Where to buy real estate in Canada 2021: York Region

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City	Postal FSA	Neighbourhood name	Overall rank	Avg price 2020	1-year growth	3-year growth	5-year growth	Value score (out of 5 stars)	Neighbourhood economics score (out of 5 stars)	Neighbourhood accessibility score (out of 5 stars)	% Households with Children
vaughan	L4J	thornhill	1	$1,337,527	40.2%	21.0%	36.3%	3.6	4.6	3.6	54.2%
Newmarket	L3X	summerhill estates	2	$861,156	19.7%	4.0%	48.8%	3.7	4.4	1.0	65.5%
king	L7B	pottageville	3	$1,287,909	23.3%	4.2%	55.9%	3.1	5.0	1.5	56.0%
markham	L6E	locust hill	4	$838,737	11.6%	8.2%	37.3%	3.6	4.3	4.0	62.8%
newmarket	L3X	armitage	5	$876,678	17.1%	-8.2%	44.6%	3.4	4.4	1.0	65.5%
Newmarket	L3X	armitage	6	$916,922	17.3%	-6.8%	51.2%	3.4	4.4	1.0	65.5%
richmond hill	L4E	wilcox lake	7	$1,221,099	13.9%	-2.9%	47.0%	2.8	5.0	2.5	67.1%
vaughan	L6A	teston	8	$1,001,788	18.7%	2.3%	52.9%	3.4	4.4	0.4	65.8%
aurora	L4G	aurora village	9	$820,480	21.2%	-1.6%	30.9%	3.7	4.1	4.0	56.3%
vaughan	L4H	elder mills	10	$1,127,452	17.9%	2.0%	51.0%	3.2	4.6	2.4	70.3%
richmond hill	L4E	temperanceville	11	$1,059,866	8.5%	-10.4%	25.4%	2.8	5.0	2.5	67.1%
king	L0G	schomberg	12	$914,307	28.6%	17.6%	60.4%	4.1	3.6	1.5	48.7%
Newmarket	L3X	woodland hill	13	$896,511	13.4%	-5.4%	39.0%	3.3	4.4	1.0	65.5%
vaughan	L6A	maple	14	$965,110	11.3%	5.9%	41.6%	3.3	4.4	0.4	65.8%
markham	L3T	times-leitchcroft	15	$623,428	19.8%	24.5%	65.1%	4.5	3.1	4.2	45.1%
aurora	L4G	bayview wellington	16	$795,166	13.2%	-3.6%	42.1%	3.5	4.1	4.0	56.3%
markham	L6C	cathedral	17	$1,011,445	15.2%	-1.4%	32.7%	3.2	4.5	2.5	65.2%
richmond hill	L4E	jefferson	18	$1,184,645	9.5%	-13.5%	34.3%	2.6	5.0	2.5	67.1%
aurora	L4G	aurora heights	19	$930,763	22.6%	-10.5%	42.9%	3.4	4.1	4.0	56.3%
vaughan	L4H	vellore	20	$1,151,411	15.4%	-5.0%	39.8%	2.9	4.6	2.4	70.3%
vaughan	L4L	woodbridge	21	$912,112	13.8%	19.5%	45.8%	3.7	3.8	3.3	50.4%
newmarket	L3X	bogarttown	22	$1,073,045	15.2%	-5.3%	38.7%	3.0	4.4	1.0	65.5%
markham	L6E	greensborough	23	$907,315	9.4%	-7.6%	32.5%	3.1	4.3	4.0	62.8%
vaughan	L4J	concord	24	$1,105,555	10.9%	-4.0%	30.7%	2.9	4.6	3.6	54.2%
markham	L6C	berczy village	25	$1,167,920	17.8%	-3.0%	35.1%	3.0	4.5	2.5	65.2%
markham	L6E	wismer	26	$915,302	13.0%	-8.9%	12.3%	3.1	4.3	4.0	62.8%
vaughan	L4K	edgeley	27	$631,666	12.8%	18.2%	-0.9%	4.0	3.4	4.6	55.6%
markham	L6B	cornell	28	$876,222	8.8%	-5.6%	32.2%	3.2	4.2	2.6	65.2%
