City of Toronto

Investing in Scarborough

Toronto's most ethnically diverse district with strong newcomer-driven demand for food, services, and education.

Population

632,000

Median income

$71,000

Retail rent

$25–$48/psf

Vacancy

4.6%

Why invest in Scarborough

Highest cuisine and ethnic-grocery demand density in Canada.
Lower retail rents than other Toronto districts.
Strong tutoring, immigration, and personal-service categories.
Scarborough Subway Extension increasing transit-oriented value.

Top commercial corridors

Scarborough Town Centre

Anchored mall and surrounding plazas.

Sheppard East / Markham Road

Newcomer-dense, strong F&B demand.

Lawrence East / Kennedy

Affordable plazas, growing fast.

Growth drivers

Scarborough Subway Extension (opening late decade) creating new TOD nodes.
Continued newcomer settlement across all districts.
Hospital and college (Centennial, U of T Scarborough) employment density.

Best businesses to open in Scarborough

Ranked by demand fit for the Scarborough consumer base and retail environment.

Shawarma Restaurant in Scarborough

High-velocity, low-food-cost QSR concept with the GTA's strongest cuisine demand.

Score 78 · Profit $7–19k/mo

Bubble Tea Shop in Scarborough

Low food-cost, high-margin beverage concept with strong Gen Z and student demand.

Score 82 · Profit $5–14k/mo

Pizza Restaurant in Scarborough

High-volume QSR with strong delivery economics and proven franchise paths.

Score 76 · Profit $6–18k/mo

Modern Barbershop in Scarborough

Recurring-revenue service business with low capex and 22-30% net margins.

Score 85 · Profit $5–14k/mo

Shisha Lounge in Scarborough

Late-night hospitality concept with strong cultural demand in Mississauga and Brampton.

Score 52 · Profit $9–26k/mo

Also possible in Scarborough

Independent Coffee Shop

Brand-led specialty coffee concept with strong neighbourhood loyalty.

Startup: $180,000 – $340,000Profit/mo: $4,000 – $13,000

Read report

Nail Salon

Service business with strong female consumer loyalty and 20-25% net margins.

Startup: $75,000 – $160,000Profit/mo: $5,000 – $13,000

Read report

Medical Spa

Premium service business with $90,000+/mo revenue ceiling and 28-35% net margins.

Startup: $300,000 – $700,000Profit/mo: $14,000 – $50,000

Read report

Find your commercial space in Scarborough

Mohammed represents buyers, sellers, and tenants of commercial real estate across the GTA. Get a no-obligation conversation about site selection, lease negotiation, and financing.

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