Is Markham a good place to live?
Yes. Markham is one of the GTA’s best places to raise a family. It pairs some of Ontario’s highest-ranked public schools with safe, well-planned neighbourhoods, four GO train stations and easy access to Highways 404 and 407. The trade-off is price: the typical detached home was about $1.44 million in September 2026, so most first-time buyers start with a townhouse or condo.
- Best for: families focused on schools, multigenerational households and commuters to downtown Toronto or the 404 tech corridor.
- Typical price (Sept 2026): $1,052,500 composite benchmark; detached $1,441,700; townhouse $731,700; condo $517,200 (TRREB MLS® HPI).
- Getting downtown: about 45–60 minutes to Union Station on the Stouffville GO line.
- Neighbourhoods to know: Unionville, Cornell, Berczy Village, Cathedraltown, Angus Glen, Markham Village and Milliken.
Updated October 2026 by the Thomas Team, Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage.
About Markham, Ontario
Markham grew from a string of 19th-century farm villages, and three of them still shape its character today: Unionville, Markham Village and Thornhill. Each keeps a walkable heritage main street, while the land between them filled in with master-planned subdivisions from the 1980s onward.
Today Markham is known as “Canada’s High-Tech Capital,” with hundreds of technology and life-sciences companies clustered along Highway 404 and Highway 7. Markham Centre (Downtown Markham) is the city’s new urban core, built around the Viva Highway 7 rapidway and the York University Markham Campus, which opened in 2023.
Markham is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada, with large Chinese-Canadian, South Asian and Filipino communities. That shows up in the food scene, from Pacific Mall and First Markham Place to the restaurants along Highway 7 and Kennedy Road.
| Fact | Markham |
|---|---|
| Population (2021 Census) | 338,503 |
| Region | York Region |
| Area | About 210 km² |
| Benchmark price, all homes (Sept 2026) | $1,052,500 |
| Benchmark price, detached (Sept 2026) | $1,441,700 |
| GO stations | Unionville, Centennial, Markham, Mount Joy (Milliken just south) |
| Major highways | 404, 407 ETR, 48, Highway 7 |
| School boards | YRDSB, YCDSB, Viamonde, MonAvenir |
📍 Markham, York Region, Ontario
Markham Neighbourhood Guide
Unionville
Unionville is Markham’s best-known neighbourhood, centred on historic Main Street Unionville and Toogood Pond. It is in demand largely because of its schools, including Unionville High School and its arts program.
- Walkable heritage Main Street with cafés and festivals
- Toogood Pond Park trails
- Unionville GO station on the Stouffville line
- Mostly detached homes on larger lots
Cornell
Cornell in east Markham is a new-urbanist community of laneway homes, townhouses and parks, anchored by Markham Stouffville Hospital and the Cornell Bus Terminal.
- Markham Stouffville Hospital on site
- Cornell Community Centre and library
- Close to Rouge National Urban Park
- Good mix of freehold towns and detached
Berczy Village
Berczy Village, north of Major Mackenzie, is a 1990s–2000s family neighbourhood with highly rated elementary and secondary schools and plenty of parks.
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School nearby
- Quiet crescents and parkettes
- Quick access to Highway 404
- Popular with move-up buyers
Cathedraltown
Cathedraltown is a planned community built around the landmark Cathedral of the Transfiguration, with classically styled homes and quick access to the 404.
- Newer construction (2000s–2010s)
- Near Highway 404 and Major Mackenzie
- Close to Angus Glen Community Centre
- Townhouses and detached options
Angus Glen
Angus Glen surrounds the Angus Glen Golf Club and is one of Markham’s most exclusive pockets, with large executive homes and a busy community centre.
- Angus Glen Golf Club
- Angus Glen Community Centre and library
- Large lots and custom homes
- Strong school options
Markham Village
Markham Village grew around Main Street Markham and the Markham GO station. It mixes heritage homes, 1970s–80s detached houses and newer infill.
