Senior Care Path tracks 6 independent living communities in Scarborough, updated October 2026. Few publish a rate online, but across Ontario published rates for independent living communities typically fall in the $2,350–$6,295 per month range, so use the listings below to ask each one for a current quote. The average Google rating is 4.4/5 across 230 resident reviews, and we rank them by the SCP Confidence Score, our 100-point trust rating.
Source: Senior Care Path first-party listing data, updated October 2026. How we score and rank · How much does a retirement home cost in Ontario?.
Ranked by our SCP Confidence Score, our 100-point trust rating, the strongest communities in Scarborough right now are Retirement Suites by the Lake, Villa Karuna and Venvi Guildwood Retirement Living.
If you're looking at independent living in Scarborough for a parent, you'll find options spread across the east end, from the quieter residential pockets near Guildwood and the Bluffs to communities closer to Scarborough Town Centre and Scarborough Health Network's General campus. Many sit near parks, shopping, and bus routes, so it's worth touring a few neighbourhoods before deciding what feels like home. In Scarborough, independent living are also called 55+ communities or independent senior living.
Scarborough is part of Toronto. To see every option across the city, visit our Toronto independent living hub.
Below you will find every community ranked by Confidence Score, real reviews, what families pay and how to fund it, the amenities and services to expect, and local guidance, so you can compare with clarity and reach out when you are ready. Updated October 2026.
6
independent living compared
4.4★
average Google rating
3
rated 4.5 stars or higher
230
verified resident reviews
By Jonathan Kennedy · Last reviewed October 2026
The 6 highest-rated independent living communities in Scarborough on our SCP Confidence Score, as of October 2026. Tap a name to jump to its card below. No listing can pay for a place on this list.
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Step 1 of 56 communities
Toronto, ON2121 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 1T5Licensed by RHRA
4.6(29 reviews)
A retirement residence on Kingston Road in Toronto, with lake view suites, meals, activities and supportive care.
Typical in Ontario$2,350–$6,295/mo
Scarborough, ON602 Brimley Rd, Scarborough, ON M1J 2B5Licensed by RHRA
5.0(14 reviews)
A non-profit senior care home in Toronto providing non-medical care services including assisted living, total care, respite care, and…
Typical in Ontario$2,350–$6,295/mo
Scarborough, ON65 Livingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1E 0E6
4.8(39 reviews)
A retirement residence in Scarborough that offers independent living and memory care. It backs onto Guildwood Park and Gardens…
Typical in Ontario$2,900–$7,195/mo
Scarborough, ON3760 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1T 3K9Licensed by RHRA
3.8(48 reviews)
Toronto's largest not-for-profit seniors community offering multiple levels of care. Founded in 1961, it provides retirement,…
Typical in Ontario$2,350–$6,295/mo
Scarborough, ON61 Fairfax Crescent, Scarborough, ON M1L 1Z7Licensed by RHRA
4.4(30 reviews)
A not-for-profit senior living community in Toronto offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care in a…
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Scarborough, ON3333 Finch Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1W 2R9
3.8(70 reviews)
Community-based support services for seniors in Toronto, Ontario. Services include assisted living, day…
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Scarborough is a large, spread-out part of Toronto's east end, and that geography shapes how you approach an independent living search here. Options tend to cluster along major corridors like Kingston Road and near town-centre hubs such as Scarborough City Centre and Agincourt. If your parent relies on public transit or nearby bus routes to stay connected to shops, medical appointments, and community life, proximity to those corridors matters more than it might in a denser downtown neighbourhood. Scarborough General Hospital (now part of Scarborough Health Network) and several community health centres are also worth factoring in: being within a reasonable distance of a familiar care team can make a meaningful difference in how settled your parent feels.
Independent living in Ontario is not regulated the same way as retirement homes. Ontario's Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) licenses retirement homes because they provide care services, but most independent living communities offer lifestyle amenities rather than personal care. That distinction matters for your decision. If your parent is genuinely independent today but you can see that changing within a year or two, we'd honestly recommend starting your search one step up, with Scarborough Retirement Homes or Assisted Living options, so a move isn't necessary so soon. Independent living is the right fit when your parent wants community, convenience, and freedom from home maintenance, and still has no significant care needs.