georgina	L0E	belhaven	29	$1,050,727	53.2%	27.6%	143.6%	5.0	2.4	1.4	39.1%
aurora	L4G	aurora grove	30	$979,238	16.0%	-6.5%	51.5%	3.3	4.1	4.0	56.3%
vaughan	L4H	nashville	31	$1,217,286	10.9%	4.9%	25.1%	2.8	4.6	2.4	70.3%
Newmarket	L3X	glenway estates	32	$980,286	9.1%	-8.1%	28.5%	3.0	4.4	1.0	65.5%
richmond hill	L4E	oak ridges	33	$1,301,997	10.5%	-15.0%	41.2%	2.4	5.0	2.5	67.1%
king	L7B	king city	34	$1,608,816	19.0%	1.4%	60.0%	2.4	5.0	1.5	56.0%
whitchurch stouffville	L4A	stouffville	35	$916,915	12.2%	0.3%	39.1%	3.3	4.0	1.9	53.2%
east gwillimbury	L9N	holland landing	36	$942,175	22.3%	2.0%	61.3%	3.7	3.7	0.2	52.1%
vaughan	L4H	purpleville	37	$1,225,334	14.2%	-3.4%	26.3%	2.7	4.6	2.4	70.3%
east gwillimbury	L0G	mt albert	38	$801,666	15.3%	-0.5%	59.9%	3.7	3.6	1.5	48.7%
aurora	L4G	aurora highlands	39	$1,083,073	20.3%	-4.6%	45.9%	3.2	4.1	4.0	56.3%
Newmarket	L3X	wyndham	40	$1,172,313	14.6%	-4.5%	37.6%	2.9	4.4	1.0	65.5%
markham	L3P	mount joy	41	$1,099,394	13.3%	2.8%	41.8%	3.1	4.2	2.2	53.1%
markham	L3P	vinegar hill	42	$1,097,448	17.0%	-5.2%	41.8%	3.1	4.2	2.2	53.1%
aurora	L4G	bayview northeast	43	$1,019,955	16.4%	-6.8%	32.2%	3.1	4.1	4.0	56.3%
vaughan	L4L	pine grove	44	$1,075,977	20.4%	3.0%	46.1%	3.3	3.8	3.3	50.4%
markham	L6C	angus glen	45	$1,508,104	38.0%	-13.4%	15.6%	2.6	4.5	2.5	65.2%
markham	L6B	box grove	46	$1,113,082	5.9%	0.7%	45.5%	2.9	4.2	2.6	65.2%
vaughan	L6A	hope	47	$1,395,000	17.3%	0.7%	51.2%	2.7	4.4	0.4	65.8%
georgina	L0E	virginia	48	$513,280	26.4%	5.6%	50.4%	4.6	2.4	1.4	39.1%
aurora	L4G	rural aurora	49	$1,049,306	4.5%	-5.6%	32.5%	2.8	4.1	4.0	56.3%
markham	L6C	victoria square	50	$1,326,351	14.1%	-12.0%	28.9%	2.4	4.5	2.5	65.2%
markham	L6C	woodbine north	51	$1,272,876	10.6%	-13.6%	30.8%	2.4	4.5	2.5	65.2%
whitchurch stouffville	L4A	ballantrae	52	$1,124,389	13.9%	-12.6%	25.9%	2.8	4.0	1.9	53.2%
markham	L3R	south unionville	53	$978,891	25.2%	10.5%	33.8%	3.7	3.1	3.3	53.5%
georgina	L0E	sutton & jacksons point	54	$670,674	25.0%	7.4%	64.1%	4.3	2.4	1.4	39.1%
vaughan	L6A	patterson	55	$1,445,293	13.3%	-9.2%	38.6%	2.3	4.4	0.4	65.8%
king	L7B	rural king	56	$2,242,010	23.2%	11.3%	97.3%	1.6	5.0	1.5	56.0%
georgina	L0E	pefferlaw	57	$632,068	16.6%	0.6%	86.0%	4.2	2.4	1.4	39.1%
markham	L3T	langstaff	58	$934,363	22.5%	-2.4%	15.0%	3.4	3.1	4.2	45.1%
richmond hill	L4B	headford	59	$1,241,474	15.8%	-4.0%	22.0%	2.7	3.8	4.0	52.6%
