Congratulations on choosing Markham, Ontario as your new home. Whether you are arriving from another country, another province, or simply relocating from elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area, Markham is a city that welcomes newcomers with open arms and abundant resources.
With a population of over 350,000 people representing more than 100 ethnic backgrounds, Markham is one of the most diverse cities in Canada. It is also one of the safest, most family-friendly, and economically vibrant communities in the GTA. This guide is designed to help you navigate the practical aspects of settling in Markham — from finding housing and accessing settlement services to enrolling your children in school and connecting with your community.
Understanding Markham and Richmond Hill
Markham and its neighbour Richmond Hill are both part of York Region, located directly north of Toronto. Together, they form a large suburban area that combines the convenience of urban services with a more spacious, family-oriented lifestyle.
Key facts about the area:
- Population: Markham has over 350,000 residents; Richmond Hill has approximately 230,000. Both cities are among the fastest-growing in Ontario.
- Languages: While English is the primary language, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, Urdu, Persian, Korean, and many other languages are widely spoken throughout the community.
- Economy: Markham is known as Canada's high-tech capital, with over 1,500 technology companies. Major employers include IBM, AMD, Huawei, Qualcomm, Shopify, and Aviva Canada.
- Transit: York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) provides bus service throughout Markham and Richmond Hill, with connections to the TTC subway at Finch Station and the GO Transit system for commuting to downtown Toronto.
- Education: The area is served by the York Region District School Board (public), York Catholic District School Board, and several French-language school boards. Markham also has top-ranked schools at every level.
Finding Housing in Markham
Housing is likely your most significant expense and decision when settling in Markham. The real estate market in 2026 offers more options for buyers than it did during the pandemic-era frenzy, but it is still important to understand the landscape.
According to the latest market data from February 2026, the Markham real estate market has the following characteristics:
- Median home price: $1,042,500 across all property types.
- Market conditions: Buyer-leaning, with a Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR) of 41% and 4.49 months of inventory. This means buyers have more negotiating power than in previous years.
- Average days on market: 43 days overall, though semi-detached homes sell faster (median 8 days) while condo townhouses take longer (median 41 days).
- Condo apartments: The most affordable entry point at a median of approximately $555,000, though this segment currently faces the most supply pressure.
Renting in Markham
If you are not ready to buy, renting is a practical first step. Average monthly rents in Markham vary by property type:
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,800 to $2,200
- Two-bedroom apartment: $2,200 to $2,800
- Basement apartment: $1,200 to $1,800
- Townhouse: $2,500 to $3,500
Popular platforms for finding rentals include Realtor.ca, Rentals.ca, Kijiji, and Facebook Marketplace. For newcomers, securing a rental without Canadian credit history can be challenging — offering several months of rent upfront or providing a letter of employment can help.
Neighbourhoods to Consider
- Unionville: A charming historic neighbourhood with excellent schools, heritage Main Street shops, and a strong community feel. Popular with families.
- Markham Centre: The city's emerging downtown, with new condo developments, proximity to tech employers, and access to the Viva rapidway transit.
- Cornell: A newer master-planned community with modern homes, parks, and family amenities. Well-designed for young families.
- Berczy Village: A well-established neighbourhood with mature trees, good schools, and a quiet, residential character.
- Milliken: A diverse, affordable neighbourhood with easy access to Highway 7 commercial areas, transit, and multicultural community resources.
Settlement Services and Support
Markham and York Region offer extensive settlement services to help newcomers integrate successfully. These services are free and available to permanent residents and some other immigration status holders.
Welcome Centres
The Welcome Centre Immigrant Services operates two locations in Markham:
- Welcome Centre — Markham North: 8400 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 102-103, Markham, ON L3R 4N7. Phone: 289-846-3645
- Welcome Centre — Markham South: 7220 Kennedy Road, Markham, ON L3R 7P2. Phone: 905-479-7926
Services include settlement counselling, language assessment, job search support, assistance with government documents, and referrals to housing, legal, and health resources. You can call 1-877-761-1155 for program calendars and specific services.
Markham Public Library
The Markham Public Library is one of the most valuable resources for newcomers. Beyond lending books, the library offers:
- Newcomer-specific programs including "Life in Canada Café" sessions where newcomers can ask questions and connect with settlement workers in a relaxed, informal setting.
- Language programs for English and French learners.
- Computer and internet access at all branches — essential for job searching and online services.
- Newcomer Resource Guides available in English, Chinese, and other languages. These guides provide essential information about life in Markham and York Region.
- Children's programs that help kids adjust to their new community through reading, crafts, and social activities.
The Aaniin Branch at 7500 Birchmount Road is the library's flagship location, offering extensive programming and community space.
Additional Settlement Organizations
- COSTI Immigrant Services: Offers employment services, language training, and settlement support across the GTA, including York Region.
- YMCA of Greater Toronto: Provides free newcomer information sessions, settlement advice, and community connections.
- York Region — Newcomer Services: The regional government publishes a comprehensive Newcomer Guide with information about healthcare, education, transportation, and community services specific to York Region.
