Neighbourhood guide · Toronto & the GTA
Living in Markham: Neighbourhood & Real Estate Guide
Moving to Markham? Neighbourhoods, 2026 prices, GO transit, schools and parks, plus honest pros and cons from Realtor Irina Marchenkova.
By Irina Marchenkova, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Realtron Realty · Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) · Last updated September 2026
Markham sits just north of Scarborough in York Region and is one of the GTA’s fastest-growing, most diverse cities. It’s known for strong schools, a thriving tech sector, historic main streets in Unionville and Markham Village, and newer family communities with plenty of space.
This guide covers Markham’s neighbourhoods, homes and prices, transit, schools, parks and the honest pros and cons.
Neighbourhoods Prices Market Costs Transit Schools Checklist FAQ
Markham at a glance
- Where: York Region, directly north of Scarborough and east of Richmond Hill
- Homes: Detached and semi-detached homes, townhouses and a growing condo market around Markham Centre
- Getting to Toronto: GO Stouffville line, Highways 404, 407 and 401, YRT/Viva buses
- Best for: Families focused on schools, professionals in tech, and buyers wanting newer homes
- Big draws: Main Street Unionville, Rouge National Urban Park, diverse food and shopping
Why people choose Markham
Well-regarded schools. Markham’s public and Catholic schools are among the most sought-after in York Region, a major draw for families.
Space and newer homes. Many neighbourhoods were built from the 1980s onward, so buyers find larger detached homes, newer townhouses and modern layouts.
Jobs close to home. Markham is home to a large technology and business sector, which means shorter commutes for many residents.
Culture and food. From Pacific Mall and First Markham Place to Main Street Unionville’s patios, Markham has some of the best dining and shopping in the GTA.
When clients are choosing between Scarborough and Markham, I tell them to compare the specific school, commute and street, not just the city name. The right answer is often closer than they expect.
— Irina Marchenkova
Markham neighbourhoods
Popular Markham neighbourhoods include:
Unionville
A historic village with a charming Main Street, Toogood Pond and highly regarded schools. One of Markham’s most desirable areas.
Markham Village
The original town centre along Main Street Markham, with heritage homes, local shops and Markham GO station.
Cornell
A planned, walkable community in east Markham with townhouses, detached homes, parks and Markham Stouffville Hospital nearby.
Berczy Village & Cathedraltown
Newer family neighbourhoods in north Markham with larger homes, parks and popular schools.
Markham Centre (Downtown Markham)
Condos and townhouses near Highway 407, the York University Markham campus and shopping and entertainment.
Milliken & Thornhill (Markham side)
Established neighbourhoods near the Toronto border with easy access to Scarborough, North York and transit.
Homes and prices in Markham
Markham’s housing includes:
- Detached homes from the 1980s to today, many on generous lots
- Semi-detached homes and townhouses in newer communities like Cornell
- Heritage homes in Unionville and Markham Village
- Condominiums concentrated around Markham Centre and major corridors
Markham benchmark prices (August 2026)
Here’s how Markham’s benchmark prices compare with York Region and the City of Toronto:
| Area | All homes | Detached | Semi-detached | Townhouse | Condo apt. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Markham | $1,055,300 | $1,447,800 | $1,037,800 | $697,600 | $520,300 |
| York Region | $1,089,400 | $1,344,400 | $980,700 | $720,000 | $513,000 |
| City of Toronto | $918,400 | $1,437,900 | $1,127,200 | $717,200 | $547,400 |
Benchmark prices describe a “typical” home and can differ from any individual sale. Markham’s composite benchmark was down 6.42% year over year in August 2026, and townhouses were down 11.14%, so this is a more balanced market than buyers have seen in years. Ask me for recent sold prices on any street.
Thinking of selling? Get a free home evaluation and I’ll show you what comparable homes near you have actually sold for.
Market snapshot
Here’s how many homes sold and at what prices in August 2026, for all home types combined:
| Area | Homes sold | Average price | Median price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Markham | 282 | $1,208,692 | $1,095,000 |
| York Region | 971 | $1,179,938 | $1,041,800 |
| All TRREB (GTA) | 5,057 | $993,410 | $850,000 |
Across the whole GTA in August 2026, homes sold for about 97% of their final list price on average and spent an average of 35 days on the market. GTA sales were down 2.1% from a year earlier and the average price was down 2.7%, so buyers have more choice and negotiating room than in recent years. For the latest numbers on a specific street or building, ask me for a free market report.
What it costs to buy in Markham
Land transfer tax
Markham is outside the City of Toronto, so buyers pay only Ontario’s land transfer tax, not the extra Toronto municipal tax. Here’s what that looks like at typical prices:
| Example purchase | Ontario LTT | First-time buyer pays |
|---|---|---|
| Detached home at $1,450,000 | $25,475 | $21,475 |
| Condo apartment at $520,000 | $6,875 | $2,875 |
First-time buyers can get a refund of up to $4,000 on the Ontario land transfer tax. You (and your spouse) must never have owned a home anywhere in the world. Land transfer tax is paid on closing, on top of your down payment, so budget for it along with legal fees, title insurance and moving costs.
Property taxes
Markham’s residential property tax rate is 0.723% (2026 rate, City of Markham), or about $723 a year for every $100,000 of assessed value. In Ontario, property tax is based on your home’s MPAC assessed value, which is still based on January 1, 2016 values and is usually well below today’s market price. You can find a home’s assessment on its latest tax bill or through MPAC.
| MPAC assessed value | Approximate yearly property tax |
|---|---|
| $400,000 | $2,892 |
| $600,000 | $4,338 |
| $800,000 | $5,784 |
| $1,000,000 | $7,230 |
Getting around
- GO Transit: The Stouffville line stops at Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations, running to Union Station.
