Neighbourhood
Living in Markham, Ontario: A City Guide
2 min readPublished
Quick answer
Markham is an affluent, diverse city in York Region north of Toronto, known as a Canadian technology hub, for its top-ranked schools, and for a strong Asian-Canadian community with exceptional dining and shopping. It suits families and professionals who want good schools, a mix of housing from detached homes to condos, and a shorter tech commute than downtown. Transit relies on GO and York Region Transit/Viva, with the planned Yonge subway extension set to improve connections.
Who Markham suits
Markham blends suburban space with an urban, tech-driven economy. It appeals to families prioritizing schools, professionals working in its large technology and corporate sector, and newcomers drawn to one of the GTA's most diverse and amenity-rich communities. Historic Unionville adds charm, while Markham's newer centres offer condos and walkable cores.
- Families wanting top-ranked schools and space.
- Tech and corporate professionals working in or near Markham.
- Buyers wanting a mix of detached homes, townhouses and condos.
- Food and shopping lovers — Markham's Asian dining and markets are a draw.
Housing
Markham offers a broad range: established detached-home neighbourhoods, newer townhouse communities, and growing condo nodes around Markham Centre and Unionville. It's generally more affordable for space than central Toronto, though sought-after school catchments and Unionville command premiums.
Getting around
GO Transit (Stouffville line) and York Region Transit/Viva serve Markham, and Highways 404 and 407 connect drivers across the GTA. The long-planned Yonge North subway extension, when complete, will improve rapid-transit access toward Toronto. For now it's a fairly car-oriented city with improving transit.
Schools, amenities and lifestyle
- Consistently top-ranked public schools that anchor family demand.
- Historic Unionville's Main Street, plus Pacific Mall and Markville for shopping.
- A major technology and corporate employment base.
- Parks, community centres and a strong, diverse cultural scene.
Key takeaways: living in Markham
- Markham is an affluent, diverse GTA tech hub with top-ranked schools.
- Housing ranges from established detached homes to new condos, with premiums in top school areas and Unionville.
- Transit is GO + York Region Transit/Viva today, with the Yonge subway extension planned.
- It suits families and professionals wanting schools, space and a shorter tech commute.
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Living in Markham: frequently asked questions
Is Markham a good place to live?
Yes — it's popular with families and professionals for its top-ranked schools, diverse community, technology employment base and range of housing. It offers more space for the money than central Toronto, with a more suburban, car-oriented feel and improving transit.
Is Markham expensive?
It's an affluent city, and sought-after school catchments and historic Unionville command premiums, but it generally offers more space per dollar than central Toronto. Prices vary widely by neighbourhood and housing type — check live comparables.
What is Markham known for?
Being a Canadian technology hub, top-ranked schools, a strong and diverse Asian-Canadian community with exceptional dining and shopping, and the historic village of Unionville.
How do you commute from Markham to Toronto?
The GO Stouffville line and York Region Transit/Viva buses serve Markham, and Highways 404/407 help drivers. The planned Yonge North subway extension will further improve rapid transit toward Toronto when complete.
Published by Summitly, the website of Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, Brokerage, registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO); an independently owned and operated Coldwell Banker franchise. Broker of Record: Waqar Afzal. Questions or corrections: our contact form. How we write and check these pages: editorial policy.
Cite this guide
Summitly Editorial. (2026, July 19). Living in Markham, Ontario: A City Guide. Summitly (Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, Brokerage). https://www.summitly.ca/guides/living-in-markham-ontario
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