Welcome to Port Union, also known as Centennial Scarborough — a family-friendly, waterfront neighbourhood tucked into the southeast corner of Toronto. Bordered by Kingston Road to the north, Port Union Road to the east, Highland Creek to the west and Lake Ontario to the south, this community blends quiet, residential streets with outstanding access to parks, trails, schools and transit.
Covering roughly 2.12 square kilometres, Port Union has that rare “small town by the lake” feel while still being firmly inside the City of Toronto.
Port Union at a Glance
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Alternate name: Centennial Scarborough
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Municipality: City of Toronto, Scarborough district
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Livability score: Port Union earns an impressive 83/100 on Areavibes, rated exceptional and ranking among the better-performing neighbourhoods in Toronto.
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Crime & safety: Reported crime rates are significantly lower than the Toronto average, contributing to the area’s family-friendly reputation.
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Income & demographics: Median household income sits well above the Canadian average, and unemployment is notably lower, reflecting a stable, established community.
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Average home price (2025): Approximately $1,176,800 (all housing types).
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood that feels calm, safe and well cared for, Port Union consistently scores high on livability metrics and local satisfaction surveys.
Homes & Real Estate in Port Union
Housing in Port Union is classic “east-end Toronto suburb” with a lakeside twist.
You’ll find:
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1950s–1960s detached bungalows and back-splits on mature, tree-lined streets
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Larger two-storey family homes on wider lots
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Custom infill builds dotted throughout the area
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Townhomes closer to the lake, especially in the newer Port Union Village pocket
The neighbourhood is considered affluent, with a very high rate of home ownership — over 90% of residences are owner-occupied.
If you’re shopping in the $1.1M–$1.3M range (as of late 2025), Port Union often delivers good value for detached homes compared with many central Toronto neighbourhoods, while still offering a straightforward commute downtown.
Schools: A Big Draw for Families
Port Union is especially popular with families thanks to its well-regarded public schools and walkable catchment areas.
Key neighbourhood schools include:
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Charlottetown Public School (TDSB) – junior school serving local families
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Centennial Road Public School (TDSB) – long-established elementary option with strong community involvement
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Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute (TDSB) – a respected high school known for strong academic and technical programs
In addition to these, the area also has Catholic and French-language options such as St. Brendan Catholic School and École élémentaire catholique Saint-Michel, giving families multiple pathways from kindergarten through high school.
Areavibes notes that overall school test scores in Port Union are above the national average, reinforcing the neighbourhood’s reputation as a solid choice for education-focused buyers.
Parks, Trails and Outdoor Lifestyle
Life in Port Union is very much built around the outdoors. Even if the video focuses on a few key parks, the wider area has a surprisingly rich network of green spaces.
Located toward the north end of the neighbourhood, Adams Park is one of Port Union’s largest and most popular parks. It offers:
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Athletic fields and baseball diamonds
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A sizeable toboggan hill in winter
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Multiple playgrounds
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Covered picnic areas and washrooms
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A splash pad / wading pool for hot summer days
It’s a true “all-ages” park and a go-to spot for local families, outdoor birthday parties, and weekend sports.
Bill Hancox Park
Bill Hancox Park adds more green space and play areas to the mix, with:
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Soccer fields and open grassy areas
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Playgrounds for younger kids
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Walking paths that tie into surrounding residential streets
It’s a quieter alternative to Adams Park and a great option if you’re looking for a local field or playground that’s still close to home.
Charlottetown Park & the Community Hub
Behind the Port Union Community Centre and Library, you’ll find a vibrant outdoor hub:
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A full basketball court
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Charlottetown Park, which adds kids’ playgrounds, swings and tennis courts
This cluster of amenities makes the community centre one of the busiest and most active corners of the neighbourhood, especially after school and on weekends.
Port Union Village Common & the Waterfront Trail
Right along the shores of Lake Ontario, Port Union Village Common is the neighbourhood’s signature waterfront park. Here you’ll find:
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A splash pad
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Children’s playground
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Washrooms and plenty of parking
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Direct access to roughly 4 km of the Waterfront Trail, which then connects to the larger multi-city trail network
Port Union Village Common also acts as a recreational hub, linking to East Point Park and Rouge Beach via pedestrian tunnels and lakeside trails. Whether you’re biking, walking the dog, or just enjoying a lakeside picnic, this is where the community comes to unwind.
Rouge National Urban Park: Nature on Your Doorstep
One of the biggest bonuses of living in Port Union is how close you are to Rouge National Urban Park — Canada’s first national urban park and one of the largest urban protected areas in North America, stretching over 79 square kilometres from Lake Ontario up to the Oak Ridges Moraine.
A short drive or bike ride from Port Union gives you access to:
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Scenic hiking trails through forests and river valleys
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Opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing
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Paddling on sections of the Rouge River
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Seasonal programs and guided activities run by Parks Canada
For outdoor enthusiasts, it’s hard to beat having both the Waterfront Trail and a national urban park within such easy reach.
Shopping, Dining & Everyday Conveniences
Port Union doesn’t have huge malls within its borders, but it offers just enough local retail to handle daily needs — with larger shopping centres only a short drive away.
At Port Union Road and Lawrence Avenue East, Centennial Plaza is a busy, community-focused hub filled with:
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A café and several take-out and dine-in options
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LCBO and Beer Store
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Medical and dental offices
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Pharmacy, professional services and independent shops
It’s walkable for many residents and acts as a natural “meeting point” for the neighbourhood.
At the north end of Port Union, Lawson Plaza is a smaller convenience centre with:
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A gas station
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Convenience store
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Dental clinic and health services
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Fish & chips, nail salon and a Montessori school, among other small businesses
Between these plazas and nearby centres in West Rouge and Highland Creek, most everyday needs are easy to cover without a long drive.
Transit & Commuting: Rouge Hill GO
Port Union is particularly appealing for commuters thanks to Rouge Hill GO Station, located at the southern edge of the community.
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Rouge Hill sits on GO Transit’s Lakeshore East line.
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Direct trains to Union Station run roughly every 30 minutes, with typical travel times around 38 minutes to downtown Toronto.
Coupled with nearby access to Highway 401, this makes Port Union a strong option for buyers who want more space, parks and quiet streets without giving up a reasonable commute.
Is Port Union the Right Neighbourhood for You?
If you’re looking for:
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A family-friendly neighbourhood with strong schools
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A mix of mid-century homes, newer builds and lakeside townhomes
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Quick access to Lake Ontario, the Waterfront Trail and Rouge National Urban Park
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A manageable GO train commute into downtown Toronto
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And a community that consistently scores high on livability and safety
…then Port Union (Centennial) is absolutely worth a closer look.
With an average home price around $1,176,800 and a strong base of long-term owners, this is a neighbourhood that feels stable, established and loved by the people who live there.
Thinking About Moving to Port Union?
If the video and this guide have you picturing life in this lakeside community, I’d love to help you take the next step.
Ready to explore homes in Port Union?
Visit soldwithanna.com to start your journey — and let’s find your next home, right here in Port Union, Scarborough.
