Renting in Durham Region

Durham Region stretches along the eastern edge of the Greater Toronto Area and encompasses eight municipalities: Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Uxbridge, Scugog, and Brock. It is known for its affordability, expanding communities, and proximity to nature, offering an excellent balance for renters looking to escape the high cost of Toronto without disconnecting from urban convenience.

Over the past decade, Durham has experienced significant population growth and ongoing investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public transit. This has led to a steady increase in rental housing options—from mid-rise condos and stacked townhouses to legal basement apartments and single-family home rentals.

6.1 Pickering: Urban-Suburban Balance with Transit Access

Pickering is the gateway to Durham Region and directly borders Scarborough. It is evolving into a modern urban-suburban hybrid, with large master-planned communities, lakeside living, and a bustling city centre under development.

Key Rental Areas:

• Pickering City Centre: High-rise condos, townhomes near the mall and GO Station
• Bay Ridges: Lakeside apartments and townhomes near Frenchman’s Bay
• Liverpool and Brock Ridge: Suburban homes with basement rental units

Lifestyle Fit:

Pickering is ideal for commuters who want fast access to downtown Toronto via Pickering GO Station (40 mins to Union). The Durham Live entertainment district is expected to become a major employment and recreational hub, boosting future rental demand. Southern Pickering is relatively walkable, while northern areas require a vehicle.

Local guide: Pickering · Pickering condo guide

6.2 Ajax: Family-Friendly and Commuter-Oriented

Ajax is one of Durham’s fastest-growing cities and is especially popular with young families, thanks to its parks, waterfront trails, and reputable schools. The town offers a good mix of modern condos, detached homes, and basement units in safe, tree-lined neighbourhoods.

Key Rental Areas:

• Downtown Ajax and Harwood Ave. Corridor: Apartments and stacked townhomes
• Duffin Heights and Lakeside: Newer subdivisions with basement rentals
• Westney Heights: Established family area near schools and green space

Lifestyle Fit:

Ajax is served by Durham Region Transit (DRT) and the Ajax GO Station, making it commuter-friendly. The Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and Rotary Park offer excellent recreational amenities. While most neighbourhoods are suburban, efforts to improve walkability and add bike paths are underway.

6.3 Whitby: Historic Charm and Suburban Living

Whitby combines heritage character, new development, and strong community values. The town features an appealing mix of historic homes, new subdivisions, and modern rentals, making it attractive for a wide range of renters.

Key Rental Areas:

• Downtown Whitby: Low-rise buildings, heritage homes split into units
• Brooklin and Pringle Creek: Detached homes and garden suites
• Whitby Shores: Lakeside homes, townhouses, and parks

Lifestyle Fit:

Whitby offers a family-oriented environment, excellent schools, and a historic main street with cafes, boutiques, and a farmer’s market. The Whitby GO Station provides commuter access to Toronto. Local DRT buses supplement regional travel, but car ownership is still necessary in most areas.

6.4 Oshawa: Student Housing and Urban Revitalization

Oshawa is the largest and most urban municipality in Durham Region. Once a manufacturing centre, the city is reinventing itself with education, healthcare, and tech investment. It is home to Durham College, Ontario Tech University, and Lakeridge Health, creating strong demand for affordable rentals.

Key Rental Areas:

• Downtown Oshawa: Mid-rise apartments and student rentals
• North Oshawa (Simcoe St. Corridor): Near campus, student housing and new condos
• Lakeview and Eastdale: Quiet neighbourhoods with single-family rentals

Rent Check

The average one-bedroom asking rent in Oshawa was $1,605 in October 2026 (liv.rent).

Lifestyle Fit:

Oshawa is ideal for students, young professionals, and budget-conscious renters. The city’s downtown core has seen new investment in arts, culture, and business incubators. The GO Train from Oshawa Station connects to Toronto in about 60-70 minutes. Public safety and property condition vary by neighbourhood, so research is essential.

6.5 Clarington and Rural Durham: Space, Solitude, and Nature

Clarington (which includes Bowmanville, Courtice, and Newcastle) offers a slower pace of life and is ideal for families, remote workers, or retirees seeking affordable space and access to nature. Further north, Uxbridge, Scugog, and Brock offer tranquil, rural settings with limited rental supply.

Living Here

Bowmanville and Courtice offer suburban homes and basement units. Newcastle and Orono are smaller towns with family homes and in-law suites. Uxbridge and Port Perry have rural rentals and lakeside cottages.

Lifestyle Considerations

These areas are best suited for renters with vehicles, as public transit is limited. Clarington has growing retail centres, trails, and future GO Transit expansion, making it more viable for Toronto commuters in the near future. North Durham offers peace and privacy, often with larger lots and proximity to lakes, forests, and farms.

Local guide: Bowmanville