- YRT and Viva: Rapid bus service along Highway 7 and other major corridors, connecting to the TTC.
- Subway: The Yonge North Subway Extension (under construction) will bring Line 1 closer to western Markham.
- Driving: Highways 404, 407 and 401 make Markham one of the best-connected suburbs in the GTA.
Schools and family life
Markham is served by the York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board, with French-language options through Viamonde and MonAvenir. Several Markham secondary schools, including Unionville High School and Markville Secondary School, are well known across the region. Boundaries matter, so check the school locator for any address.
York University’s Markham campus opened in 2023, and Markham Stouffville Hospital (Oak Valley Health) serves the community.
Child care
Licensed child care in Ontario is far more affordable than it was a few years ago. At centres enrolled in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program, fees for children under 6 are capped at $22 a day in 2026, and families with lower incomes can apply for a fee subsidy that reduces the cost further. (The long-promised $10-a-day average has not yet been reached in Ontario.)
York Region’s Early Years Program Finder lets you search licensed centres, including those in the reduced-fee program and those offering subsidized spaces, plus EarlyON drop-in centres for young children.
My tip: get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally several months before you move or before parental leave ends, and ask each centre whether it’s enrolled in the reduced-fee program.
- Ontario: Find and pay for child care: search licensed centres province-wide and learn about fee subsidies
- York Region: Child Care Information for Parents: the Early Years Program Finder and fee subsidy information
Parks, shopping and things to do
- Main Street Unionville: patios, shops and Toogood Pond
- Rouge National Urban Park: trails and nature on Markham’s eastern edge
- Milne Dam Conservation Park: walking trails and a reservoir
- Shopping: CF Markville, Pacific Mall and First Markham Place
- Downtown Markham: restaurants, a cinema and events
- Food: some of the best Chinese, Korean, South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants in the GTA
- Varley Art Gallery of Markham: in historic Unionville
- Angus Glen Golf Club: a championship golf course
- Markham Museum: a heritage village and museum in Markham Village
- Markham Pan Am Centre: an aquatic and sports complex built for the 2015 Pan Am Games
- Flato Markham Theatre: concerts and shows downtown
Pros and cons of living in Markham
Pros
- Well-regarded schools across the city
- Newer, larger homes than much of Toronto
- Excellent highway access and GO train service
- Strong local job market, especially in tech
- Diverse community with great food and shopping
Cons
- Detached homes are priced close to Toronto levels
- Car-dependent in many neighbourhoods
- Highway 404 and 407 traffic at rush hour
- Popular school zones carry a price premium
- Newer subdivisions can feel less walkable
Before you buy in Markham: local checklist
Every area has its own rules and quirks. Here’s what I check with buyers in Markham:
- Heritage districts: Unionville, Markham Village, Thornhill and Buttonville have Heritage Conservation Districts, where exterior changes need approval.
- Second suites: basement apartments must meet City of Markham requirements, so confirm a unit is legal before counting on rental income.
- Conservation areas: homes near the Rouge River and its tributaries may be regulated by the TRCA.
- School boundaries: York Region catchments can change street by street, so confirm with the school board.
- Condos: always review the status certificate, reserve fund study and any upcoming special assessments before you firm up an offer.
- Non-Canadian buyers: check the current federal foreign-buyer rules and Ontario’s Non-Resident Speculation Tax before making an offer.
Buying or selling in Markham with Irina
I’m a RE/MAX Realtron Realty Sales Representative and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), and my office is in Scarborough, just minutes from Markham. Whether you’re buying a family home near a top school, a condo in Markham Centre or selling to move up or downsize, I’ll give you honest, local advice, in English or Russian.
- Buying with Irina: how I help buyers find the right home and negotiate well
- Selling with Irina: pricing, preparation and marketing that gets results
- Pre-construction: new condos and homes across the GTA
- Free home evaluation: find out what your home is worth today
Call or text 416-846-8064 or email irina@loveurlife.ca, or send me a message below.
Markham real estate FAQ
Is Markham a good place to buy a home in 2026?
For many families, yes. Markham offers well-regarded schools, newer homes and strong highway and GO access. With the composite benchmark down about 6% year over year in August 2026, buyers have more choice and negotiating room.
How much does a house cost in Markham?
In August 2026, TRREB’s benchmark price for a typical detached home in Markham was $1,447,800. Semi-detached homes were around $1,037,800, townhouses around $697,600 and condo apartments around $520,300.
Does Markham have GO train service?
Yes. The GO Stouffville line serves Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations, with direct trains to Union Station in downtown Toronto.
What are the best neighbourhoods in Markham for families?
Unionville, Berczy Village, Cathedraltown and Cornell are all popular with families because of their schools, parks and newer homes. The best fit depends on your budget and school preferences.
Is Markham part of Toronto?
No. Markham is a separate city in York Region, directly north of Toronto’s Scarborough district. Buyers pay only the Ontario land transfer tax, not the additional Toronto municipal land transfer tax.
Useful links
Official sources and local resources I recommend to buyers and sellers (links open in a new tab):
- City of Markham
- Markham property tax rates: 2026 rates
- Ontario first-time buyer land transfer tax refund
- MPAC: look up a property’s assessed value
- York Region District School Board
- York Catholic District School Board
- Fraser Institute school rankings: compare Ontario school results
- YRT / Viva: local and rapid bus service
- GO Transit: regional trains and buses
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA): check if a property is in a regulated area
- Rouge National Urban Park: Parks Canada
- TRREB Market Watch: monthly GTA sales and price data
Explore nearby areas
- Scarborough: Markham’s neighbour to the south
- North York: including Willowdale and Don Mills
- Ajax and Whitby: Durham Region options to the east
- All area guides: every neighbourhood guide in one place
- Interactive map: see every area on one clickable map