Thinking about moving to Markham, Ontario? You’re not alone. Known as one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most multicultural cities, Markham has become a top destination for families, professionals, and newcomers who want to enjoy the benefits of suburban life while staying close to Toronto.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is Markham a good place to live?”, the short answer is yes, but it depends on your lifestyle and budget. Markham offers a clean, safe, and vibrant community filled with opportunity, culture, and convenience. However, it also comes with a high cost of living and a competitive housing market.

Here’s a complete guide to help you decide if Markham is the right move for you.

About Markham: Where Innovation Meets Tradition

Located in the northeastern part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Markham blends modern development with historic charm. The city’s population sits at around 346,000 and continues to grow each year as more people move from Toronto and abroad.

Markham’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. Over 80% of residents identify as a visible minority, with large Chinese, South Asian, and Filipino communities contributing to its dynamic culture. You’ll find authentic restaurants, multilingual services, and cultural celebrations that reflect this incredible mix.

Despite its rapid development, Markham maintains a family-friendly, community-oriented feel. Its well-kept parks, excellent schools, and modern infrastructure make it an attractive place to raise a family or start a career.

The Markham Housing Market

Housing is one of the most talked-about topics in Markham. As part of the GTA, prices here are among the highest in Canada, but they also reflect the city’s growing demand and strong amenities.

Source: Toronto Regional Real Estate Board

Popular neighborhoods include:

• Unionville: A historic village with picturesque shops, heritage homes, and top schools.

• Cornell: A master-planned community with newer homes, parks, and a walkable layout.

• Berczy Village: Family-friendly with great schools and playgrounds.

• Markham Village: Traditional charm, mature trees, and easy access to amenities.

Rental prices are also high. A one-bedroom condo can cost around $1,500–$1,800 per month, depending on location and amenities. While Markham’s real estate is expensive, property values have historically held strong, making it a solid long-term investment for homeowners.

Education and Schools

Markham is known for its high-quality education system. Families often move here specifically for the excellent schools.

Public and Catholic Schools

The city is served by the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board. Combined, there are nearly 300 schools across the city, including several top-rated options such as:

• Unionville High School (Arts program)

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School

• Bur Oak Secondary School

• St. Augustine Catholic High School

These schools consistently perform well in provincial rankings and offer specialized programs in arts, science, and French immersion.

Private and French-Language Schools

Markham also has a growing number of private schools, both secular and faith-based, and French-language education through the Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir.

Post-Secondary Education

Markham is becoming an educational hub. Seneca College operates a modern campus downtown, and York University’s Markham Campus recently opened to students, offering degree programs focused on technology, business, and entrepreneurship.

Transportation and Commuting

Markham is ideally located for commuters who work in Toronto or nearby cities. It sits along major highways like Highway 404, 407 ETR, and Highway 7, which makes it easy to drive across the GTA.

Public Transit Options

Public transportation is handled by York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva, which provide local and express bus routes. The Unionville GO Station offers regular train service to downtown Toronto, making it a practical choice for professionals.

Other nearby GO stations include Mount Joy and Markham GO, both part of the Stouffville line. These routes continue to expand with planned service increases.

Getting Around

Although transit access is improving, many residents still rely on cars, especially for errands and school drop-offs. However, new developments in Markham are being built with walkability and sustainability in mind, featuring mixed-use layouts and pedestrian-friendly designs.

Safety and Community

Markham consistently ranks as one of Canada’s safest cities.

• Total crime rates are about 38% lower than the national average.

• Violent crime is 36% lower than in most Canadian cities.

York Regional Police maintain strong community programs and neighborhood watch initiatives, which help keep residents informed and involved. It’s common to see families walking in the evenings and kids biking to school, a clear sign of the city’s security and trust.

Employment and the Local Economy

Markham has earned its nickname as “Canada’s High-Tech Capital” for good reason. The city is home to more than 1,500 tech and life sciences companies employing over 37,000 professionals.

Key Industries:

• Technology and IT: IBM, AMD, Huawei, and Lenovo have offices here.

• Finance and Insurance: Many major banks and financial service companies operate regional offices in Markham.

• Healthcare and Life Sciences: Hospitals, clinics, and biotech firms continue to expand.

• Education and Professional Services: As the city grows, so does its need for teachers, consultants, and business professionals.

In addition to its corporate presence, Markham’s startup ecosystem is thriving. Innovation hubs like YSpace Markham (York University’s entrepreneurship center) support local founders and small business owners.

Recreation, Culture, and Lifestyle

Markham’s cultural scene is a blend of history, art, and global influences.

Outdoor and Family Activities

The city has over 22 kilometers of trails, several conservation areas (like Milne Dam and Bob Hunter Memorial Park), and beautiful local farms where residents can pick their own produce.

Sports and recreation facilities are top-notch, with arenas, community centers, and fitness complexes spread across neighborhoods.

Arts and Culture

Cultural highlights include:

• Markham Museum and Varley Art Gallery

• Flato Markham Theatre, featuring concerts and live performances

• Historic Unionville Main Street, a picturesque downtown area with boutiques, cafes, and festivals

Food and Events

Foodies will love Markham’s restaurant scene, which is among the most diverse in the GTA. From authentic Chinese dim sum to Indian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisines, every meal is an adventure.

Popular annual events include:

• Taste of Asia Festival

• Night It Up! Asian Night Market

• Markham Ribfest & Music Festival

• Markham Fair- one of Canada’s oldest community fairs

Cost of Living

Markham is not a budget-friendly city, but its amenities, safety, and proximity to Toronto justify the expense for many.

Although it’s slightly cheaper than downtown Toronto, it’s still one of the more expensive cities in Ontario. High real estate prices and property taxes contribute to the cost, but salaries in Markham’s tech and professional sectors tend to be higher than average as well.

Pros and Cons of Living in Markham

Pros:
✅ Extremely safe and family-friendly
✅ Excellent schools and healthcare facilities
✅ Strong job market, especially in tech and business
✅ Diverse community and world-class dining
✅ Close proximity to Toronto

Cons:
⚠️ High housing prices and property taxes
⚠️ Traffic congestion during rush hours
⚠️ Public transit is still developing in some areas
⚠️ Winters can be long and cold

FAQ: Living in Markham

Q: Is Markham a good place to live?
Yes. Markham is considered one of the most desirable cities in the GTA. It offers top-tier education, strong job prospects, cultural diversity, and excellent safety. The only major drawback is affordability, but the overall quality of life is exceptional.

Q: What is the population of Markham?
As of 2025, Markham has about 346,000 residents, with steady growth each year.

Q: Is Markham safe?
Absolutely. Crime rates are significantly below the national average, making it one of Ontario’s safest cities.

Q: How much does it cost to live in Markham?
Expect to spend around $2,300 per month as a single person, or much more for families, depending on housing type and lifestyle.

Q: What are the main industries in Markham?
Technology, finance, healthcare, and education lead the economy, supported by major employers like IBM, AMD, and York University.

Q: What’s the commute to Toronto like?
It’s about 30–40 minutes by car or 45–60 minutes by GO Train, depending on traffic and time of day.

If you’re planning to relocate to the GTA, Markham offers the perfect balance between suburban tranquility and urban convenience. It’s a city that celebrates culture, innovation, and community.

Whether you’re raising a family, launching a career, or simply looking for a better lifestyle, Markham has everything you need to feel at home.

In short, if you can handle the higher cost of living, Markham isn’t just a good place to live, it’s one of the best places to call home in Ontario.