Clarkson

From ‘Up & Coming’, to Luxury

7/10

Overall Score

6.5/10

School Ranking Score

7.5/10

Family Friendly Score

7.5/10

Relative Affordability Score

Waterfront Village

Access to the Lake from Several Parks Quaint Downtown Village Along Lakeshore Only Clarkson and Port Credit Offer the Lakeshore Village “Vibe”

Active Outdoor Lifestyle

Almost 25 km of Walking Trails 5 Major Parks/Greenspaces: Rattray Conservation Jack Darling Lakeside Meadow Wood Birchwood

Commuter Friendly

Easy Access to QEW Accessible Bus Routes to Get East and North Clarkson GO Offers Rush Hour Express Trains to Toronto

About Clarkson

From ‘Up & Coming’, to Luxury

 

Clarkson Overview

Clarkson Village: A Tale of Two Worlds

Clarkson Village is a unique blend, offering everything from affordable areas like Park Royal to multi-million dollar waterfront estates. For anyone who grew up in Clarkson, there’s a deep sense of nostalgia—a love for the village that lingers even after they’ve moved away. It’s not the “picture perfect” village you might expect in places like South Oakville, but Clarkson holds a special place in the hearts of its residents.

Over the past decade, Clarkson has been coming into its own, thanks to its southern location and easy access to Toronto. The GO Train has made Clarkson an attractive destination for professionals moving from Toronto, who want to trade in their small condo for a house with a backyard but still have a quick commute to the city.

Village Feel with Local Charm

Clarkson Village is not your typical suburban neighborhood filled with big-box stores and chain restaurants. A stroll along Lakeshore Rd reveals indie restaurants, cozy pubs, and unique shopping. Plus, it’s easy to head over to Port Credit or downtown Toronto for a night out. Public transit is convenient, making it ideal for those without a car. Whether you’re a single professional, a young family, or a senior, Clarkson ticks all the right boxes.

Community in Transition

While Clarkson has a lot to offer, it’s still a community in transition. There are pockets of homes that show signs of neglect, but this is rapidly changing as prices rise and new homeowners invest in renovations. The schools, which have historically had a poor reputation, are improving as a new generation moves in. However, it will take time for these schools to fully catch up. Clarkson’s economic demographics are diverse, so if you’re looking for the traditional “white picket fence” suburb, this might not be the place for you.

The village is undergoing a slow and steady process of gentrification. As demand continues to rise, so do prices, ensuring that Clarkson will continue to evolve and attract new residents.

Clarkson Village Real Estate

Clarkson: A Village with Unique Sections

Clarkson is situated south of the QEW, nestled between Winston Churchill Blvd. and Clarkson Road. To the south of Lakeshore Rd., it extends east of Southdown Rd. and ends at Jack Darling Memorial Park. The area can be broken down into several distinct sections, each with its own character and appeal.

  1. Park Royal (West End):
    On the western edge of Clarkson lies Park Royal, a neighborhood offering a mix of townhouses, semi-detached homes, and detached homes. This area provides affordable housing options, making it popular among families and first-time buyers.

  2. South of Southdown Road:
    East of Southdown Rd. and extending to just past Clarkson Road, this section often gets confused with Lorne Park. It falls within the Lorne Park Secondary School boundaries and has a more wooded, suburban feel, similar to Lorne Park. However, homes here are smaller and older, with most properties built in the 1950s and 1960s, offering great potential for renovation.

  3. Clarkson Village (South of Railroad Tracks):
    South of the railway tracks is the heart of Clarkson Village. This area is a blend of historical and older homes, custom builds, condos, and townhouses around Inverhouse and Walden Circle. The luxury estate homes by the lake in the exclusive Rattray Marsh add an element of prestige and beauty to the neighborhood, offering stunning waterfront views.

Your Typical Neighbour in Port Credit

A Diverse and Proud Community

Clarkson is a village with an impressive variety of residents, from young professionals and families to singles and seniors. The mix of demographics varies greatly depending on the neighborhood, from the more affordable Park Royal to the prestigious Rattray Marsh. Despite these differences, one thing is shared by nearly all Clarkson residents: a strong pride in their community.

The area is home to four Homeowners Associations (HOAs), which is quite a number for the size of the village. This speaks to the residents’ long-term commitment to ensuring their needs are heard in municipal affairs. The presence of multiple HOAs also helps foster a stronger sense of community, bringing neighbors together. Joining or supporting a local HOA is a fantastic way to get to know your neighbors and become actively involved in the neighborhood’s activities and initiatives.

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Score Factor 1: Housing Characteristics

Diverse Housing Styles in Clarkson

Clarkson offers a wide range of housing styles, from townhomes to estate homes. However, the most typical homes you’ll encounter in the area are the 1950s to 1960s suburban-style houses. Originally built to reflect the working-class demographic of Park Royal, these homes were simple and functional.

