Wahi’s Where to Live 2023 Markham / York
Top ranked GTA neighbourhoods to consider for your next move
Moving to the GTA but not sure where to live?
Your search ends here. We crunched the numbers for 400 neighbourhoods in five Greater Toronto Area (GTA) regions and ranked the top-three neighbourhoods in 11 categories. Categories are based on different lifestyles, needs and interests such as families, retirees, foodies, shopping, nature lovers, nightlife and more. The right neighbourhood is waiting for you.
Best Neighbourhoods for Families with Young Kids
FIT FOR A FAMILY We've compiled a list of the best neighbourhoods in York for families with young children. These communities were ranked according to several factors: the proximity to elementary schools; the amount of park space in the community; access to amenities, like grocery stores; and how quiet the neighbourhood is. Municipality: Richmond Hill A tranquil family-oriented community, Doncrest is close to the Don River and is ideal for those looking for plenty of recreational activities and easy access to schools, restaurants and shopping. Here, you'll also find parks and bike routes. Municipality: Markham Numerous parks, quiet streets and a conveniently located commercial district is what makes this growing area ideal for young families. Municipality: Vaughan Home to eight primary schools, this is a thriving and culturally rich community with all the conveniences a family could hope for. Municipality: Markham Numerous parks, quiet streets and a conveniently located commercial district is what makes this growing area ideal for young families. Municipality: Vaughan Home to eight primary schools, this is a thriving and culturally rich community with all the conveniences a family could hope for.#1
Doncrest#2
Wismer#3
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#2
Wismer#3
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill
Best Neighbourhoods for Families with Teenagers
TERRIFIC FOR TEENS In search of a neighbourhood where older kids won't get bored and can get around on their own? Then check out these top-ranked neighbourhoods in York for families with teenagers. Our top choices are based on several factors: nearby high schools and parks; proximity to shopping; and the cycling and pedestrian friendliness of the area. Municipality: Vaughan You don't have to venture far to find diverse shopping and dining options in this family-friendly, culturally rich neighbourhood. The area has four high schools and offers plenty to do for teens - live theatre, a top-notch fitness centre and more. Municipality: Vaughan This culturally diverse neighbourhood is home to three high schools, several parks and convenient shopping at Bathurst and Centre Streets. Municipality: Markham A new, vibrant development in central Markham, Wismer has two high schools and plenty of green space and shopping to keep teens busy. Municipality: Vaughan This culturally diverse neighbourhood is home to three high schools, several parks and convenient shopping at Bathurst and Centre Streets. Municipality: Markham A new, vibrant development in central Markham, Wismer has two high schools and plenty of green space and shopping to keep teens busy.#1
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#2
Brownridge#3
Wismer#2
Brownridge#3
Wismer
Best Neighbourhoods for Retirees
THE RIGHT PLACE FOR RETIREES Settle down in one of these leading York neighbourhoods for seniors. These communities received high marks for a number of attributes including: a variety of amenities within walking distance; access to parks; and the area's peacefulness. Municipality: Vaughan In this culturally diverse neighbourhood located in the east end of Vaughan, you'll find retirees enjoying the local greenery that permeates the area. Brownbridge offers convenient access to all the amenities, including the City Playhouse Theatre. Municipality: Vaughan Green space, a world-class fitness centre and nearby amenities make this a neighbourhood for those who want to live their best life. Municipality: Markham If a leisurely lifestyle is what you're after, look no further than this community, surrounded by parkland and the East Don Valley ravine. Municipality: Vaughan Green space, a world-class fitness centre and nearby amenities make this a neighbourhood for those who want to live their best life. Municipality: Markham If a leisurely lifestyle is what you're after, look no further than this community, surrounded by parkland and the East Don Valley ravine.#1
Brownridge#2
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#3
Thornhill#2
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#3
Thornhill
Best Neighbourhoods for Pet Lovers
PERFECT FOR PETS Check out our list of the best pet-friendly places to live in York. These neighbourhoods are known for their park space and walkability, making them a great choice for those who cherish their furry friends. Local dog parks and pet stores add to the allure of living in one of these communities. Municipality: Vaughan There are a handful of parks in this neighbourhood that are easily accessible by foot, such as Bathurst Estate Park, Hefhill Park and Vaughan Crest Park, to name a few. You won’t have to go too far to find some green space for your pet to enjoy. Municipality: Markham The parks in this neighbourhood are dog-friendly. Miller Avenue off-leash dog park even has separate areas for small and big dogs. Municipality: Vaughan A new, vibrant development in central Markham, Wismer has two high schools and plenty of green space and shopping to keep teens busy. Municipality: Markham The parks in this neighbourhood are dog-friendly. Miller Avenue off-leash dog park even has separate areas for small and big dogs. Municipality: Vaughan You’ll find all-purpose green space in this neighbourhood. Rowntree Mills Park has trails for running, biking, and even walking your dog.#1
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#2
Milliken Mills West#3
Vaughan Grove#2
Milliken Mills West#3
Vaughan Grove
Best Neighbourhoods for Car-Free Living
