Dunbarton, Durham

Dunbarton is a neighbourhood in the City of Pickering, Ontario. This neighbourhood is a part of Durham municipality. It covers an area of 1.62 square kilometres. The neighbourhood is home to 2,614 people. It is quite densely populated compared to other parts of Pickering. The people here are mostly married and many families have children at home. The area is bounded by Highway 401 to the south and Pine Creek Valley to the north. Fairport Road and Appleview Road mark its eastern boundary, while the rear lot lines of properties along Spruce Hill Road define the west.

Dunbarton has a rich history. It is named after William Dunbar, who bought land here in 1840. In the past, it had local shops and businesses, like general stores and a hotel. Fairport Road and Kingston Road are the main roads for getting around today. The latter is also where most nearby shops and services are found. Houses in Dunbarton are mainly large, detached homes. Some areas are set for new houses and upgrades. The neighbourhood has three places of worship and several parks, which adds to its charm. Crime is low here, making it safer than many other Ontario cities. Living costs are slightly higher than the national average but lower than Pickering's average. Dunbarton is a pleasant and safe place to live, with a good mix of history, nature, and modern facilities.

Dunbarton in Durham offers a high livability score, making it an attractive neighbourhood for various lifestyles. Some other key factors of livability in the neighbourhood are:

Dunbarton is a very safe place to live. Crime rates here are much lower than in many other places. Violent crimes are 59% lower than the national average. This means that people are less likely to be hurt by others. Also, the overall chance of being a victim of any crime in Dunbarton is 1 in 60. This is very low. Because of this, Dunbarton is safer than 79% of the cities in Ontario. People in Dunbarton can feel more secure in their neighbourhood. The table below briefly compares the Dunbarton crime rate with the national average rate -

Dunbarton is a popular neighbourhood in Durham. The region has a 36% lower unemployment rate than the national average despite having a 93% higher median household income. Here are some statistics that offer a detailed insight:

In Dunbarton, most residents primarily speak English, with about 90.2% of the population using it at home. There is a very small presence of other languages, as virtually no one speaks only French. Below is a table to provide insights into the spoken languages in Dunbarton:

• Woodlands
• Liverpool
• Town Centre
• Amberlea
• Highbush

Schools

• William Dunbar Public School
• Frenchman’s Bay PS
• Highbush Public School
• Vaughan Willard PS

Restaurants

• Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill
• Bollocks Pub & Kitchen - Pickering Patio
• Moxies Pickering Restaurant
• Wimpy’s Diner
• Mr. Greek

Shopping Malls

• Pickering City Centre
• SmartCentres Pickering
• Whites Road Shopping Centre
• Brookdale Centre

Hospitals

• Rouge Valley Health Services ACT Team Community Services
• Bayly Healthcare
• Durham Regional Sexual Health Clinic
• Care Community Health Centre

Both residents and visitors to Dunbarton can visit some popular places and top attractions. Here are some of the top attractions in Layfield:

Pickering Beach

This beautiful public beach along Lake Ontario is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach features clean, soft sand, shallow waters suitable for families, and amenities like washrooms, picnic tables, volleyball courts, and seasonal concessions.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, this 70-hectare park offers hiking and biking trails, stunning views of Lake Ontario, and a modern aquatic facility with pools and a splash pad. The park is perfect for connecting with nature and enjoying outdoor activities.

Pickering Museum

Located in the heart of Pickering, the museum showcases the region's history from its Indigenous roots to the present. Exhibits focus on the development of Pickering Township, the local heritage, and the evolution of the natural environment. The museum also hosts educational programs and events.

Pickering Town Centre

This popular shopping hub features over 150 stores, restaurants, and a movie theatre. It's a great destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, offering something for everyone.

In Dunbarton, Durham, there are plenty of activities to enjoy that cater to various interests, whether you're a nature enthusiast, a sports fan, or looking for family-friendly options:

Explore Local Parks

The neighbourhood has several parks to enjoy walks, picnics, or sports. It's a great way to relax and enjoy nature.

Visit Places of Worship

Dunbarton has three places of worship serving spiritual needs and can also be central for community gatherings and events.

Shopping and Dining

Most of the extensive shopping and dining options are located just outside Dunbarton along Kingston Road.  Vehicle dealerships, and a few local services are available in the neighbourhood. A short drive to adjacent areas expands options significantly.

Enjoy the Scenery at Dunbarton Creek

This creek runs through the neighbourhood and is part of the city’s Natural Heritage System. It's a beautiful spot for photography or simply enjoying the scenic views of the forested ravine.

Community Events

Visitors can check out local community events that may take place in parks or communal spaces. These can range from local markets to festivals.

Dunbarton, situated in the City of Pickering, Ontario, offers good connectivity by public transport and major roads, which simplifies commuting from various significant locations:

• Downtown Toronto is approximately a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. Public transit options are also efficient, with travel times around an hour using bus and train services.
• University of Toronto Scarborough is about a 15-minute drive via Highway 401. The journey generally takes about 30-35 minutes by public transit, involving bus routes that connect directly to the campus.
• Toronto Pearson International Airport is roughly a 40-minute drive under normal traffic conditions on Highway 401. Public transport typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, involving a combination of buses and the UP Express train from Union Station.
• Downtown Pickering is just a 5 to 10-minute drive, making it accessible for shopping and additional services. Public transit options include local buses, taking around 10-15 minutes.

In Dunbarton, Durham, you can explore various markets catering to various shopping needs. Popular markets include:

• Pickering Town Centre: This is a large shopping mall located a short drive from Dunbarton. It features various stores, from brand-name clothing retailers to electronics, home goods, and a food court.
• Pickering Markets: Known for being one of the largest flea markets in Ontario, it offers everything from fresh produce to antiques, crafts, and international foods. It's a great weekend destination for bargain hunters and those seeking unique finds.
• Farmers’ Markets: During the warmer months, the nearby Pickering Farmers’ Market is open, providing fresh local produce, baked goods, and artisan products. It’s a fantastic place to support local farmers and crafters.
• Kingston Road Corridor: This area, which is undergoing plans for redevelopment and intensification, offers various retail shops and services. It's becoming increasingly pedestrian and transit-friendly, making it an attractive area for shopping and dining.

Dunbarton is a small neighbourhood in Pickering, Ontario, with about 2,614 residents. The area is more crowded than other parts of Pickering, with 2,000 people per square kilometre. Most people here are married, and many families have children. People in Dunbarton are mostly from Europe and Asia. The main languages spoken are English and other languages from these regions. Most people are working adults, but children, youths, and older people live here.

Living in Dunbarton costs more than in other places. The overall cost of living here is 7% higher than the national average. This includes costs like housing, food, and transport. Housing is a big part of this, being 3% more expensive than what most people pay in the country. However, when compared to Pickering itself, Dunbarton is 4% cheaper. This means that living in Dunbarton is less expensive than in other parts of Pickering. Taxes on goods you buy are higher here than in most of Canada, but income tax is lower, which might help balance things out.

Compared to the Ontario real estate market, Dunbarton, Durham, offers significantly more affordable real estate, attracting buyers and investors. Families and first-time homebuyers are drawn to Dunbarton because the average house price is significantly less than the provincial average. A variety of residential properties, such as single-family homes, townhouses, and flats, are available in the community, offering a range of possibilities for various needs and price ranges. In general, Dunbarton residences for sale cost between $1.41 million and $3.80 million. Dunbarton's quality of life, community facilities, and economic accessibility contribute to the area's persistent resident influx, reflected in the demand for homes there.