Highland Creek
Borough: Scarborough | University suburb with ravine access and below-average rents
Highland Creek is in the far eastern corner of Scarborough, centred on Old Kingston Road and the Highland Creek valley. It is best known as the home of the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus, which dominates the northern portion of the neighbourhood and shapes much of its rental market character.
Character and Vibe
Highland Creek is a neighbourhood of two halves: the relatively quiet residential streets near Old Kingston Road and Highland Creek village, and the university environment to the north. The residential areas are suburban and green, with the ravine providing a dramatic natural setting. The village strip on Old Kingston Road has a small-town feel — a few restaurants, a hardware store, locally-owned businesses.
Transit
No subway stations, but 57 bus stops and direct UTSC bus routes connect to Scarborough Town Centre and Kennedy station. Two libraries and one university serve educational needs. The campus bus to Kennedy station is a lifeline for car-free residents.
Amenities and Dining
Twenty-one dining options are reasonable, partly driven by campus food services. Only 2 grocery stores within the boundary is a pain point — residents must travel to Kingston Road or Scarborough Town Centre for a full grocery run. Two healthcare providers and no fitness studio reflect the suburban fringe character.
Parks and Green Space
Seven parks plus extensive UTSC campus green space and the Highland Creek ravine system — one of Toronto's most scenic ravine corridors — give the neighbourhood exceptional natural amenity.
Schools
Four schools and the University of Toronto Scarborough campus create a student-heavy renter pool.
Rental Market
With 45 listings and an average of $1,925 and median of $1,799, Highland Creek is affordable. The range ($475–$3,500) includes student rooms and basement suites at the lower end and full detached home rentals at the top.
Who It's Best For
Highland Creek is the natural base for UTSC students and staff, as well as families who want a quiet, nature-adjacent Scarborough address at below-average rents. Car ownership makes the neighbourhood significantly more functional.
