South-East, Durham

Located in Ajax, Ontario, with over 6,023 residents, the South East neighbourhood is a picturesque blend of old-world charm and modern allure. Once sprawling farmland, this area transformed in the 1960s, blossoming into a residential community. Everything happened while preserving traces of its agricultural past, notably the Campbell and McCausland Farms, the last operating farms in the vicinity during the area's development. Nestled in the central part of Ajax, South East enjoys proximity to downtown and lies adjacent to the Ajax-Pickering Hospital. Residents benefit from a wealth of amenities along Harwood Avenue, the primary commercial shopping corridor in the vicinity. South East Park threads through the neighbourhood, offering a green corridor with picturesque tree-lined streets on gently sloping land. The housing landscape reflects postmodern styles from the Brady Bunch era. It includes detached homes on spacious lots with split-level, raised, and ranch-style bungalows dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. Shopping options abound near downtown Ajax along Harwood Avenue, providing convenience for residents. South East's scenic streets wind gently across a rolling topography, enhancing the appeal of its charming homes. Most residences are detached, boasting spacious lots adorned with lush green lawns, contributing to the area's aesthetic allure. The Ajax Greenbelt Trail is perfect for nature enthusiasts. It offers residents leisurely nature walks and provides cyclists and joggers with an off-road path. South East boasts diverse architectural styles. Its proximity to amenities and natural spaces creates a blend of convenience and tranquillity.

The region boasts an exceptional livability score of 83/100. Experiencing violent crimes at a rate 32% lower than the national average, this neighbourhood boasts a commendable level of security. The overall incidence of violent crime in the area is 29% below the national average, translating to a minimal 1 in 35 likelihood for residents to become victims of crime. Kindly consult the table below for a comprehensive breakdown of local crime statistics.

A stone's throw away from the Ajax YMCA, the South East neighbourhood is geared towards families and conveniently provides essential lifestyle amenities within easy reach. This vibrant community prides itself on its diverse population, welcoming immigrants from various countries. Notably, the neighbourhood's demographic makeup includes a significant representation of Black immigrants, constituting over 13.42% of the population. Here are some statistics that offer detailed insight. South East exhibits an average household income that surpasses the national average by 25%. Kindly consult the table below for a detailed overview of South East's demographics.

Markham's South East has a strong infrastructure, encompassing schools, hospitals, restaurants, and shopping complexes. The community emanates a charming small-town ambience enriched by many flourishing small businesses. Some standout schools, restaurants, shopping complexes, and nearby hospitals are here.

Schools

South East features a diverse array of schools and colleges in its proximity. Here are a few listed below.

• South East Park Public School
• Carruthers Creek Public School
• Bolton C. Falby Public School
• Duffin’s Bay Public School
• Lakeside PS
• Ajax High School
• St. Bernadette Catholic School
• Saint James Catholic School

Restaurants

Take advantage of the exceptional dining scene in South East. Choose from the town's finest restaurants for an extraordinary culinary experience.

• The South Lake Grill
• Angelique’s Family Restaurant
• Lakeside Burger
• The Blue Rooster
• Pizza Pino
• Sunset Grill
• Val And Patsy’s Island Food
• A&W Canada

Shopping Malls

Embark on a distinctive shopping adventure by exploring a range of antique stores, boutiques, and malls around Ajax. Below are some of the top shopping destinations in South East.

• Clover Ridge Plaza
• SmartCentres Pickering
• Harwood Plaza
• Baywood Centre
• Whitby mall

Hospitals

A multitude of healthcare facilities and hospitals are readily accessible in the region.

• Lakeridge Health Ajax Pickering Hospital
• Durham Women’s Health Centre
• Baywood Medical Clinic
• Apex Wellness

South East features a variety of distinctive attractions and leisure activities unique to the area. Here's a glimpse of some standout spots in the region:

Baycliffe Park

At just 14 minutes from the neighbourhood, Rocketship Park, also known as Baycliffe Park, is a fantastic place to visit in South East for lots of fun and adventure. The park is super cool for older kids, especially if you're around five or older. There are loads of exciting things to do, like climbing and sliding on the tall two-story tunnel slides – they're perfect for racing your friends! The playground has many swings, slides, spinners, and climbing rocks. While there's only one easy way to get onto the main garden using stairs, there's a smaller area just right for toddlers aged 2 to 5. If you have younger siblings, they can have a blast here too! Besides, a BMX wavy path is nearby for older kids who love to ride bikes. You can also enjoy a splash pad for water fun and a nice jogging path around the park. Though there's not much shade on the playground, there are benches and a weather canopy to relax under.

The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens

The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens are known for their beautiful plants that attract visitors all year. The lush greenery, vibrant colours, and pleasant scents create a captivating scene. A standout feature is the majestic Birds of Paradise standing gracefully among green leaves and vivid flowers. Beyond that, there's a peaceful stream with a charming footbridge, providing scenic views for serene moments or photography. The garden's treasures include blooming peonies, adding to its magical appeal.

Ajax Waterfront Park

The Waterfront Park in South East is a fantastic place to visit because it's a beautiful and spacious area stretching along the shores of Lake Ontario. This special place spans over 150 acres, inviting locals and visitors alike to have fun and relish the stunning views. There's a big trail made of smooth asphalt over seven kilometres long, perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or skating. This trail is part of the bigger Waterfront Trail from Hamilton to Belleville and is even a part of the Trans-Canada Trail! South East's waterfront is one of the most scenic places along Ontario's southern shores. So, if you're exploring this amazing spot on foot or bike, stop and see all the cool things along the way. The park is just a 5-minute drive from the neighbourhood by the Durham Regional Road.

