Toronto Real Estate - Scarborough
By Andrei Zaretski - New Dream Homes and Condos
Sitting in Toronto’s east end, Scarborough is well-known for its green space and cultural diversity. What some people don’t know, is that this former city’s culture goes back a long way.
The first documented human activity in the area was estimated at 800 BC according to archaeologists, with the area said to have been used as a temporary settlement for hunters and foragers.
In the 1600s, the first residential settlement was established by the Seneca people, later to be replaced by the Mississaugas, also a native tribe. By the end of the 18th century, the area was taken over by British settlers and named Scarborough after a town of the same name in England. It was selected by the wife of then-Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe. She claimed the bluffs along Lake Ontario resembled the limestone cliffs in the English town.
The 19th century saw an expansion of Scarborough’s west end with construction of houses along what is now Kingston and Danforth Roads. In 1850 it was officially dubbed the Township of Scarborough.
The township maintained primarily rural until mid-20th century when further housing developments and urbanization turned the community into more of a suburban community. It was subsequently turned into a borough and then a city before amalgamating with Toronto in 1998 after the launch of the Megacity.
The last several years have seen continued growth, as more housing developments, particular high-rise, began to emerge around Scarborough Town Centre, a large shopping mall and movie theatre, and Highway 401 which runs through the community’s downtown core.
Purchasing a home in Scarborough appeals to many homebuyers due to its affordability. Homes are generally cheaper because they are farther from Toronto’s downtown.
The Scarborough Bluffs and Bluffers Park are located on the shores of Lake Ontario and are a popular recreational destination. The Bluffs are a great spot for boating enthusiasts and are easily accessible to both locals and visitors. They stretch for 14 kilometres and reach up to 60 metres in height.
Scarborough is one of Canada’s most culturally diverse communities and home to over 600,000 residents.
Due to the diversity of the community, Scarborough has a vibrant culture. A good example is the Agincourt area, filled with authentic Asian stores and restaurants.
Other attractions include the Toronto Zoo, Highland Creek, Rouge River Valley and a large quantity of golf courses and sporting complexes. Nike Canada has recently donated $500,000 to construct the Nike Malvern Sports Complex, which includes a basketball court, practice soccer pitch and a running track made from 50,000 used running shoes.
Come experience the excitement in a growing multicultural community that shows off what this country is all about!
———————————————————————————
Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information
