Watch the Bay Ridges neighbourhood tour video above, then explore the details below for a deeper look at life in this lakeside community.
Bordered by Frenchman’s Bay to the west, Lake Ontario to the south, Highway 401 to the north, and a hydro corridor to the east, Bay Ridges feels like a self-contained waterfront village, yet it’s still firmly connected to the rest of the GTA.
Bay Ridges at a Glance
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City: Pickering, Ontario (Durham Region)
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Livability score: Bay Ridges earns 83/100 on AreaVibes — rated exceptional and ranking among the better-performing neighbourhoods in Pickering.
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Population: Approximately 8,200 residents
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Area: About 3.6–3.8 km², including the eastern portion of Frenchman’s Bay
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Crime & safety: Crime rates are about 27% lower than the Canadian average, with violent crime roughly 24% lower, contributing to a generally safe, family-friendly feel.
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Cost of living: Estimated 15% lower than the Pickering average and 5% lower than the national average, which is unusual for a GTA waterfront community.
Bay Ridges often appeals to buyers who want waterfront lifestyle, a walkable village feel, and a manageable commute into Toronto.
Bay Ridges Homes & Real Estate
According to local neighbourhood stats, Bay Ridges offers a mix of home types:
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Single-detached houses: ~39%
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Semis & duplexes: ~21% combined
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Row / townhomes: ~15%
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Low- and high-rise condos: ~23% total
Most of the area was developed after 1960, with over half of the housing stock built between 1961 and 1980, and newer infill and condo projects sprinkled in afterward.
You’ll see:
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Classic 1960s–70s detached homes and semis on mature, tree-lined streets
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Townhomes and condos near the lake and around the GO station
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Nautical-themed homes and newer low- to mid-rise buildings in and around Nautical Village and San Francisco by the Bay developments
Overall Pickering’s median sale price sits around the mid–$800,000s (late 2025), with Bay Ridges typically trading in a similar or slightly higher range due to its waterfront location and proximity to GO transit.
Schools in Bay Ridges
Key nearby schools include:
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Bayview Heights Public School – public elementary school
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Biidassige Mandamin Public School – French immersion public school option
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Other public schools serving parts of Bay Ridges: Fairport Beach PS, Pine Ridge Secondary School, Dunbarton High School
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Catholic & French Catholic options such as Father Fénelon Catholic School, St. Mary Catholic Secondary, and regional French Catholic schools
Serving the Bay Ridges neighbourhood area, there are:
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7 public schools
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4 Catholic schools
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1 private school, including a local Montessori option
Special programs in the broader catchment area include French Immersion, Advanced Placement, IB, Montessori, and Fine Arts, giving families lots of choice beyond the basic neighbourhood offerings.
Parks, Waterfront & Outdoor Lifestyle
The neighbourhood is rich with parks and recreational facilities:
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10 parks and roughly 45 recreation facilities in total
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Amenities include playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, ball diamonds, sports fields, a splash pad, a beach, boating facilities, fishing spots, and trails
Signature outdoor spots include:
Beachfront Park
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A sandy beach, splash pad, and lakeside picnic areas
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Access to paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating on Frenchman’s Bay
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Marina and yacht club facilities nearby
Nautical Village & Millennium Square
At the south end of Liverpool Road, Nautical Village is the heart of the waterfront:
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Millennium Square, with its open plaza and lake views
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Seasonal events, concerts, and festivals in the warmer months
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Ice cream shops, cafés, patios, and boutique-style businesses along Liverpool Road
It’s an easy place to spend an evening: ice cream in hand, strolling along the pier, or listening to live music by the water.
Waterfront Trail & Local Parks
Bay Ridges sits on a segment of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, offering a continuous route for walking, running, and cycling that connects west toward Toronto and east through Durham Region.
Neighbourhood parks add even more options, with:
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Sports fields and ball diamonds for organized sports
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Playgrounds and splash pad for younger kids
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A mix of ravine trails (like Douglas Ravine) and open green spaces for everyday walks
For many residents, “life in Bay Ridges” really does revolve around the water, trails, and parks.
Shopping, Dining & Local Amenities
Bay Ridges Plaza & Local Plazas
Bay Ridges Plaza, located near Liverpool Road on Bayly Street, has long been a community hub with:
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Everyday services and shops
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Restaurants and takeout spots
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The famous old-fashioned hamburger drive-up, a local tradition since the 20th century
The broader Bay Ridges area also benefits from nearby retail along Bayly Street and just north of Highway 401, where you’ll find larger-format shopping, groceries, and services a short drive away.
Nautical Village Retail & Dining
Down by the water, Nautical Village offers a more boutique, walkable experience:
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Cafés, bakeries and ice cream shops
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Waterside patios and restaurants
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Small independent retailers and service businesses
It’s not a big-box shopping district — it’s more of a charming main street by the lake, which is a big part of Bay Ridges’ appeal.
Transit & Commuting: Pickering GO Station
Pickering GO Station is a major Lakeshore East line hub located just north of Bay Ridges, and it’s one of the neighbourhood’s biggest advantages.
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Direct GO train service to Union Station runs frequently throughout the day
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Typical travel times range from about 35–45 minutes, depending on the specific train and time of day
For many Bay Ridges residents, that means:
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Walk, bike, drive, or bus to Pickering GO
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Avoid the stress of driving downtown
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Still enjoy waterfront living and suburban calm at home
Easy access to Highway 401, Bayly Street, and regional transit (Durham Region Transit) makes commuting within Durham and across the GTA relatively straightforward as well.
Is Bay Ridges the Right Neighbourhood for You?
Bay Ridges might be a great fit if you’re looking for:
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A true waterfront community with marinas, beaches, and lakeside trails
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A mix of detached homes, semis, townhomes, and condos
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An established neighbourhood with mature trees and parks
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Close proximity to Pickering GO Station for commuting
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A lively Nautical Village with dining, events, and a village-like atmosphere
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Livability metrics that rank among the stronger neighbourhoods in Pickering (score of 83/100).
Whether you’re starting out, upsizing, or downsizing to a more walkable, lifestyle-focused area, Bay Ridges offers a lot of flexibility — especially if you love being near the water.
Ready to Make Bay Ridges Your Home?
If the video and this guide have you imagining morning walks on the Waterfront Trail or summer evenings in Nautical Village, it might be time to take a closer look at Bay Ridges real estate.
Ready to make Bay Ridges your home?
Visit soldwithanna.com to start your journey — and together, let’s find your perfect slice of waterfront paradise right here in Pickering.
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