NO CAR? NO PROBLEM! Whether you're an enthusiastic environmentalist, prefer to get around by bike or foot, or don't own a car, these York neighbourhoods are perfect for you. These communities came out on top based on their convenient access to public transit, and their cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. Municipality: Vaughan Bus service is frequent on Steeles Avenue and Yonge Street, so regular trips to Toronto hardly require a car. The planned Yonge North Subway Extension should further solidify this neighbourhood as an ideal place for a car-free lifestyle. Municipality: Vaughan Brownridge is very well integrated with the TTC, Viva, and York Region Transit bus networks, so the area is a hit with car-free commuters. Municipality: Vaughan If a leisurely lifestyle is what you're after, look no further than this community, surrounded by parkland and the East Don Valley ravine. Municipality: Vaughan Brownridge is very well integrated with the TTC, Viva, and York Region Transit bus networks, so the area is a hit with car-free commuters. Municipality: Vaughan Glen Shields complements a car-free lifestyle via a robust local bus network, revamped Rutherford GO Station and linear parks for cycling.#1
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#2
Brownridge#3
Glen Shields#2
Brownridge#3
Glen Shields
Best Neighbourhoods for Active Lifestyle
GET MOVING HERE Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just like to stay active, these top-ranked York neighbourhoods are the right choice for a healthy lifestyle. Pedestrian and cycling friendly, these communities offer a variety of amenities that cater to physical activity and healthy eating. There's also plenty of green space for sports and other recreational activities. Municipality: Vaughan This diverse neighbourhood is pedestrian and cycling friendly. Those looking for other types of activities, Dufferin Clark Community Centre features a swimming pool, gymnasium, and other amenities for year-round fitness. Municipality: Vaughan If fitness activities like swimming, hockey or track are more your thing, Garnet A. Williams Fitness Centre is a stone’s throw away. Municipality: Richmond Hill Doncrest is the type of neighbourhood where you’ll find bike routes and sidewalks adjacent to tree-lined streets. Municipality: Vaughan If fitness activities like swimming, hockey or track are more your thing, Garnet A. Williams Fitness Centre is a stone’s throw away. Municipality: Richmond Hill Doncrest is the type of neighbourhood where you’ll find bike routes and sidewalks adjacent to tree-lined streets.#1
Brownridge#2
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#3
Doncrest#2
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#3
Doncrest
Best Neighbourhoods for Nature Lovers
BACK TO NATURE For those who crave more green space in an urban setting, look no further than these York neighbourhoods. These communities received a high ranking based on several attributes: the amount of nearby park space; how quiet the neighbourhood is; and how easy it is to get around by foot or bike. Municipality: Vaughan South of Oakbank Pond Park and the Thornhill Country Club, Crestwood-Springfam-Yorkhill is a neighbourhood of leafy cul de sacs, playgrounds, and parks. New cycling tracks on Clark Avenue support active transportation and safe recreation. Municipality: Markham Proximate to the Milne Dam Conservation Park and the Rouge River, opportunities for outdoor escapes are nearly endless in this neighbourhood. Municipality: Vaughan Concord is situated east of Boyd Conservation Park and also shares a sprawling regional park with its neighbour Thornhill. Municipality: Markham Proximate to the Milne Dam Conservation Park and the Rouge River, opportunities for outdoor escapes are nearly endless in this neighbourhood. Municipality: Vaughan Concord is situated east of Boyd Conservation Park and also shares a sprawling regional park with its neighbour Thornhill.#1
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#2
Milliken Mills West#3
Concord#2
Milliken Mills West#3
Concord
Best Neighbourhoods for Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY If you're into shopping, then we have the perfect neighbourhoods for you. From high-end boutiques to novelty bookstores to vintage clothing shops and more, we bring you the top-ranked areas in York for all your shopping needs. You won't be disappointed by the retail experience found in these communities! Municipality: Vaughan This is largely a commercial and business area, which is what makes it a great place to fulfil all your shopping needs. Nearby Westbridge Shopping Centre has everything from bookstores to pet shops to clothing boutiques. Municipality: Markham A commercial area, this neighbourhood is close to CF Markville shopping mall, with big name brands like Hudson's Bay, Muji, and Sporting Life. Municipality: Markham An abundance of shopping options is what makes Unionville the perfect neighbourhood for those in search of some retail therapy. Municipality: Markham A commercial area, this neighbourhood is close to CF Markville shopping mall, with big name brands like Hudson's Bay, Muji, and Sporting Life. Municipality: Markham An abundance of shopping options is what makes Unionville the perfect neighbourhood for those in search of some retail therapy.#1
Pine Valley Business Park#2
Bullock#3
Unionville#2
Bullock#3
Unionville
Best Neighbourhoods for Foodies
GREAT FOR GOURMANDS If you're into the food scene, then check out these top-ranked York neighbourhoods for epicureans. These communities boast plentiful restaurants and cafes, many within walking distance. From fine dining to casual eats to cool coffee houses, there is no shortage of palate-pleasing places to eat in these areas. Municipality: Richmond Hill There’s an eclectic blend of both family and upscale eateries to try in and around Langstaff. The neighbourhood stands out thanks to a concentration of established local Italian restaurants that attract foodies from all across the GTA. Municipality: Markham Buttonville gives diners dozens of restaurants to choose from, especially near the intersection of Woodbine Avenue and Highway 7. Municipality: Vaughan Just outside north Toronto, Crestwood-Springfarm-Yorkhill is a hotspot for Kosher, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine. Municipality: Markham Buttonville gives diners dozens of restaurants to choose from, especially near the intersection of Woodbine Avenue and Highway 7. Municipality: Vaughan Just outside north Toronto, Crestwood-Springfarm-Yorkhill is a hotspot for Kosher, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean.#1
Langstaff#2
Buttonville#3
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill#2
Buttonville#3
Crestwood Springfarm Yorkhill
Wahi analyzed data from Local Logic, a location intelligence platform, to rank GTA neighbourhoods in Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, and Halton regions in 11 categories based on lifestyle, needs, goals and interests. The ranking considers neighbourhood attributes such as nearby schools, transit quality, park spaces, access to restaurants and shopping, and more.