Markham vs Richmond Hill: Which GTA Suburb Should You Buy In for 2025?

Markham vs Richmond Hill comes down to this: Markham suits tech-sector professionals, growing families, and condo investors who want an urban-suburban hybrid with strong new development activity, while Richmond Hill is the better fit for buyers who prioritize Yonge Street connectivity, confirmed subway infrastructure, and established family neighbourhoods. Here’s what you need to know: both cities sit in York Region, both average detached home prices above $1.3 million, and both are among the most competitive real estate markets in the GTA as of 2026 - but the right choice depends heavily on your commute, your school priorities, and your investment horizon.

I’ve represented buyers and sellers in both markets across my 25+ years as a broker, including hundreds of Markham and Richmond Hill transactions that are part of my $750M+ in closed deals. The differences between these two cities are real, and I’ll walk you through every one of them.

Geographic Overview: Where These Communities Actually Sit

Markham occupies the eastern portion of York Region, directly north of Scarborough and northeast of Toronto. It borders Stouffville to the north, Pickering to the east, and Richmond Hill to the west. Richmond Hill sits on the central spine of York Region - directly north of North York, south of Aurora, with Markham to its east and Vaughan to its west.

Both cities are anchored by major highways. Markham leans heavily on the Highway 404 and Don Valley Parkway corridor heading south into Toronto. Richmond Hill’s main artery is Yonge Street, giving it a tighter relationship with North York and Midtown Toronto. This single geographic distinction shapes everything: commute patterns, neighbourhood character, transit investment, and long-term development trajectories.

The Yonge North Subway Extension - with confirmed stations at Clark, Royal Orchard, Langstaff/Gateway, and Bridge in Richmond Hill - is the most significant transit infrastructure story in York Region right now. Markham does not currently have a confirmed subway extension along its primary corridor. That difference alone is reshaping investor calculus in 2025 and 2026.

Richmond Hill Home Prices 2025-2026: What Buyers Are Paying

Richmond Hill home prices reflect the city’s premium positioning along the Yonge Street corridor. As of early 2026, detached homes in Richmond Hill range from approximately $1.55 million to $1.85 million depending on the neighbourhood, with entry-level townhomes starting in the high $700,000s and stacked condos from the mid-$600,000s.

The Oak Ridges and Jefferson communities command some of the highest prices - larger lots, newer builds, and proximity to the Oak Ridges Moraine make them a draw for buyers moving out of Toronto who want space without losing connectivity. Bayview Hill remains one of the GTA’s most prestigious suburban addresses, with custom homes frequently trading above $2 million. Langstaff, by contrast, is Richmond Hill’s intensification zone: condo and townhome buyers here are buying into the future of the Yonge North Subway footprint at today’s prices.

In my experience working with clients on the Yonge corridor, Langstaff is the Richmond Hill neighbourhood that generates the most investor interest right now. The transformation from former industrial land to a mixed-use urban hub is real and ongoing - but buyers should plan a multi-year hold and consult with a mortgage broker on financing a pre-construction purchase.

Markham Detached Homes for Sale: What the Market Looks Like

Markham’s detached home market offers slightly broader price diversity than Richmond Hill. As of 2026, detached homes range from approximately $1.3 million in older pockets of Milliken Mills and parts of Unionville to $1.9 million and above in Cornell, Angus Glen, and Cachet. Unionville heritage homes on or near Main Street command a premium driven by walkability and community character that’s hard to find anywhere else in the GTA suburbs.

Markham also has one of the GTA’s most active pre-construction pipelines, centred on Downtown Markham (the Unionville GO precinct) and the Boxgrove node. For buyers seeking new builds with modern finishes and flexible deposit structures, Markham consistently delivers more options than Richmond Hill. If pre-construction is on your radar, check the coming soon listings at RealtyMan to catch early opportunities before they’re publicly marketed.