Note: Starting April 1, 2026, economic class permanent residents may only be able to access certain federally-funded newcomer services for a limited time. Check with your local Welcome Centre for the most current eligibility information.
Healthcare
Ontario's public health insurance program — OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) — covers most essential medical services at no direct cost. As a newcomer, here is what you need to know:
- Apply for OHIP as soon as possible. Visit a ServiceOntario location with your immigration documents. There may be a three-month waiting period for some immigration categories, during which you should arrange private health insurance.
- Find a family doctor. The Health Care Connect program can help you find a family physician accepting new patients in Markham. You can also search the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's doctor directory.
- Walk-in clinics. Markham has numerous walk-in clinics throughout the city for non-emergency care when you cannot see your family doctor.
- Markham Stouffville Hospital: Located at 381 Church Street, this is the city's primary hospital with emergency, surgical, and diagnostic services.
- Pharmacies. Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and independent pharmacies are found throughout the city, often within the same plazas where you shop and dine.
Education and Schools
Markham's schools consistently rank among the top in Ontario, making it an excellent city for families with children.
- Public schools: Operated by the York Region District School Board (YRDSB). Registration typically requires proof of address, immigration documents, and immunization records.
- Catholic schools: Operated by the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). Open to Catholic families and, at the elementary level, to all families.
- French immersion: Available at select schools within both boards, starting in Grade 1.
- Private schools: Several private schools operate in the area, including Montessori, religious, and independent academic institutions.
- Post-secondary: Seneca College has a campus in Markham, and the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus is nearby. York University is also accessible by transit.
Employment and Career Building
Markham's diverse economy offers employment opportunities across technology, healthcare, finance, logistics, retail, and professional services. For newcomers, here are key steps to launching your career:
- Have your credentials assessed. If you hold professional certifications from another country, organizations like WES (World Education Services) can evaluate your credentials for Canadian equivalency.
- Access employment services. The Welcome Centre, YMCA, and Ontario's Employment Ontario program all offer free job search support, resume writing help, interview preparation, and networking opportunities.
- Build a Canadian resume. Canadian resume formats differ from those used in many other countries. Focus on achievements, keep it to two pages, and include a LinkedIn profile link.
- Network actively. Many jobs in Canada are filled through referrals. Attend community events, join professional associations, and connect with people in your industry through LinkedIn.
- Consider bridging programs. For regulated professions like engineering, accounting, or healthcare, bridging programs help internationally trained professionals meet Canadian licensing requirements.
Getting Around Markham
While Markham is a car-oriented city, there are several transportation options:
- York Region Transit (YRT/Viva): Bus routes cover most of Markham, with the Viva rapidway providing faster service along Highway 7 and other major corridors.
- GO Transit: The Markham and Unionville GO stations provide train service to downtown Toronto's Union Station in approximately 45 minutes.
- TTC Connection: Buses connect to the Finch subway station, providing access to the Toronto Transit Commission network.
- Driving: Most residents drive. If you have a foreign driver's licence, you can use it for 60 days after arriving. After that, you must obtain an Ontario licence. Some countries have exchange agreements that allow you to swap your licence without testing.
- Cycling: Markham has been expanding its cycling network, particularly in newer neighbourhoods like Cornell and Markham Centre.
Community and Social Life
One of Markham's greatest strengths is the warmth and diversity of its community. Getting involved is the fastest way to feel at home:
- Community centres: The Aaniin Community Centre, Markham Civic Centre, and several other facilities offer recreation programs, fitness facilities, and social activities for all ages.
- Cultural associations: Markham has active cultural organizations representing Chinese, South Asian, Korean, Filipino, Persian, and many other communities. These groups host festivals, language programs, and social events throughout the year.
- Places of worship: Churches, temples, mosques, gurdwaras, and synagogues are found throughout Markham, providing spiritual community and social connections.
- Sports and recreation: Hockey, soccer, cricket, badminton, basketball, and swimming programs are available through the City of Markham and various community leagues.
- Volunteering: Volunteering is one of the best ways to build Canadian experience, practice English, and make connections. Organizations like Volunteer Markham can match you with opportunities that fit your interests and schedule.
Essential First Steps Checklist
Here is a practical checklist for your first weeks in Markham:
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada location.
- Apply for OHIP at a ServiceOntario location.
- Open a Canadian bank account (most major banks have multilingual staff in Markham).
- Visit the Welcome Centre for settlement counselling and referrals.
- Get a library card at Markham Public Library.
- Register your children for school through the appropriate school board.
- Set up a Canadian phone plan and internet service.
- Begin your Ontario driver's licence process if you plan to drive.
- Register for language classes if needed (LINC programs are free for permanent residents).
- Explore your neighbourhood — visit local plazas, parks, and community centres.
Welcome to Markham. This city has a long tradition of welcoming people from all over the world and helping them build successful, fulfilling lives. The resources are here, the community is ready, and your new chapter starts now.
Discover local businesses, services, and community resources in your neighbourhood at MarkhamBusiness.com.