Why Markham Is A Good City For GTA Homebuyers?

Why Markham Is A Good City For GTA Homebuyers?

With its unique character, appeal, architecture, real estate, and amenities, Markham qualifies as one of the top communities for homebuyers in the GTA. Markham has plenty to offer in terms of lifestyle, home types, leisure, education, and so much more. Here is what to expect as a Markham homebuyer and Markham resident.

Markham neighbourhoods are a unique blend of old and new.

Abundant in historic neighbourhoods that feature 19th-century homes, Markham attracts nostalgics who want a piece of well-preserved history in their daily lives. Still, it also caters to the modern style homebuyer, offering gorgeous new builds that range from detached and semi-detached to townhouses and condos. There is simply something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of the old days and crave a historic home or prefer a highly modern lifestyle, Markham is one of the places where you can find both.

The whole community is a unique blend of old and new- from quaint and historic to master-planned community life and skyscrapers. Markham is a pretty impressive city with areas such as Markham Village on one side, with quaint shops and streets, and Unionville, a completely master-planned community, on the other.

Markham is in a convenient location.

Markham is just a 30-minute drive from Toronto, and it takes less to get to Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and other GTA towns and cities. Markham's high position is one of the reasons it is quite popular among residents who work in the big city but like a quieter area to call home. With functional transportation networks, a GO station and easy access to highways (i.e., Highway 7, Highway 404), it is pretty easy for residents to get around.

On the other hand, Markham is very self-sustainable. It offers its residents an array of amenities, from shopping malls and charming shops on Main Street to fancy dining experiences, where you can find a variety of cuisines: Italian, Japanese, and Japanese Italian; you name it.

Markham is home to excellent schools

With public secular and Catholic schools that are well-known for high scores on standardized tests, Markham schools have a good reputation. They offer well-designed curricula that allow students to engage in many areas and pursue many activities, both curricular and extracurricular. The schools are operated by the York Region District School Board and York Catholic District School Board.

When it comes to post-secondary education, Markham offers the Seneca College campus, and York University is also soon following suit, which will widen educational possibilities and further spur Markham's growth (population, jobs, real estate demand, etc.).

What to do in the area?

Abundant in parks, golf courses and recreational facilities, Markham gives its residents a wide variety of choices on how to spend their free time.

The parks

With over 50 parks, Markham does not lack in green spaces. One of the most popular is the Toogood Park, best known for its pond with a hiking trail around. With hillsides, trails and gorgeous bridges, it is one of the best go-to places in Markham. Markham is also home to the Milne Dam Conservation Park, which is part of Canada's only national urban park, the Rouge Park. With wetlands, picnic areas, forests and diverse wildlife, it is an excellent spot for families and friends.

The must-see Markham Museum

The open-air Markham Museum is another highlight that attracts many visitors. It consists of 30 buildings that tell the city's story through artifacts and exhibitions and so much more. Its gorgeous gardens and parks are open for picnicking and walks, and you will see many people come here on the weekends to have a good time. Kids are especially fond of it.

Markham has an indoor bike park.

With an 800-metre mountain trail and ramps, and everything else a cyclist needs to feel the adrenalin rush, the Markham indoor bike park is yet another great place. It is open seven days a week, and being indoor enables visitors to enjoy cycling all year round regardless of the weather.

Markham's beautiful golf courses

Markham is a real golf community with both private and public golf courses - some of them being championship courses. With high terrains, exquisite service and accompanying amenities, golfers and recreational visitors are always in for a good time. Make sure to explore the Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham Green Golf Club, Robbie Robinson Golf Club, etc.

Life in Markham is pretty diverse with so much to do and see, and if you are planning to buy a home in the lovely Markham area, you will discover a range of options.

Info for Markham homebuyers on LTT and Auto and Property Insurance

How much do Markham homebuyers pay for Land Transfer Tax (LTT)?

Many homebuyers wonder how much they will have to pay for the LTT once they find their dream home. In Markham, the Ontario provincial tax rates apply, and there is no specific percentage point on the total home price. Still, it is somewhat divided into thresholds whereby each price range has a different margin. Here is how the land transfer tax rates work in Ontario (including Markham):

If you are a Markham first-time homebuyer, you can count on significant land transfer tax cuts, which can save you several thousands of dollars, so make sure to inquire about the benefits you can get.

Auto and Property Insurance in Markham

Living in the GTA means living in an area where the standard of living is higher than elsewhere, and the same is reflected in auto and property insurance rates. Compared to, for example, Brampton or Vaughan, Markham has slightly lower auto and property insurance rates with an average of between $1,800 and $2,050 yearly. Of course, the individual prices will depend on your driving record, the area you live in, the crime rate and traffic congestion in your specific area, so you may get a better premium deal based on those facts.

As far as the GTA goes, Markham is quite affordable for its lifestyle, and many homebuyers find what they are looking for in terms of home types, neighbourhoods, amenities, etc.

Another great thing about Markham is that despite a population of over 340,000 residents, it still manages to preserve a strong community feel with a suburban touch. If you would like to explore properties and homes in the city, make sure to give me a call 905- 272-5000