- Main Street Markham shops and restaurants
- Markham GO station
- Markham Museum nearby
- More varied price points than Unionville
Milliken / Markham Centre
South and central Markham offer the city’s most affordable entry points: condos in Markham Centre along the Viva rapidway, and established homes in Milliken near Pacific Mall.
- Condos near York University Markham Campus
- Viva Highway 7 rapidway
- Pacific Mall and First Markham Place
- Milliken GO and Unionville GO nearby
| Neighbourhood | Best for | Typical housing | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unionville | top schools and village charm | Detached homes, some townhouses | Premium |
| Cornell | young families | Towns, semis, detached with laneways | Mid to upper |
| Berczy Village | school-focused families | Detached and semi-detached | Upper |
| Cathedraltown | newer homes near the 404 | Detached, towns, some condos | Upper |
| Angus Glen | executive homes | Large detached homes | Luxury |
| Markham Village | walkability with a small-town feel | Older detached, infill, towns | Mid to upper |
| Milliken / Markham Centre | condo buyers and investors | Condos, towns, older detached | Entry to mid |
Markham Demographics
Who lives in Markham?
Markham draws families who prioritise schools, multigenerational households, and professionals working in tech, finance and health care. It is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, and many households speak a language other than English at home, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Tamil and Tagalog.
Growth and housing demand
Most new housing is going up in Markham Centre and along Highway 7, where mid- and high-rise condos are replacing low-density commercial sites. Future urban areas in north Markham will add new subdivisions over the next decade. Demand for detached homes near top schools remains steady, even with prices down from their 2022 peak.
Schools in Markham
Public and Catholic schools
Unionville High School
Public secondary · Unionville · Arts Unionville programConfirm catchment with YRDSBPierre Elliott Trudeau High School
Public secondary · Berczy / Cathedraltown areaConfirm catchment with YRDSBBur Oak Secondary School
Public secondary · Wismer / GreensboroughConfirm catchment with YRDSBMarkville Secondary School
Public secondary · central MarkhamConfirm catchment with YRDSBBill Crothers Secondary School
Public secondary · Unionville · sports-focused programConfirm catchment with YRDSBSt. Augustine Catholic High School
Catholic secondary · Cathedraltown areaConfirm catchment with YCDSBSt. Brother André Catholic High School
Catholic secondary · central MarkhamConfirm catchment with YCDSB| Board | System |
|---|---|
| York Region District School Board (YRDSB) | English public |
| York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) | English Catholic |
| Conseil scolaire Viamonde | French public |
| Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir | French Catholic |
Colleges and universities nearby
The York University Markham Campus opened in Markham Centre in 2023, focused on technology, business and media. Seneca Polytechnic’s Markham campus, the University of Toronto Scarborough and York University’s Keele campus are all within commuting distance.
Transit and Getting Around Markham
GO Train: 4 Markham stations
Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations (plus Milliken just across Steeles) connect to Union Station. Service is expanding toward all-day, two-way trains.
Viva Highway 7 rapidway
Dedicated bus lanes along Highway 7 link Cornell and Markham Centre to Richmond Hill Centre, with connections to Viva Blue on Yonge Street.
York Region Transit
Local routes feed GO stations and connect to TTC subway stations at Finch and Don Mills.
Highways
Highway 404 runs north–south on the west side; the 407 ETR crosses the city east–west. Downtown Toronto is about 35–60 minutes by car.
