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Markham / Richmond Hill (York Region) - Ontario - Canada

Moving to Markham / Richmond Hill (York Region) - Ontario - Canada

Contribute to the community by sharing information to help the Desi community connect and support one another. Provide details about apartments where the Desi community resides. Answer questions from those moving here for work, school, or other reasons. Share information about areas or buildings with a significant Desi population, including rent costs, utilities included, accessibility, availability of laundry facilities, and other relevant details. Note: This section is not for posting apartments for rent—please use the classifieds section for that. The goal is to offer guidance and answer questions for people planning to move to this area.

 

Markham and Richmond Hill are neighboring cities located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) within Ontario, Canada, just north of Toronto. Both are part of the York Region and are well-connected to Toronto and surrounding cities, making them popular suburban areas for families, including Desi communities.

 

Location

• Markham: Situated to the east of Richmond Hill, it is bordered by Scarborough (south), Richmond Hill (west), and Whitchurch-Stouffville (north).
• Richmond Hill: Located west of Markham, it is bordered by Vaughan (west), Aurora (north), and Toronto (south).

 

Proximity to Toronto

• Approximately 25-30 kilometers (15-20 miles) from downtown Toronto.
• Travel time by car: Around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Transit: Connected via GO Train (Richmond Hill and Unionville lines), Viva buses, and York Region Transit (YRT).

 

Desi Community Presence

• Both cities have a growing South Asian population, with residents from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
• Desi Community: Tamil, Punjabi, Gujarati, Pakistani, and Bengali communities.

• Markets: Large Desi groceries near Steeles Avenue and McCowan Road.
• Schools: Top-rated schools for families.

Key Areas in Markham and Richmond Hill

1. Markham

   • Unionville: Upscale area with a mix of cultures, including South Asians.
   • Milliken Mills: Known for South Asian grocery stores, temples, and cultural centers.
   • Middlefield: Large Indian and Pakistani community with nearby mosques and gurdwaras.

2. Richmond Hill

   • Bayview Hill: Residential area with multicultural families.
   • Leslie Street and Hwy 7: Easy access to cultural hubs and schools.
   • Yonge Street Corridor: Known for diverse restaurants and groceries.

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Cultural Hubs and Religious Centers

1. Temples:

   • Vishnu Mandir (Richmond Hill).
   • Thiru Murugan Temple (Markham).

2. Gurdwaras:

   • Gursikh Sabha Canada (Scarborough, close to Markham).

3. Mosques:

   • Islamic Society of Markham (ISM).
   • Jaffari Community Centre (Richmond Hill).

4. Markets:

   • Markham: Middlefield and Denison area with Indian grocery stores, clothing shops, and restaurants.
   • Richmond Hill: Richmond Hill Market area has multicultural food stores.

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Schools

• Both cities are known for highly rated public and private schools, ideal for families:
  • Elementary: Pierre Elliott Trudeau Public School (Markham).
  • Secondary: Richmond Hill High School, Markville Secondary School.
  • Many schools offer programs in French immersion or STEM specialties.

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Cost of Living

• Markham:
  • Rent for 2-bedroom apartments: CAD 2,200–2,500/month.
  • Detached homes: Average price CAD 1.5M+.
• Richmond Hill:
  • Rent for 2-bedroom apartments: CAD 2,300–2,600/month.
  • Detached homes: Average price CAD 1.6M+.

Both cities are known for their safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and cultural diversity, making them desirable locations for Desi families. Let me know if you'd like more specific details!