🤔 Why Are Families Moving from Toronto to Markham?

Families are moving from Toronto to Markham because it offers more space, excellent schools, safer neighborhoods, and a balanced lifestyle, all while remaining close to Toronto for work, entertainment, and culture.

Markham blends suburban comfort with urban convenience, making it one of Ontario’s top destinations for families seeking more value and a better quality of life.

🏡 1. Bigger Homes and Better Value for Your Money

In Toronto, the cost of living and housing prices continue to climb. For many families, finding a detached home with a backyard has become nearly impossible, unless you’re ready to pay millions.

In Markham, however, you can often find:

• Detached and semi-detached homes with spacious layouts

• Newer developments with modern features

• Family-friendly communities close to schools and parks

While Markham real estate remains competitive, buyers generally get more space and newer homes for their budget compared to Toronto’s aging housing stock.

💡 Tip: The average home price per square foot in Markham is lower than in central Toronto, offering better long-term value for growing families.

🎓 2. Top-Ranked Schools and Education Options

Education is one of the top reasons families move to Markham.
The city is known for high-quality schools, both public and Catholic, consistently ranking among Ontario’s best.

Some of the most sought-after schools include:

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (known for academics and diversity)

• Unionville High School (renowned arts program)

• Bur Oak Secondary School (strong STEM focus)

• St. Augustine Catholic High School

• William Berczy Public School and Castlemore Public School for younger students

For higher education, York University’s Markham Campus and Seneca College provide world-class programs close to home, saving families both time and money.

🛡️ 3. Safe Neighbourhoods and a Family-Oriented Environment

Safety is a top priority for most families leaving Toronto.
Markham consistently ranks as one of the safest large cities in Ontario, with a strong sense of community and low crime rates.

Neighborhoods such as Cornell, Berczy Village, Wismer, and Greensborough are especially popular among families because they offer:

• Quiet, walkable streets

• Access to trails, parks, and community centres

• Active Neighbourhood Watch programs

• A strong sense of belonging and connection

Parents appreciate being able to let their kids walk or bike to school safely, something that’s harder to find in busier parts of Toronto.

💼 4. Strong Local Economy and Career Opportunities

Markham has transformed into Canada’s High-Tech Capital, with more than 1,500 technology and life sciences companies operating in the city.

Major employers include:

• IBM Canada

• AMD

• Aviva

• Huawei

• GE Digital

This means parents can find career opportunities closer to home, often in the same industries as Toronto, tech, finance, insurance, healthcare, and education, but with shorter commutes and less stress.

Local advantage: With many remote and hybrid work options now common, families find that Markham offers the perfect balance between professional growth and personal time.

🌍 5. Diversity, Inclusion, and a Welcoming Community

Markham is proudly one of the most multicultural cities in Canada, where over half the population identifies as a visible minority. Families from all cultural and professional backgrounds find a welcoming environment where everyone belongs.

The city celebrates its diversity through:

• Annual cultural festivals like the Markham Night Market, Taste of Asia, and Markham Fair

• A rich food scene with global cuisines, from authentic Chinese, Indian, and Italian restaurants to local coffee shops and bakeries

• Community programs and language schools catering to newcomers

🚗 6. Easy Commute and Access to Toronto

Markham offers a convenient location for those who still work or study in Toronto.
With major highways (404, 407, 401) and GO Transit stations (Unionville, Mount Joy, and Markham), commuting is efficient and predictable.

For many families, the shorter travel times and better quality of life outweigh the occasional traffic. Plus, with more hybrid work models, daily commutes are less of a burden than they once were.

Pro tip: Areas like Unionville and Markham Village provide quick access to the GO line, ideal for parents working downtown a few days a week.

🌳 7. Parks, Trails, and Family Recreation

Markham is a green and active city, filled with parks, nature trails, and sports facilities for all ages.

Popular outdoor spots include:

• Toogood Pond Park (perfect for walks and picnics)

• Milne Dam Conservation Park (great for biking and kayaking)

• Rouge National Urban Park (Canada’s largest urban park)

• Angus Glen Community Centre & Library

Families enjoy community programs like swimming lessons, skating, soccer, art camps, and more. The city encourages a healthy, balanced lifestyle for parents and children alike.

🌆 8. Smart City Growth and Future Planning

Markham isn’t just expanding, it’s evolving.
The city is planning its growth strategically through sustainable development, digital innovation, and urban design that supports families.

Highlights include:

• The Downtown Markham Master Plan, a modern mixed-use hub with condos, offices, and entertainment

• Continued investment in transit connectivity and green infrastructure

• A commitment to net-zero emissions and green building initiatives

These projects ensure that Markham continues to be a future-ready city, offering opportunities for both families and businesses.

⚖️ What to Consider Before Moving

While Markham offers incredible benefits, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Housing demand remains strong, so competition for desirable areas can be high

• Car dependency in some neighbourhoods,  you’ll likely need at least one vehicle

• Traffic congestion during peak hours, especially along Highway 7 and 404

• Property taxes and insurance can be higher for newer homes

However, many families say these are small trade-offs for the lifestyle and safety that Markham provides.

💬 Is Markham Right for Your Family?

For many Toronto families, moving to Markham is not just about affordability, it’s about upgrading their quality of life.

If you’re looking for:
✅ Excellent schools and education options
✅ Spacious, modern homes
✅ A safe, diverse community
✅ Easy access to Toronto and major job hubs

…then Markham might be the perfect fit.
It’s a place where families can grow, thrive, and truly feel at home, without giving up the convenience of city living.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Markham a good place to raise a family?

Yes. Markham offers safe neighborhoods, top schools, and a strong community atmosphere, ideal for families with children.

2. How far is Markham from downtown Toronto?

Around 30–40 minutes by car or 45–55 minutes by GO Train, depending on traffic and station location.

3. Are homes cheaper in Markham than in Toronto?

Generally, yes. You’ll get more space for your budget and newer properties compared to Toronto’s city core.

4. What are the best family-friendly neighborhoods?

Top picks include Cornell, Wismer, Greensborough, Berczy Village, and Unionville.

5. Is Markham safe?

Yes. Markham consistently ranks among Ontario’s safest large cities, making it a great place for families.

🏠 Thinking About Moving to Markham?

Whether you’re upgrading from a Toronto condo or relocating your family to the suburbs, we can help you find the right neighborhood and home that fits your lifestyle.

📞 Contact us at Kaizen Real Estate to start your move today.
👉 Visit kaizenrealestate.ca or schedule a consultation with us here.