Rosebank, Durham

Rosebank is a charming and peaceful place to live in Pickering, Ontario. With a population of over 3,300, it offers a close-knit community atmosphere. The area has a high livability score of 73/100, reflecting its quality of life. Crime rates are much lower than the national and Ontario averages, making it a safe place for families. The area has some wonderful parks, like Petticoat Creek Conservation Area and Rouge Park, with scenic trails, picnic spots, and a pool. Rouge Park even has Glen Rouge Campground, Toronto's only campsite. Rosebank South Park and Rick Hull Memorial Park add to the natural beauty, offering playgrounds, sports facilities, and spots to watch trains.

Residents seeking shopping can find essentials and restaurants at Rougemount Square or venture to Pickering Town Centre. For dining out, local favourites include EGGcellent Diner, Harp and Crown Pub, and The Fox Goes Free. Despite lacking direct access to the 401 or public transport, Rosebank is well-positioned for drivers and commuters. Major bus routes connect to the GO Station, and Downtown Toronto is a short drive away. Overall, Rosebank is a wonderful neighbourhood that balances natural beauty with practical living.

Rosebank is known for its excellent livability. It's a safe neighbourhood with low crime rates and a friendly community. The area has many parks for walks, picnics, and outdoor fun. Families enjoy its good schools and easy access to activities like tennis and boating. Shopping and restaurants are close by, and it's not too far from Downtown Toronto for work or leisure. The mix of safety, green spaces, and convenience makes Rosebank a pleasant place to live.

Rosebank has a low crime rate, with crime levels 60% below the national average and 45% lower than the Ontario average. Violent crime is also 58% lower than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 60 chance of becoming a victim, making Rosebank a very safe neighbourhood. The table below briefly compares the Rosebank crime rate with the national average rate:

Rosebank is home to a diverse mix of people from 91 different ethnic origins, creating a lively and inclusive community. Nearly half of the households have children, while many others are couples or individuals. First- and second-generation immigrants make up a significant portion of the population. The area has a rich cultural scene supported by strong arts organisations, community festivals, and various dining options. This welcoming atmosphere fosters unity and encourages neighbours to unite at parks, schools, and local events.

Most people living in and around Rosebank speak English, whereas using French as a common mode of communication is nearly negligible.

Rosebank is a popular neighbourhood with many amenities, such as schools, restaurants, parks, malls, healthcare facilities, entertainment centres, and more. One can find major apartments and condos.

• Westwood Public School
• Westmount Secondary School
• Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School
• St Thomas More Catholic High School
• Annunciation of Our Lord Catholic Elementary School
• ÉÉC Monseigneur-de-Laval

When it comes to enjoying a meal out, some tasty meals are at some of the top-notch restaurants in the area.

• EGGcellent Diner
• Kathryn's Grill and Bar
• The Fox Goes Free
• Harp and Crown Pub
• Alnoor Food Market
• Metro
• Starbucks
• Second Cup
• Tim Hortons

• Rougemount Square
• Pickering Town Centre

• Markham Stouffville Hospital
• Lakeridge Health Ajax
• Scarborough Health Network- Centenary Hospital

Rosebank's varied community, a Pickering neighbourhood, is home to various attractions and places to visit. The following are some of the area's best sights to see:

Rouge Park

Rouge Park is a vast natural area with walking trails, birdwatching, and fishing opportunities. It's the only camping site within Toronto, making it a favourite spot for locals seeking outdoor adventure. Visitors can explore the woods or relax by the Rouge River.

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area

Petticoat Creek Conservation Area is known for its impressive outdoor pool and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Lake Ontario from the bluffs, while the trails provide great spots for hiking and nature watching.

Rosebank South Park

Rosebank South Park is a lovely spot with a playground and a unique vantage point for kids to watch nearby trains. Families often visit this quiet park to unwind or let children play while enjoying the greenery.

Rick Hull Memorial Park

Rick Hull Memorial Park offers a playground, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds. Its cheerful atmosphere is ideal for sports lovers and families who want to use the facilities or enjoy a peaceful outdoor day.

Waterfront Trail

The Waterfront Trail follows Lake Ontario's shore through the GTA. It is popular for walking and cycling while soaking in scenic lake views. Rosebank residents can also cross the Rouge River to reach Rouge Beach.

Arts and Culture

Pickering's arts scene thrives through groups like the Durham West Arts Centre and PineRidge Arts Council. These organisations host events such as the Durham West Studio Tour and summer concert series. Esplanade Park, Millennium Square, and Bay Ridges Kinsmen Park are venues where the community gathers for concerts and special celebrations.

Shopping

Rosebank lacks its own major shopping, but nearby Rougemount Square has an organic grocery store and butcher shop. Kingston Road is also home to smaller shops, and Pickering Town Centre has over 200 stores for extensive shopping.

Restaurants and Dining

Head to EGGcellent Diner or Kathryn's Grill and Bar for a pleasant breakfast. The Fox Goes Free and Harp and Crown Pub offer tasty lunches and dinners. The pub is family-owned and has live music from Thursday to Saturday.

Recreation

The Rosebank Tennis Club promotes healthy activities for all ages. Boating and other water sports are popular, while Camp Riverwood is a day camp for kids. Petticoat Creek Conservation Area and Rouge Park are also ideal spots for outdoor fun, with trails, fishing, and picnics.

• Downtown Toronto: Approximately 30 minutes by car via the 401 highway.
• Pickering Town Centre: Roughly 10-15 minutes drive, depending on traffic.
• Scarborough: About 20-25 minutes by car, with options to use public transit that may take longer.
• Toronto Pearson International Airport: Typically around 40-45 minutes by car via the 401.

• Rougemount Square
• Alnoor Food Market

Rosebank, with a population of 3,371, has a higher population density than Pickering. Its residents have a median age of 43.3, slightly older than the Pickering average. Most people speak only English, and South Asians form 13.87% of the population. Smaller groups of Chinese (5.18%) and Black (4.23%) residents exist. Families thrive here, with 82% of couples married and 57% having children at home.

• Glen Rouge Campground: The Glen Rouge Campground in Rouge Park is a unique spot for families. It's the only campground within Toronto offering a great place for kids to experience camping. Pets can join the adventure, making it a fun outing for the entire family.
• Rosebank Tennis Club: The Rosebank Tennis Club offers instructional programs and league matches for all ages. It's a good place for kids to learn tennis and stay active. While pets can't join on the courts, the nearby areas are great for a walk before or after playing tennis.
• Local Trails and Green Spaces: Rosebank has many green spaces and trails that are perfect for walks and outdoor activities. These areas are great for kids to explore nature and for pets to get exercise. The neighbourhood's natural beauty provides a lovely backdrop for family outings.

The cost of living in Rosebank is 8% higher than the Pickering average but 3% lower than the Ontario average. Its index is 108, driven by higher utility costs and slightly above-average housing prices. However, healthcare and grocery costs remain in line with Pickering. Transportation costs are also higher than average, making Rosebank a moderately expensive but comfortable living place.