Markham is also home to one of the highest concentrations of technology employers in Canada - with companies like AMD, IBM, Huawei Canada, and the Markham Stouffville Hospital research corridor anchoring local employment. When my clients who work in the tech sector ask me where to buy, Markham is almost always the answer for proximity to work, peer community, and neighbourhood amenities built around a younger, professional demographic.

Neighbourhood-by-Neighbourhood Comparison

Markham’s Top Neighbourhoods

Unionville is Markham’s crown jewel. A heritage village with a walkable main street, top-ranked schools (Unionville High School consistently places in the top tier of Ontario rankings), and a tight-knit community identity. Homes here sell fast - in my last few Unionville closings, properties were generating multiple offers within the first week of listing.

Cornell is a master-planned community in eastern Markham built around the Cornell Community Centre and Hospital Row. Newer homes, well-organized streetscapes, and a growing commercial strip make this a strong family choice. Average detached prices here sit in the $1.4-$1.6 million range as of 2026.

Angus Glen caters to the luxury end: golf course adjacency, executive-scale detached homes, and one of the best rec centres in York Region. Buyers here are typically trading up from elsewhere in the GTA.

Downtown Markham (the Unionville GO precinct) is the city’s emerging urban core. Mixed-use towers, ground-floor retail, and walkable amenities appeal to younger buyers and condo investors who want a suburban address without suburban isolation.

Richmond Hill’s Top Neighbourhoods

Bayview Hill is one of Richmond Hill’s most prestigious addresses - large custom homes, excellent public and private schools (Bayview Secondary School draws families specifically for its academic programs), and manicured streetscapes. Detached homes regularly trade above $2 million here.

Jefferson in northern Richmond Hill offers a mix of newer builds and estate lots near the Oak Ridges Moraine. Ideal for buyers who want green space, trail access, and a quieter pace. The Jefferson Forest trail system is a genuine daily-use amenity, not just a selling feature.

Oak Ridges blends natural beauty with community conveniences and attracts Toronto buyers who want square footage and a yard without sacrificing highway access.

Langstaff is Richmond Hill’s intensification zone, directly tied to the Yonge North Subway Extension. First-time buyers and investors are most active here, particularly in the condo and stacked townhome segment. This is a long-game play: hold for the subway opening and benefit from transit-driven appreciation.

Schools, Transit, and Lifestyle: Side-by-Side Comparison

Investment Perspective: Which City Has the Stronger Long-Term Case?

From an investment standpoint, both cities offer compelling fundamentals - but for different reasons. Richmond Hill’s confirmed Yonge North Subway Extension is a hard infrastructure catalyst. Transit-oriented development historically drives density, rental demand, and resale premiums around new stations. Langstaff and the broader Richmond Hill GO corridor are positioned to benefit from this over a 5-10 year horizon.

Markham’s investment case rests on employment density, population growth, and the continued buildout of Downtown Markham as a true urban node. According to TRREB data trends, Markham has seen consistent absorption of new condo supply, supported by a large professional population that rents locally before buying. The city’s tech-sector employment base provides a durable demand floor that many other York Region communities lack.

I’ve represented $750M+ in transactions across the GTA, and one pattern I’ve seen consistently: neighbourhoods with a clear 10-year infrastructure story almost always outperform those relying on general appreciation. Richmond Hill’s subway investment is that story. Markham’s story is employment and intensification - equally valid, but with a different risk and reward profile.

For buyers looking to browse active listings in both markets right now, explore houses and condos for sale in Toronto and the GTA to see what’s currently available across both cities and price points.

Who Should Buy in Markham?

Markham is the right choice if you work in the tech corridor along Highway 7 or in the Markham Centre business district. It also suits families who prioritize school programs at Unionville High School or TMS School, buyers who want more pre-construction options, and investors looking at condo rental demand driven by a young professional demographic. If walkability in a heritage village setting matters to you, Unionville is one of the few GTA suburbs that genuinely delivers it.

Who Should Buy in Richmond Hill?

