Ajax & Scarborough Neighborhood Guide 2025
Moving east of Toronto? Discover Ajax and Scarborough, two top choices for buyers, renters, and professionals relocating to the GTA. Get insights on housing, lifestyle, and transit.
Why Ajax & Scarborough Are Worth a Look?
Both Ajax and Scarborough offer more space and better value than downtown Toronto, without losing access to the city. Ajax brings small-town comfort by the lake, while Scarborough offers urban convenience, cultural diversity, and green escapes. Ideal for first-time buyers, families, and relocating professionals who want the best of both worlds.
Living in Ajax & Scarborough
Located east of downtown Toronto, these two areas have grown fast in recent years thanks to improved transit, new housing, and community amenities.
Ajax: A smaller lakeside town with a suburban, family-friendly vibe. Known for newer homes, quiet streets, and easy highway access, perfect for commuters or anyone looking for a calmer pace.
Scarborough: A vibrant district within Toronto, known for its multicultural food scene, variety of housing, and excellent access to transit. Offers city life without the downtown chaos.
Both are ideal for people who want more breathing room while staying connected to Toronto.
Real Estate & Housing Overview
Condos & Townhomes
Scarborough: Plenty of condo options near Kennedy, Warden, and Scarborough Town Centre, great for transit access and renters.
Ajax: Newer townhomes and mid-rise condos near Bayly Street and Harwood Avenue, great for first-time buyers or small families.
Detached Homes
Ajax: Spacious homes and newer subdivisions near the waterfront. Excellent value for what you get.
Scarborough: Character-filled detached homes in neighborhoods like Birch Cliff, Cliffside, and Highland Creek.
Rentals
Both areas have solid rental demand.
Scarborough tends to move faster due to proximity to U of T Scarborough and Centennial College.
Ajax rentals are popular among families and relocating professionals.
💡 Tip: Buyers relocating from downtown often find 20–30% more space for the same budget in Ajax or Scarborough.
Lifestyle & Community Highlights
Shopping:
🛍️ Scarborough Town Centre
🛍️ Pickering Town Centre (minutes from Ajax)
🌳 Parks & Nature:
Rouge National Urban Park
🌳 Waterfront Trail – Ajax
🌳 Scarborough Bluffs
Food Scene:
Scarborough is a hotspot for global cuisine, from authentic Indian and Caribbean to East Asian eats.
Ajax leans toward cozy cafes, family restaurants, and lakeside dining.
Community Feel:
Ajax: Peaceful and family-oriented.
Scarborough: Energetic and diverse, perfect for those who enjoy a lively neighborhood mix.
💬 Want to browse properties? Get personalized recommendations from Jessica Kee, Toronto realtor.
Getting Around Ajax & Scarborough
Transit: TTC Subway & Bus & GO Transit
TTC Subway & Bus: Extensive coverage through Scarborough.
GO Transit: Stations at Scarborough, Eglinton, Guildwood, and Ajax.
Durham Region Transit: Serves Ajax and nearby towns.
🔗 GO Transit Ajax Station
🔗 TTC Scarborough Transit Info
Driving
Easy highway access, Ajax connects directly to Hwy 401, while Scarborough has 401, 404, and Kingston Rd running through.
Who Should Move Here?
✅ Buyers: Affordable homes close to Toronto.
✅ Renters: Great selection from modern condos to family homes.
✅ Landlords: High rental demand near schools and transit.
✅ Relocating Families: Top schools, parks, and quieter streets in Ajax.
Pros & Cons of Ajax & Scarborough
Pros:
✔️ More affordable than west-end Toronto
✔️ Strong rental demand and resale potential
✔️ Mix of suburban and city lifestyles
✔️ Great highway and GO Transit access
Cons:
⚠️ Longer commutes during rush hour
⚠️ Some new communities still growing
If you’re exploring the east side of the GTA, Ajax and Scarborough are worth serious consideration. Ajax offers calm, family-friendly comfort, while Scarborough gives you convenience, culture, and energy. Both make fantastic entry points into the Toronto real estate market, whether you’re buying, renting, or relocating.
Thinking of moving east? Connect with Toronto Realtor Jessica Kee for listings and neighborhood insights that match your goals.
