“Which part of the Bluffs should we buy in?” I get this question constantly, and the honest answer is: it depends entirely on who you are. Cliffcrest, Cliffside and Birch Cliff are neighbours, they share that gorgeous lakeside geography, and outsiders lump them together — but they each have a distinct feel and price point. Here is my insider’s cheat sheet.
Cliffcrest: the family all-rounder
Cliffcrest is where a lot of my growing families land, and for good reason. You get larger lots, a genuine community feel, and access to some of the area’s most sought-after schools — which, as I explain in my family guide to Cliffcrest schools, is a real driver of long-term value. It is the “settle in for fifteen years” neighbourhood.
Cliffside: the character pick by the water
Cliffside — where I happen to call home — leans a little more eclectic and creative, with character homes and that unbeatable proximity to the cliffs and the beach. If you want the coastal-town-inside-the-city lifestyle, this is your spot. I went deep on the why in this love letter to Cliffside.
Birch Cliff: the up-and-comer
Birch Cliff, just to the west, has been quietly transforming — a mix of original bungalows and new custom builds, a tight-knit vibe, and easier access toward the city. For buyers who want in on the Bluffs lifestyle while values are still climbing, it is often the smart-money entry point.
So which one is right for you?
If schools and space top your list, start in Cliffcrest. If character and the water pull at you, Cliffside. If you want upside and do not mind a little renovation, look hard at Birch Cliff. And if a slightly longer commute could unlock more home, it is worth considering Durham Region before you decide. The truth is the right pocket comes down to your life, not a map — and that is exactly the conversation I love having.
What all three share
For all their differences, these three pockets share the DNA that makes the Bluffs special: the 12,000-year-old cliffs, lake access, mature tree canopy, and a community that still waves hello. You are buying into parkland, beaches and that rare “village in the city” feeling no matter which one you choose — the differences are about flavour, not quality of life.
A quick word on commuting
All three give you GO Transit access and a reasonable run to downtown, but the details matter — proximity to a specific station, bus routes, and the Kingston Road corridor can change your daily life. If your job has tightened its return-to-office policy, that calculation matters more than ever; I dug into that shift in this piece on the great commute. Always test-drive your real commute before you commit.
Not sure which Bluffs neighbourhood fits you? Let’s talk it through, or see what’s currently for sale across all three.