It was developed after World War II as part of the urbanization of the former suburb of York Township.

Rockcliffe–Smythe is known for having large amounts of green space including the centrally located Smythe Park.

The entire western boundary is green space which includes Lambton Park and Scarlett Woods golf courses.

In December 2016, Airbnb listed it sixth in its top 17 neighbourhoods to visit in 2017,[1] based on a 497 per cent increase in bookings in 2016.

“In the last 10 years there have been significant changes.” New retail development, like the Stockyards outdoor mall at the neighbourhood's southeastern corner, has revived some formerly barren lots, and the Junction's hot retail strip is just a short walk south.

[2] Zigzagging from the north-west corner, where the Humber River and Eglinton Avenue West intersect: The area is centered by Jane Street, a north–south four-lane arterial road.

The northern part of the area will be within walking distance to Mount Dennis station on the Eglinton Crosstown [3] and the proposed SmartTrack Line.

The Conseil scolaire Viamonde is a secular French public school board; and the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud is a French separate public school board.

[8] The area will also be within reach of the Mount Dennis and Smart Track subway line at Weston and Eglinton.