georgina	L0E	baldwin	60	$749,226	15.5%	12.2%	83.1%	4.1	2.4	1.4	39.1%
aurora	L4G	hills of st andrew	61	$1,492,141	10.9%	5.8%	44.0%	2.4	4.1	4.0	56.3%
markham	L3R	buttonville	62	$1,293,798	31.7%	9.8%	64.2%	3.4	3.1	3.3	53.5%
markham	L3P	hagerman's corners	63	$1,150,307	-8.0%	-12.2%	38.9%	2.2	4.2	2.2	53.1%
vaughan	L4H	kleinburg	64	$1,731,744	15.6%	-7.2%	22.5%	1.8	4.6	2.4	70.3%
markham	L3R	milliken	65	$1,049,217	14.2%	6.8%	40.0%	3.3	3.1	3.3	53.5%
markham	L3P	quantztown	66	$1,654,162	18.4%	-4.3%	45.4%	2.1	4.2	2.2	53.1%
vaughan	L4K	sherwood	67	$1,007,174	1.6%	-3.9%	32.8%	2.8	3.4	4.6	55.6%
georgina	L4P	keswick	68	$678,633	19.8%	4.4%	64.5%	4.1	2.1	1.9	50.0%
aurora	L4G	aurora estates	69	$1,682,282	19.9%	-7.9%	35.1%	2.0	4.1	4.0	56.3%
markham	L3S	village of fairtree	70	$1,106,839	29.7%	11.3%	50.2%	3.7	2.4	3.3	62.6%
richmond hill	L4C	richmond hill	71	$874,950	24.4%	2.9%	11.3%	3.7	2.3	4.4	48.7%
georgina	L4P	historic lakeshore communities	72	$730,692	16.7%	1.1%	54.7%	3.9	2.1	1.9	50.0%
king	L0G	nobleton	73	$1,625,975	16.0%	5.9%	51.6%	2.3	3.6	1.5	48.7%
markham	L6C	cachet	74	$2,183,427	32.6%	-8.2%	28.4%	1.4	4.5	2.5	65.2%
richmond hill	L4C	richvale	75	$757,850	6.7%	8.1%	8.0%	3.5	2.3	4.4	48.7%
richmond hill	L4C	yongehurst	76	$926,048	17.2%	4.6%	17.1%	3.4	2.3	4.4	48.7%
markham	L3T	german mills	77	$1,063,674	7.7%	-14.5%	14.1%	2.6	3.1	4.2	45.1%
Newmarket	L3Y	london	78	$788,845	19.9%	-1.4%	48.7%	3.8	1.9	3.7	44.5%
markham	L3S	armadale	79	$1,035,176	12.9%	4.2%	39.5%	3.2	2.4	3.3	62.6%
Newmarket	L3Y	central newmarket	80	$718,822	12.4%	-6.4%	45.9%	3.6	1.9	3.7	44.5%
Newmarket	L3Y	leslie valley	81	$795,576	13.5%	-1.1%	45.0%	3.6	1.9	3.7	44.5%
newmarket	L3Y	newmarket	82	$769,015	13.4%	-5.6%	41.3%	3.6	1.9	3.7	44.5%
Newmarket	L3Y	college manor	83	$804,911	9.0%	-1.6%	48.9%	3.5	1.9	3.7	44.5%
markham	L3R	unionville	84	$1,293,416	5.5%	-18.8%	10.0%	2.1	3.1	3.3	53.5%
markham	L3S	rouge fairways	85	$953,996	7.7%	-21.0%	10.3%	2.7	2.4	3.3	62.6%
richmond hill	L4C	beverley acres	86	$1,147,766	11.2%	-11.3%	22.6%	2.6	2.3	4.4	48.7%
markham	L3S	minto-legacy	87	$1,253,462	4.6%	3.6%	33.3%	2.6	2.4	3.3	62.6%
richmond hill	L4C	elgin mills	88	$1,151,088	9.2%	-17.1%	22.5%	2.5	2.3	4.4	48.7%
richmond hill	L4C	carrville	89	$1,148,692	-1.2%	-27.3%	17.5%	2.1	2.3	4.4	48.7%
markham	L6G	markham centre	90	$596,231	13.2%	16.9%	54.0%	4.3	0.0	3.7	29.5%
aurora	L4G	bayview southeast	91	$2,223,170	2.0%	-34.1%	-5.4%	0.0	4.1	4.0	56.3%

