Living in Markham, Ontario: A City Guide
By Summitly Editorial·Reviewed by Coldwell Banker Summit Realty, a RECO-registered Ontario brokerage
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
- 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.
Frequently asked
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.