Today, however, you’ll notice a significant shift as many new residents invest in and renovate these properties. Exterior facelifts, updated doors and windows, and beautifully landscaped yards are transforming the area, one house at a time. While the change is gradual, it’s undeniably happening.

In Clarkson Village, Rattray Marsh, and the area east of Southdown Rd, you’ll find a balanced mix of custom homes and small builder developments, with larger homes rising in these neighborhoods. Additionally, Clarkson features several high-rise buildings, which are popular among both first-time homebuyers and seniors.

Condo Town Homes & High Rise Apartments

Townhomes and Condos in Clarkson

The largest concentration of townhomes in Clarkson is located along Bromsgrove Rd in Park Royal, just west of the GO Train station. This area offers relatively affordable prices due to the age and location of the units. Renovated units can fetch a premium, making it an excellent choice for first-time homebuyers and investors. If your budget is higher, you’ll also find more upscale townhome complexes in Clarkson Village, which may be more suited to your preferences.

High-rise condos are found near the intersection of Southdown Rd and Lakeshore Rd. These are particularly popular among downsizers because of their prime location and proximity to amenities. Condo fees reflect the quality of staff, maintenance, and available amenities. Recently, due to their affordability and ample space, young families have also begun to settle in, using these condos as a stepping stone into the Clarkson Village housing market.

Post War Homes – Semi’s & Detached

Semi-Detached and Detached Homes in Clarkson

Clarkson boasts a diverse selection of semi-detached homes, including 2-storey, back-split, and bungalow styles, which dominate much of the area. Detached homes from this era also include bungalows, side-splits, and a few 2-storey designs. These homes are set on mature, tree-lined streets with generous lot sizes, and many feature private, secluded backyards.

 

While renovations and landscaping efforts have only just begun, this presents a fantastic opportunity for those seeking homes with potential for “sweat equity.” With a little cosmetic updating and improved curb appeal, these properties stand to increase significantly in value.

Executive & Luxury Homes

Stately Homes and Waterfront Properties South of Lakeshore

South of Lakeshore Road, you’ll find a collection of large, stately homes with wide lots and stunning curb appeal, especially along Bexhill, Bob-o-Link, Meadow Wood Roads, and their surrounding streets. This area has a similar look and feel to Lorne Park, with homes that are just as impressive in both size and design. Prices reflect this, making it one of Mississauga’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Despite much of the land being dedicated to public parks, there are still several coveted waterfront properties in this region.

This community is one of the hidden gems of Mississauga — tucked away from the main road, offering spectacular views of both the lake and lush nature. Its privacy and beauty make it a truly exceptional place to live.

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Community Vibe

and Amenities

Score Factor 2: Community Vibe & Amenities

Pros:

  • Many storefronts have been revitalized, giving the area a charming, evolving lakefront vibe.

  • Clarkson has a strong sense of community, with local fairs and events happening year-round.

  • One of the major advantages is its easy access to Toronto, with a 20-minute GO train ride, while still being one of the most affordable lakefront areas in the GTA.

Cons:

  • The lakefront still has a diversified mix of businesses, many of which need a facelift.

  • Although it’s not yet as polished as Port Credit, Clarkson is steadily improving and will continue to evolve in the coming decades.

Schools

Quality and Rankings

Score Factor 3: Quality & Ranking of Schools

Pros:

  • The area of Clarkson east of Southdown Road falls within the boundaries of Lorne Park Public Secondary School, one of the top high schools in Mississauga with a long-standing reputation for excellence.

  • Iona Catholic Secondary School ranks in the top 16% of all Ontario schools and is highly regarded, with all of Clarkson falling within its catchment area.

Cons:

  • Clarkson Secondary School, the public high school for the majority of Clarkson, ranks just outside the top 40% of all Ontario secondary schools. While it has been trending upwards in recent years, it still lags behind other schools in the area in terms of reputation.

  • According to current maps, Early Immersion students attend Clarkson Secondary, whereas Late Immersion students are assigned to Lorne Park Secondary School.

 
 
 
 

Affordability

Score Factor 4: Overall Affordability & Value

Affordability

In the last 5-10 years, the most prestigious and sought-after areas of Clarkson and Rattray Marsh have gradually moved out of reach for the average family buyer. However, they remain more affordable compared to other lakeshore neighborhoods in the city.

Value

Clarkson offers significant value, and investing in certain areas can yield substantial returns over the long term. Clarkson Village boasts plenty of charm, amenities, and activities, along with easy access to Port Credit and downtown Toronto. However, family buying options may be more limited, especially if top-tier schools are a priority on your list.

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