Downtown Markham among GTA’s ‘hidden gems’

Downtown Markham is among seven “hidden gems” in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), according to Best Places to Buy in 2025: REMAX Next Neighbourhoods Report – RE/MAX Canada.

The neighbourhood has a new York University campus, rising condominium developments and improved transit, the report notes. This growing hub also offers restaurants, activities and cultural attractions. The average house price here ranges from $660,00 to $1.625 million.

Other ‘next neighbourhoods’ in the GTA include Clairlea-Birchmount, Wexford-Maryvale, and Don Mills-Victoria Village, all in Toronto, Crown Point in Hamilton, Aldershot South in Burlington and Seaton in Pickering.

The GTA is experiencing population growth over three per cent annually and significant infrastructure investments, especially in transportation, are leading to improved neighbourhood quality across traditionally undervalued urban and suburban areas, according to the REMAX report.

An Angus Reid survey commissioned by REMAX Canada found that 37 per cent of Canadians valued affordability as a top factor in choosing their neighbourhoods. This is down from 44 per cent in a similar 2024 survey. Affordability is followed closely by proximity to amenities such as restaurants, shopping and grocery stores (36 per cent) and convenient access to public transit (31 per cent).

Also, according to the survey, Canadians want to spend more time in their neighbourhoods shopping at local stores (58 per cent), dining out (52 per cent), and socializing with friends, family and neighbours (43 per cent).

Photo: Downtown Markham is among seven “hidden gems” in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), according to Best Places to Buy in 2025: REMAX Next Neighbourhoods Report – RE/MAX Canada. (City of Markham photo)