Richmond Hill is the better fit if your commute depends on Yonge Street access, if you want a confirmed subway station within walking distance within the next decade, or if you’re a family buyer who wants a quieter, more established neighbourhood with large lots and mature trees. The Oak Ridges and Jefferson communities are particularly well-suited to buyers relocating from Toronto who want space without feeling disconnected from the city.

If you’re weighing both options and want a professional walkthrough of what’s currently listed, you can also explore all properties for sale across Canada through RealtyMan’s search tool, or browse the residential listings filtered by your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions: Markham vs Richmond Hill

Is Markham or Richmond Hill more expensive in 2025-2026?

The two cities are closely matched on price. As of 2026, Richmond Hill detached homes average between $1.55M and $1.85M, while Markham detached homes range from approximately $1.3M in older neighbourhoods to $1.9M+ in luxury pockets like Angus Glen. Richmond Hill’s entry-level condo market starts slightly lower in Langstaff, while Markham’s condo market is more active overall due to Downtown Markham’s development pipeline. Neither city is uniformly more expensive - it depends on the specific neighbourhood and property type.

Which city has better schools - Markham or Richmond Hill?

Both cities sit within the York Region District School Board and offer strong public school options. Unionville High School in Markham is widely recognized for its arts and academic programs and consistently ranks in the top tier of Ontario public schools. Bayview Secondary and Richmond Hill High School are comparably well-regarded in Richmond Hill. Families with specific program needs - French immersion, IB, gifted streams - should confirm catchment boundaries before buying, as these change periodically. Always verify directly with the school board before making a purchase decision based on school catchment.

Does Richmond Hill have a subway?

Richmond Hill does not currently have a subway line, but the Yonge North Subway Extension has confirmed stations in the city at Langstaff/Gateway and Bridge (among others), with construction underway as of 2025-2026 and a planned opening in the early 2030s. This is a significant long-term transit catalyst for the Langstaff corridor in particular. Markham does not have a confirmed subway extension along its primary 404 corridor.

Is Markham good for real estate investment in 2025?

Markham’s investment case is strong, anchored by one of Canada’s highest concentrations of technology employers, consistent condo absorption in Downtown Markham, and a large rental-demand base from young professionals working locally. Pre-construction condos near the Unionville GO station are a popular entry point for investors. That said, no real estate investment is guaranteed - market conditions change, and anyone considering an investment property should consult with a qualified broker and financial advisor before committing. Contact Fardad for a free consultation to review current inventory and market conditions before you decide.

What are the best neighbourhoods in Richmond Hill for families?

Bayview Hill, Jefferson, and Oak Ridges are consistently the top family choices in Richmond Hill. Bayview Hill offers prestige, excellent schools, and large custom homes. Jefferson appeals to buyers who want newer builds near natural green space along the Oak Ridges Moraine. Oak Ridges is a strong mid-market option for families relocating from Toronto who want square footage and community amenities without paying Bayview Hill prices.

Can Fardad Farhanian help me buy in both Markham and Richmond Hill?

Yes. Fardad Farhanian, Broker at RE/MAX REALTRON REALTY INC., Brokerage, is active in both markets and has represented buyers and sellers across York Region for over 25 years. His office is located at 7646 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON - directly between both cities - and he works by appointment. You can reach him at +1 416-707-1031 or through the contact page to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

The Bottom Line: Markham vs Richmond Hill in 2025

There is no universal winner in the Markham vs Richmond Hill debate. Markham wins on tech employment proximity, pre-construction variety, and urban-suburban walkability in Unionville. Richmond Hill wins on confirmed subway infrastructure, Yonge Street access, and established family neighbourhoods with mature streetscapes. Your priorities - commute, schools, investment timeline, lifestyle - should drive the decision.

When my clients are weighing these two cities, the first question I ask is: where do you work, and where do your kids go to school? Everything else flows from the answer. If you want a ground-level read on current inventory, pricing trends, and which specific streets are generating the strongest buyer interest right now, let’s talk.

Use the mortgage calculator on RealtyMan to model your monthly payments at different price points, and then contact Fardad for a free consultation to walk through what’s realistic in your budget across both markets.