Value: Measures how affordable the neighbourhood is compared to the surrounding area and the region overall
Momentum: Measures how quickly prices are appreciating in this neighbourhood, with an emphasis on long term appreciation

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York Region is located just north of Toronto, nestled between the city and Lake Simcoe and is part of the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe. York is known for attracting young professionals from across Canada due to its strong economy, and neighbourhoods within commuting distance to the big city. Due to this popularity, the York region has a population of 1.1 million spread over a dense 629 square kilometres, making it the 11th most densely populated area in Canada. This densification is expected to continue, as York has a growth rate of 7.5%, and is projected to surpass a population of 1.5 million by 2031.

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York Region’s most notable cities include Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill and Newmarket. Each contributes to an overall diverse economy with a complete range of businesses from industrial to high-tech to agricultural.

Why we’re watching York Region

We like York because of its proximity to Toronto, the density of corporate and business development, and accessibility to many amenities like shopping, transit and airports. York is a perfect option for those looking for the opportunities that the city of Toronto can provide, without the high prices.

As for amenities, York Region has you covered. It’s home to Vaughan Mills, one of the largest shopping malls in Ontario. Travel and transportation are serviced by the Pearson International Airport and major highways going into Toronto and Barrie, as well as GO Train stations and TTC routes into downtown Toronto. As well, York includes 2,070 hectares of regional forest within its borders and the Oak Ridges Moraine at its doorstep for green space.

When it comes to purchasing real estate in the York Region, the area is desirable due to its proximity to amenities, density and commuting distance from Toronto. There are plenty of detached and semi-detached homes available, and condos abound in the more urbanized areas of the region.

Pre-COVID real estate market

York is one of the most popular areas in the GTA for Ontarians to call home and, as such, selling prices before the pandemic were high—even more so than in the City of Toronto. In February 2020, the average cost for a home in York was $1,015,558, compared to $989,218 in Toronto. Detached homes in York have an average selling price of 1,206,128, while semi-detached homes and condos sold for $817,819 and $584,914, respectively.

Impact of COVID-19

When COVID-19 swept the country, York and many other areas of Canada experienced a pullback of real estate activity and prices. In April 2020, the average prices for homes sold in the York region had decreased by 7%, from $1,038,598 to $968,499. Once the real estate industry adjusted to the new normal, sales activity quickly rebounded, and the average price recovered to pre-pandemic levels by June 2020.

Future outlook

York Region’s strong population growth, proximity to the City of Toronto, employment options and amenities mean we expect this area to continue to be in high demand post-pandemic and beyond. In March 2021, pricing increased 5% month over month, with the average home selling for a new high of $1,265,481. That month also boasted a record-breaking number of transactions and just 15 days on the market for the average home. All signs point to a sellers’ market, while low interest rates and increased buying power mean that buyers will continue to compete for homes in this area.

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York Region neighbourhoods

Thornhill

One of the most vibrant and well-established communities in the York Region is Thornhill. The neighbourhood is well-known for its family-friendly atmosphere and central location. Sandwiched between Markham and Vaughan, residents of this neighbourhood can easily access many key destinations by car (using the 407 and 404 highways), or public transit (the Finch TTC subway station is a quick bus ride away). The neighbourhood has amenities, like the Thornhill Community Centre, a modern facility with an indoor running track, ice rink, squash courts, and dance and cycling studios, catering to all ages. The neighbourhood also boasts a year-round farmers’ market.

When it comes to the types of homes available, Thornhill has a variety of offerings. There are many charming older properties in the Thornhill Heritage Conservation District on John Street. Otherwise, new condos and luxury estate homes are being constructed on older lots. The area is most well-known for its large detached homes.

