brampton or Scarborough had the worst drivers.
While it shouldn't be a reason not to move here, just know before you move here that driving in Scarborough is a unique experience:)
Sample: Bad Scarborough Drivers
There's lots to love about living in Scarborough. There truly is a neighbourhood and price point for today's home buyer. That being said, contact a professional who knows which neighbourhoods are a little less "Scarborough" than others.
If you have any questions about moving to the Greater Toronto Area, let's chat.
