5 Things to Love About Living in York Region

Are you in the process of deciding where to settle in The GTA? While there’s no shortage of options, I think York Region should be high on your list. The area is home to nine municipalities, including Aurora, Vaughan, Markham, and Newmarket, among others. Each one has something special to offer!

Here are five reasons to fall in love with York Region…

1. It’s a great place to get outdoors

Whether it’s a walk in the park to decompress or a bit of outdoor recreation to get your blood pumping, there’s nothing like having easy access to nature. Luckily, all the forested areas and long stretches of trail in York Region make it ideal for strolling, hiking, and cycling. 

Some of the best places to immerse yourself in the great outdoors are Milne Dam Conservation Park in Markham, Mill Pond Park in Richmond Hill, and York Regional Forest in Newmarket. There are also the pristine beaches of Lake Simcoe and the over 70 golf courses in the region.

2. The local festivals are worth checking out 

Some communities just have a lot more going on than others—and that includes festivals.  Fortunately, there are a lot of them in the municipalities that make up York Region. 

Interested in seeing renowned blues musicians play live? Check out the Aurora Winter Blues Festival. Curious about music, dance, food, and cultures from across the globe? The Newmarket Around the World Multicultural Event is the place to find it. Looking for the perfect brew and some comfort food? Head to the King City Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival. 

My point is, there’s always something fun happening in York Region. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find that there are plenty of local events calling your name!

Wondering what buying with me is like? Download my buyer’s guide to get to know the process better here.

3. The schools are highly reputable

Is moving into an area with top-notch schools a priority for your family? York Region has plenty of them. While there are many ways to measure the quality of a learning environment, Fraser Institute rankings are one of the most trusted. Based on a variety of criteria, this Canadian think tank rates schools out of ten.

To name just a few impressive York Region options, Donald Cousens Public School in Markham recently earned a 9.7, while Michael Cranny Elementary School in Vaughan received a 9.1. In Richmond Hill, Silver Stream Public School boasts a 9.5, while another Markham school—Saint-Marguerite-Bourgeoys, a Catholic option—has a 9.8.

4. The local galleries are hidden gems

Browsing art is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon, as York Region residents know. The area has many beautiful spaces where you can do just that. One of the most popular is McMichael Canadian Art Gallery in Vaughan. The permanent collection is home to some of the country’s most renowned creators, including Tom Thompson, Group of Seven members, and a multitude of First Nations artists. 

In Markham, Varley Art Gallery is a true local favourite. Here you’ll find regular exhibitions from artists of many different backgrounds—and free, self-guided tours. Another gem is Skylight Gallery in Aurora. This dramatic, naturally-lit space in the community’s town hall is home to works from many York Region artists.

Interested in expanding your search to some of the other incredible communities in Southern Ontario? Learn five things to love about some of my favourite places:

• Vaughan

• Mississauga

• Durham Region

5. Value for money

From East Gwillimbury to Richmond Hill to Markham, average home prices in York Region are more affordable than those in Toronto. It’s one of the (many) reasons home buyers flock here. They love having quick access to the biggest city in Canada, without the increasingly hefty price tag that comes with actually living there. In particular, there are some great deals located in areas like Georgina.

The type of housing you’ll find in York Region will depend on where you look, but options range from spacious single-family homes to cozy condos and contemporary townhouses. There are many different types of architecture to explore too, so your best bet is to find an agent who can give you the lay of the land.