Approximate commute times from Markham
| Destination | Typical time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Union Station (GO) | 45–60 min | Stouffville GO from Unionville |
| Downtown Toronto (drive) | 35–60 min | Highway 404 / DVP |
| North York Centre | 25–35 min | Drive or YRT + Line 1 |
| Pearson Airport | 30–40 min | Highway 407 ETR |
| Richmond Hill Centre | 15–20 min | Viva Highway 7 |
Things to Do and Local Amenities in Markham
Parks & Nature
- Rouge National Urban Park
- Toogood Pond Park
- Milne Dam Conservation Park
- Rouge Valley trails
- Cornell Rouge parks
Shopping
- CF Markville
- Pacific Mall
- First Markham Place
- Main Street Unionville
- Markham Village Main Street
Recreation
- Markham Pan Am Centre
- Angus Glen Community Centre
- Cornell Community Centre
- Angus Glen Golf Club
- Flato Markham Theatre
Culture & Food
- Varley Art Gallery
- Markham Museum
- Unionville Festival
- Highway 7 Asian dining
- Markham Village Music Festival
Markham Real Estate Market (September 2026)
| Property type | Benchmark price |
|---|---|
| Composite (all home types) | $1,052,500 |
| Detached | $1,441,700 |
| Semi-detached | $1,032,900 |
| Townhouse | $731,700 |
| Condo apartment | $517,200 |
| Year-over-year change (composite) | -6.02% |
Source: TRREB MLS® Home Price Index, September 2026. Benchmark prices describe a typical home, not an average sale price. Ask us for current sold data on any street.
Detached homes in Unionville, Angus Glen and Berczy typically trade well above the city benchmark because of school catchments and lot sizes. Cornell and Box Grove offer newer freehold townhouses and semis at lower entry points.
Markham Centre has the largest supply of new condos, which is where first-time buyers and investors usually start. Condo prices across York Region have softened since 2023, so there is more choice and negotiating room for buyers right now.
Pros and cons of living in Markham
Pros
- Some of Ontario’s highest-ranked public schools
- Four GO stations and the Viva rapidway
- Rouge National Urban Park on the east side
- Excellent, diverse food and shopping
- Large employment base in tech and health care
Cons
- Detached homes near top schools are expensive
- Highway 404 and Highway 7 traffic at rush hour
- GO service is less frequent than Lakeshore lines
- Many subdivisions are car-dependent
Buying or selling in Markham? Here’s what our clients say
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Frequently Asked Questions About Markham
Yes. Markham is one of the best places in the GTA for families, thanks to highly ranked public schools, safe neighbourhoods, four GO stations and a very diverse food and cultural scene. The main downside is cost: detached homes near top schools are among the priciest in York Region.
In September 2026, the MLS® Home Price Index benchmark for all home types in Markham was $1,052,500. Benchmark prices by type were $1,441,700 for a detached home, $1,032,900 for a semi-detached, $731,700 for a townhouse and $517,200 for a condo apartment (TRREB).
Unionville, Berczy Village, Cathedraltown and Cornell are the most popular family neighbourhoods in Markham. Unionville and Berczy are known for top-rated schools, Cornell for newer freehold homes at lower prices, and Cathedraltown for newer homes close to Highway 404.
Unionville High School, Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School, Bur Oak Secondary School and Markville Secondary School are consistently among the top-scoring public high schools in Ontario. Always confirm your address is in the catchment with the York Region District School Board before you buy.
The Stouffville GO train takes about 45 to 60 minutes from Unionville or Markham station to Union Station. Driving downtown via Highway 404 and the Don Valley Parkway takes about 35 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Not overall. Markham’s September 2026 composite benchmark ($1,052,500) was higher than the City of Toronto’s ($908,200), mostly because Markham has more detached homes. Condos in Markham are slightly cheaper than the Toronto average.
Unionville is a neighbourhood within the City of Markham, not a separate city. It is the historic village around Main Street Unionville and is known for its heritage streetscape, Toogood Pond and highly ranked schools.
Markham is generally considered one of the safer large cities in the GTA, with crime rates below the Ontario average. As in any city, conditions vary by area, so we recommend checking York Regional Police crime maps for specific streets.
Last updated October 2026. Written by Damali Thomas and Desemal Thomas, Realtors, and Jermaine Whyte, Mortgage Agent Level 2, at the Thomas Team, Century 21 Percy Fulton Ltd., Brokerage. Data: Statistics Canada 2021 Census; TRREB MLS® HPI; Metrolinx; local school boards.
