Why live in York?
Why live in York Region? We think the better question is why would you not live in York Region? York Region comprises Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, King City, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Aurora, Georgina, Whitchurch-Stouffville, and more. The area has so much going for it, from scenic parks and walking trails to abundant job opportunities, top-notch schools, superior healthcare, population diversity, and a strong economy.
Quality and diversity of education in York
The York Region District School Board is the third largest school board in Ontario. It is responsible for running over 171 elementary schools and 31 secondary schools and features an enrollment of over 120,000 students annually. The York Catholic District School Board also services the area, along with several private schools like Villanova College in King City, TMS in Richmond Hill, and Somerset Academy in Markham. The largest post-secondary educational institution in York Region is soon-to-be the York University - Markham Campus, which is set to open in spring 2024.
Most populous cities in York
The most populous cities and towns in York Region are as follows, in order of largest population: Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, and King City. Markham and Vaughan are by far the largest cities in the region, with populations of over 335,000 and 323,000, respectively.
Quality of infrastructure for York
York Region is home to three airports: Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport, Toronto Markham Airport, and the Nobleton Airfield. However, the latter two airports are private and Buttonville is set to cease operations in November 2023. That said, York Region is not far from the country’s largest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport. For example, York Region’s largest city of Markham is located just over 35 kilometres from Pearson International Airport. Other forms of transit can be found across York Region, including GO Transit, the Greater Toronto Area’s intraregional public transit service, which connects the municipality with the City of Toronto and other parts of the GTA. Meanwhile, York Region Transit (YRT) operates 65 local bus routes throughout the area. York Region drivers also have access to several of Ontario’s major highways, including Highway 400, Highway 407, Highway 404, and Highway 427. Lastly, York Region is home to multiple of the leading hospitals in the province, including Mackenzie Health Hospital and Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Safety and security for York
The good news is that residents of York Region do not generally need to worry about safety and security. Why? The area is home to some of the lowest crime rates, not just in the Greater Toronto Area or even the Province of Ontario but across the entire country of Canada. Both Richmond Hill and Markham were listed in the top ten safest cities of Canada in 2023.
York property market
In York Region, you will find a booming housing market and a broad range of property types, including but not limited to detached and semi-detached homes, townhomes, condominiums, bungalows, multi-storey homes, and more. As you might suspect, some of the best housing markets in York Region are found in the municipality’s most populous cities of Markham, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill.
Standard of living in York
The standard of living in York Region is high. Whether you look at education, healthcare, or even culture, you will be impressed with what York Region has to offer. In fact, studies show that residents of the area have the second-highest median household income in the GTA. York Region residents are also considered to be better educated and more likely to own their homes than residents of other Toronto municipalities. Further, since York Region is part of the Greater Toronto Area, it shares in Toronto’s honour of being ranked the ninth best city for standard of living in The Global Liveability Index 2023’s Liveability Report.
Something wonderful about York
York Region is home to one First Nation, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It also features a wide variety of green space and waterways, including Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, Milne Dam Conservation Park, Rouge Park, and York Regional Forest, and three major rivers, the East Humber River, the Don River, and the Rouge River, which all run south into Lake Ontario.