The town has unique recreational activities across the locality. Here are some popular activities you can enjoy in and around Southwood:

Visit the St. Francis de Sales Church

Visiting the St. Francis de Sales Church in Southwood is an awesome idea because it's not just a church anymore. This amazing building, located on Church Street, used to be a stunning Gothic Victorian church, but now it's been changed by the Town of Ajax into a place called the St. Francis Centre. It's a special spot where many cool, artsy things happen, like live theatre, movies, concerts, music shows, workshops, and art displays. People can also have parties or events here, whether private or for everyone to enjoy. It's a beautiful place filled with many different arts and cultural activities for everyone to have a great time!

Trip to the Rouge National Urban Park

The Rouge National Urban Park is an amazing place to visit in Southwood because it's one of the biggest city parks in North America, right near Toronto. It's like a nature wonderland with lots of cool things to see! This special park has forests, streams, farms, trails, and even a beach on Lake Ontario! You can explore nature and learn about Canada's history that goes back 10,000 years. There are friendly Parks Canada guides who can show you around and tell you interesting stories about the park's nature, culture, and farming. You can join fun activities like guided walks, river paddling, bird watching, or picnics with your family. Remember, if you see animals like black bears, it's best to protect them from afar and not bother them. Bring important things like water, snacks, and sun protection to stay safe and have a great time. The Rouge National Urban Park is 17 minutes from the neighbourhood.

South East benefits from its proximity to significant locations in and around Markham, offering convenient access to several popular sites. The distances from South East to these key destinations are outlined below.

• Ajax Greenbelt Trail: Located right beside the neighbourhood, the trail is just 150 metres from South East.
• Harwood Avenue: The most popular shopping avenue close to the neighbourhood is just 2 kilometres from the community.
• The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens: 18.2 kilometres and 19 minutes by car.
• Ajax Community Centre or YMCA: 1.4 kilometres and 3 minutes by car.
• Toronto Pearson International Airport: Situated 56.9 kilometres away, the distance can be covered in approximately 46 minutes by car.

South East hosts various shopping trails and markets in the vicinity. The Summer Pickering City Centre Farmers’ Market opens every Tuesday from 9 am to 2 pm.

Summer Pickering City Centre Farmers' Market

The Summer Pickering City Centre Farmers' Market is a vibrant hub for fresh produce, open every Tuesday. Visitors can discover diverse locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and farm-fresh goods. The market showcases an enticing selection of seasonal produce, inviting patrons to savour the flavours of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. It's a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to indulge in the goodness of locally grown, farm-to-table delights every week.

South East exhibits a population density notably higher than Ajax, exceeding it by 109%. Furthermore, the median age in South East is approximately 11% greater than that in Ajax. Although the majority of the neighbourhood's population is Black, what distinguishes the region is its noteworthy reputation for remarkably low crime rates, establishing it as an ideal and secure living environment.

You can explore many things with your kids and pets in South East. Some of them are mentioned below.

Visit the Ajax YMCA

The Ajax Community Centre (ACC), located at 75 Centennial Road, is a diverse place with many things to do for everyone! It's just a short distance away and has many family-friendly fitness options. Inside, you'll discover rooms for meetings, special events, and celebrations. There's a big community hall, a fitness centre, studios for wellness, squash courts, a pool, and even rooms for changing with your family. Also, it's home to different groups like the Ajax Boxing Club, Judo Club, Skating Club, and more! Outside, there's a skateboard park, basketball court, fields for soccer and tennis, and even a cricket pitch. But if you plan to have alcohol at an event here, you'll need a permit for that, and only some places in the centre allow it. The ACC is open from 6 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays and from 7 am to 9 pm on weekends, but the hours might change a bit during the summer.

Explore the Toronto Zoo

Just over a 15-minute drive from the locality, the Toronto Zoo is popular among residents and visitors. It offers an incredible adventure for animal lovers and families alike. This sprawling zoo is home to over 5,000 animals worldwide, featuring diverse species in beautifully recreated habitats. Visitors can embark on an exciting journey, exploring themed areas such as the Gorilla Rainforest, Tundra Trek, and the African Savanna. At the zoo, you can observe majestic creatures like lions, tigers, polar bears, and gorillas up close. Engaging educational programs, live animal demonstrations and informative keeper talks provide fascinating insights into animal behaviour and conservation efforts for adults and kids alike. Additionally, the zoo offers interactive experiences like feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours for a more immersive encounter with wildlife.

In South East, the overall cost of living is 13% less than the national average. However, the cost of goods and services is 8% higher than the Canadian average. On the other hand, housing expenses in South East are notably lower, around 33% less than the average across the rest of the country.

South East boasts picturesque tree-lined streets that meander gently, creating a serene setting for its charming residences. Most homes are detached, nestled on spacious lots adorned with lush green lawns. Housing styles vary, featuring split-level homes, raised bungalows, and ranch-style houses from the 1950s and 1960s. This neighbourhood exudes a tranquil ambience, offering an appealing backdrop for residential living. However, it's important to note that South East's real estate market is dynamic, and its property prices may experience fluctuations over time.