The Short Answer
Markham is a city of about 338,500 people (2021 Census) in York Region, just north of Toronto. Residents value its family neighbourhoods, well-regarded schools, large community centres, Rouge National Urban Park and a rich food scene. In September 2026, the average Markham home sold for $1,125,353 and condo apartments averaged $574,612, according to TRREB. The 2026 residential tax rate is 0.722889%, lower than Torontoās, and there is no municipal land transfer tax. Most households drive, though GO trains and Viva rapid buses serve key corridors.
Planning a move to Markham? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Markham at a Glance
Topic | Quick facts |
|---|---|
Location | York Region, bordering Toronto at Steeles Avenue |
Population | 338,503 in the 2021 Census |
Average home price | $1,125,353 in September 2026 (TRREB) |
Property tax rate | 0.722889% of assessed value in 2026 |
Land transfer tax | Ontario tax only; no municipal tax |
Transit | GO Stouffville line, Viva rapid buses, York Region Transit |
Highways | 404, 407 (toll) and the Don Valley Parkway nearby |
Michael John Lau, a REALTORĀ® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, has helped many newcomers settle in Markham and keeps this guide updated with the questions they ask most.
Questions About Living in Markham?
Every Markham neighbourhood has its own character. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 and speak to a REALTORĀ® who works this market daily.
Neighbourhoods
Area | Character |
|---|---|
Unionville | Heritage Main Street, Toogood Pond, mature family streets |
Markham Village | Historic main street, GO station, Saturday farmersā market in season |
Downtown Markham and Markham Centre | Condos and townhomes along Highway 7, close to transit and York Universityās Markham Campus |
Cornell | Planned community with rear-lane homes and a large community centre |
Berczy and Wismer | Family streets popular for schools |
Angus Glen and Cachet | Larger detached homes, golf and estate pockets |
Boxgrove | Newer detached homes beside Rouge National Urban Park |
Thornhill and Milliken | Established areas near the Toronto border |
For a deeper look at one family area, see living in Boxgrove.
Neeraj Moolchandani on Choosing a Neighbourhood
Neeraj Moolchandani, REALTORĀ® at Kaizen Real Estate, asks newcomers to list their three daily anchors: work or school, the place they shop most, and where they spend weekends. Mapping those three points narrows the search quickly.
Markham is large, and a home in the west end can mean a very different daily routine from one in the east. Starting with how you live, rather than a specific street, usually leads to a better fit.
The Housing Market
TRREBās September 2026 Market Watch reported 245 Markham sales at an average of $1,125,353 and a median of $1,051,000. Detached homes averaged $1,534,139, freehold townhouses $977,959 and condo apartments $574,612. With 4.1 months of inventory on a trend basis, Markham was in balanced territory, and homes sold for about 98% of list price on average.
For the latest numbers, see the September 2026 Markham market update.
Schools and Education
Markham is served by the York Region District School Board, the York Catholic District School Board and French-language boards. In the Fraser Instituteās November 2025 ranking of 747 Ontario secondary schools, St. Augustine Catholic High School tied for first and Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School ranked sixth. York Universityās Markham Campus in Markham Centre adds post-secondary education close to home.
For a parent-friendly overview, see the best schools in Markham.
New to Markham?
The Kaizen Real Estate Team helps newcomers compare neighbourhoods, schools and commutes before they buy.
Getting Around
- GO Transit: the Stouffville line serves Milliken (at the Toronto border), Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy stations, with trains to Union Station.
- Viva and York Region Transit: rapid buses along Highway 7 and local routes across the city.
- Driving: Highway 404, Highway 407 (a toll road) and the Don Valley Parkway.
- Future transit: the Yonge North Subway Extension is planned to serve the Bridge station area near the Markham and Richmond Hill border.
Most households own at least one car. Living near a GO station can make a one-car household realistic.
Parks, Recreation and Community
Markhamās green spaces include Rouge National Urban Park, Milne Dam Conservation Park, Toogood Pond and many neighbourhood trails. Community centres such as Cornell, Aaniin, Angus Glen and the Markham Pan Am Centre, built for the 2015 Pan Am Games, offer pools, arenas, libraries and programs for all ages.
For outdoor ideas, see walks and trails near Markham.
Health Care and Everyday Services
Markham Stouffville Hospital, part of Oak Valley Health, serves the city from its campus in the Cornell area, and walk-in clinics, family practices and specialists are spread across the cityās plazas. Newcomers should register with a family doctor as early as possible, since wait lists can be long. The Markham Public Library runs branches across the city, including inside several community centres, with programs for children, newcomers and seniors.
Food, Culture and Events
Markham is known for one of the GTAās richest food scenes, especially Asian cuisine, from dim sum to bubble tea. The main streets of Unionville and Markham Village host festivals and seasonal markets, and the Markham Fair, one of Canadaās oldest country fairs, runs each fall. For what is on now, see October 2026 events in Markham.
The Cost of Living
- Property tax: the City says the average Markham home, assessed at $822,671, pays about $5,947 in 2026.
- Water: $5.3694 per cubic metre as of April 1, 2026.
- Child care: Ontarioās licensed child care fees averaged about $19 a day in 2026, capped at $22.
- Condo living: see what a Markham condo costs per month.
Pros and Cons of Living in Markham
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
More space for the price than central Toronto | Longer commute for many downtown jobs |
Well-regarded schools and community centres | Most errands require a car |
Lower tax rate and no municipal land transfer tax | Busy highways and arterial roads at rush hour |
Rouge National Urban Park and trails | Fewer late-night options than downtown Toronto |
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you make the move.
Next Steps
- Markham neighbourhood guide: compare communities across the city.
- Buying a home in Markham: how the Kaizen Real Estate Team helps newcomers.
- Moving from Toronto: why families are choosing Markham.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps Markham buyers and sellers turn market numbers into a clear plan for their own situation. That means looking past city-wide averages to recent sales on your street, explaining the reasoning behind every recommendation, and making sure you have the information you need to decide with confidence.
š Contact Michael John Lau, REALTORĀ®
š www.callmikelau.com
š” www.livinginmarkham.ca
š¢ www.kaizenrealestate.ca