Real Estate Guide › East

Cliffcrest

Average 2008 sale price:

$411,485

Property crime:

high

Crime against people:

very high

Neighbourhood map:

See map

Kingston Road divides this leafy Scarborough neighbourhood. The central artery offers just about every big-box store one could need, plus loads of unique ethnic restaurants. To the north, apartment buildings and subsidized housing keep the population mixed. To the south, Lake Ontario access and winding streets create a more exclusive area, where older homeowners are investing in eye-catching renovations: on lovely Fishleigh Drive, new sol-ariums add a Californian touch to bungalows, while second-floor additions have modern, right-angled punch-outs. There are some well-regarded high schools here, like R. H. King Academy (though public, its students wear uniforms) and Cardinal Newman Catholic High School. Loads of green space creeps up from the lake—a walking path winds through Bellamy Ravine at the area’s eastern end; cyclists and hikers with good lung capacity can take advantage of the hilly Scarborough Bluffs section of the citywide Waterfront Trail. Unsurprisingly, residents are none too happy about the proposed electricity-generating wind farms that might spoil the scenery.

HOUSING STOCK: Most of the homes are durable 1950s brick, all on generous lots that start at around 3,000 square feet. North of Kingston, small bungalows are well maintained but mostly unadorned; south of Kingston, things get larger and more lavish, with big front porches and columned doorways.

BARGAIN ZONES: Rental housing and distance from the lake means that north Cliffcrest will always be cheaper than south.

THE VERDICT: All in all, it’s terrific for families who are content to stay close to home: there’s decent GO access to downtown but TTC travel is only for the very patient. For Beach expats, south Cliffcrest is a housing steal.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
By the Bluffs A classic greasy spoon, suitable for cheap two-egg-and-toast breakfasts. 3081 Kingston Rd., 416-267-6732.
Tara Inn Irish Pub & Restaurant Despite Scarborough’s working-class history, there are few good pubs. Known as the “big Tara,” this Irish pub is the best place for a pint—the only competition is its sister spot, the little Tara, a bit north. 2365 Kingston Rd., 416-266-6200.