Before the pandemic, there was a strong demand for the low-rise properties in the area—many of which were selling with multiple offers in just days on the market. Condos saw more modest sales but the market was still moving steadily. At the beginning of the pandemic, Thornhill experienced a decrease in total transactions in the early days of lockdown, but the neighbourhood swiftly recovered, with overall prices for the neighbourhood climbing 40.2% to 1,337,527 in 2020. Detached homes, in particular, surged quickly as a result of increasing demand for larger homes with yards, which Thornhill offers in spades.

“I expect that prices will continue to increase throughout 2021 for low-rise houses in Thornhill, but at a slower pace than last year’s 40.2% increase,” explains local agent Brian Gilbert. “I’ve noticed more inventory coming onto the market recently. Most properties are selling with conditional offers and no bidding wars. Condos, on the other hand, will continue to surge in Thornhill as many first-time homebuyers try to jump into the market and downsizers take advantage of the hot market to cash in on their equity.”

Summerhill Estates

Summerhill Estates, located in the southwest end of Newmarket, is one of the most family-friendly neighbourhoods in York Region. The neighbourhood boasts an abundance of amenities, like the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex and Upper Canada Mall. Though the city is relatively new (most homes there were built in the 2000s), Summerhill Estates has no shortage of character. The neighbourhood is currently designing Mulock Park (named after a local farming family) around an existing heritage farmhouse, setting it to become a destination in Newmarket. The park’s design will celebrate the area’s history and natural setting, with the farmhouse becoming home to a quaint cafe.

The neighbourhood offers a mix of detached homes, semi-detached homes and townhomes, most of which are situated on smaller lots without large backyards.

Buyer demand in this neighbourhood was strong before the pandemic, with most homes selling in just a few days on the market. Due to its suburban nature, demand grew even stronger for properties in this neighbourhood throughout the year, raising the average price to $861,158. This increase of 19.7% showed the second-highest amount of price growth out of any Newmarket neighbourhood. During this time, multiple offers became the norm, especially on properties priced between $800,000 and $1,000,000.

“I expect the trend of increasing housing prices to continue through the rest of 2021 and beyond in this neighbourhood,” says Brian Gilbert, a local real estate agent. “With more individuals working from home, needing more space and not having a daily commute, there is still increased demand in nicer suburban neighbourhoods like Summerhill Estates.”

Pottageville

If you’re looking for a quaint rural town in the York Region, look no further than Pottageville, which offers a quiet lifestyle, with views of the countryside and plenty of time spent outside. There is also a local park, and many nearby creeks to explore. On the other hand, this seclusion also means a car-dependent lifestyle. A part of the King township, it’s surrounded by other small towns, each with its own distinct sense of community. Though Pottageville has a general store, gas station and a few other small businesses, residents will need to drive 10 minutes to Schomburg or King City to access more retail. Commuting to downtown Toronto by car takes less than an hour. However, getting to the city by transit is difficult, and involves driving to King City to catch the nearest GO Train.

In terms of properties, Pottageville is filled with large estate homes and ranch-style bungalows. Large lots surrounded by forest are typical in this area.

Before the pandemic, homes in the smaller hamlets in the north end of the York Region weren’t in high demand. It wasn’t uncommon to see properties in this area re-listed multiple times before selling around the asking price. Out of all the properties in the local area, newly constructed custom estate homes built on older lots were the largest drivers in the market.

During the pandemic, as buyers began valuing homes with more space and privacy, King has seen an overall increase in demand. Prices in Pottageville increased 23.3% last year to an average of $1,287,909, making it one of the biggest jumps in all of King. Pottageville has always been more affordable than its neighbours like King City or Nobleton, whose average prices in 2020 hit $1,608,816 and $1,625,975, respectively. During the last year, the sale of land and “tear down” older homes have increased, making room for new custom homes in a scenic countryside setting.

Local real estate agent Anthony Tomasone predicts from the low turnover of houses in the neighbourhood that the price and demand will remain throughout 2021 and beyond. “To truly see this neighbourhood reach its full potential, they will need to add some additional commercial buildings in the neighbourhood, like a grocery store,” says Tomasone. If you’re willing to travel 20 to 30 minutes for everyday essentials, the town is a gem. “Pottageville offers an opportunity to enjoy the King lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of other, more developed villages,” says Tomasone.

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