When comparing communities, look past the amenities list and ask harder questions: What happens if my parent's needs increase? Is there a continuum of care on the same campus, or will they have to move again? How responsive is the management team when something goes wrong? Availability in Scarborough can shift quickly, especially for larger suites with outdoor space or parking. If a community feels right, getting onto a waitlist early is reasonable, even if a move is still months away.
Budget is a real constraint for most families, and private-pay rates in Scarborough vary by care level, suite size, and the depth of services included. Start by comparing the listings on this page, then call communities directly to ask what's included and what costs extra. If your parent also needs help at home in the meantime, Home Care arranged through Ontario Health atHome can bridge the gap while you search.
We order every community by our SCP Confidence Score, a 100-point rating built from the signals families tell us matter most:
230
Google reviews
Star ratings and written reviews come straight from Google, so the feedback is from real residents and families across these 6 communities, never written by us.
100-point
SCP Confidence Score
Our own 11-signal trust rating, recomputed as listings are verified and updated, decides the order above. It answers one question: can you trust this community?
Google star ratings across 6 independent living.
How the 6 Scarborough independent living fall across our trust tiers.
Few Scarborough independent living publish a rate online, but across Ontario published rates for independent living communities typically fall in the $2,350–$6,295 per month range. Call any community below for a current, itemised quote, since the final number depends on suite size and the level of care needed.
Most independent living in Ontario are private-pay, funded from a blend of pensions, retirement savings, and home equity. Government pensions form the floor: the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and the income-tested Guaranteed Income Supplement for lower-income seniors. Provincial benefits and Veterans Affairs Canada may offset part of the cost. For a full breakdown, read our guide on how much does a retirement home cost in ontario?.
Independent living in Ontario is private-pay; there is no provincial program that directly subsidizes these communities. Seniors receiving Old Age Security (OAS) or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) can apply those federal income supports toward monthly costs, and Ontario Health atHome can arrange funded home care services for those who qualify and need some additional support at home.
A 4.4 star average across 230 Google reviews of 6 independent living. Here is a sample, straight from residents and families.
“In 1998, I came in contact with The Pentecostal Benevolent Association of Ontario (today’s Shepherd Village) through my work assignment. I met the Management Team of that time and was very impressed with their vision in providing...”
“December 2025 Thank you for your kind ways when delivering food to mom's room. So thankful for your help and service and kindnesses, you do so much more than just deliver food! November 2025 I have to mention again how supportive the...”
“I wish to share how caring, professional and thoughtful everyone has been with my family at Presentation Manor. Every effort is constantly made to ensure that my parents are enjoying every day in a lovely community. I have found that...”
“There will never be enough words of praise for the incredible staff at RSBL! Their sheer joy, caring and kindness is unparalleled. It was because of the proximity to my physio that I chose this place to spend my first 2 weeks post knee...”
“I completed my PSW placement at Villa Karuna, and it was a valuable learning experience. The staff were welcoming, supportive, and willing to teach students. I had the opportunity to develop my practical skills, gain confidence in...”
What Scarborough communities actually offer, drawn from the details each one publishes. A good way to see what is standard locally and what is a genuine differentiator.
Share of the 6 communities that publish amenities.
Share of the 6 communities that publish services.
Share of the 4 communities that list suite types.
Too few independent living communities in Scarborough publish a rate to give a city figure, but across Ontario published starting rates run roughly $2,350 to $6,295 per month, depending on suite size and the level of care needed. Ask each community for an all-in quote.
Retirement homes in Ontario are licensed by the RHRA and provide personal care services. Independent living communities focus on lifestyle and convenience, not hands-on care. If your parent needs help with daily tasks now, a Scarborough Retirement Home or Assisted Living option is likely the better fit.
Independent living is almost entirely private-pay in Ontario. There's no direct provincial subsidy for it. Federal income supports like Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) can help offset costs for lower-income seniors. For care-inclusive options, Ontario Health atHome may be able to arrange funded Home Care.
Contact communities directly using the phone numbers or contact forms in the listings below. Ask specifically about current vacancies and waitlist timelines, since availability can change quickly. Touring in person, ideally during a weekday meal or activity, gives you the most honest sense of day-to-day life.
It depends on the community. Some Scarborough campuses offer a continuum that includes Assisted Living or Memory Care on-site. Others don't, meaning a second move if needs change. Ask this question directly before committing, and explore our Scarborough Assisted Living and Memory Care listings to understand the full range of options.
Independent Living in nearby cities
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