Moving to Markham: your friendly newcomer guide for 2026

Welcome! Thinking about moving to Markham? Excellent schools, a tech corridor and some of the best food in the GTA. This guide walks you through everything a newcomer needs, from your first-week paperwork to the neighbourhoods, schools and home prices, and then the fun stuff: what to explore once you've settled in. If you get stuck at any point, I'm happy to help.

Why people love Markham

• Excellent schools, a tech corridor and some of the best food in the GTA.
• Part of York Region, with YRT and Viva and Stouffville GO line for commuting
• A welcoming, multicultural community where newcomers find their people quickly
• Housing in Markham sits in a balanced market where buyers have time to compare right now

Your first two weeks: the paperwork

• SIN: apply at a Service Canada Centre. You need it to work and to file taxes.
• OHIP health card: apply in person at ServiceOntario with your immigration documents, proof of Ontario address and ID. Ontario no longer has a three-month waiting period for most eligible residents.
• Driver's licence: you can use a valid foreign licence for 60 days after becoming a resident. Some countries have exchange agreements with Ontario, so check before booking a road test.
• Bank account: open one early. Newcomer packages help you build Canadian credit, which landlords and lenders check.
• Free settlement help: search your postal code on Settlement.org for free agencies near you that help with jobs, language classes and paperwork.
• Library card: free, with newcomer programs, ESL circles and computer access.

Health care

Your local hospital: Markham Stouffville Hospital. Register with Health Care Connect to be matched with a family doctor, and use walk-in clinics or virtual care while you wait. Keep private coverage until your OHIP card is active.

Schools

Markham is served by the YRDSB (public) and the YCDSB (Catholic), plus the French-language boards Viamonde and MonAvenir. Register with proof of address, immigration documents and immunization records. School catchments matter, so check the board's school locator before you choose a street.

Getting around

• Local transit: YRT and the Viva rapid bus on Highway 7.
• GO Transit: Stouffville GO line.
• Fares: one PRESTO card works on the TTC, GO and most GTA transit systems, with discounted transfers.
• Driving: plan for rush hour on the 401, 400-series highways and the QEW. The 407 is faster but tolled.

Neighbourhoods to know

What homes cost right now

With 4.1 months of inventory, Markham is a balanced market where buyers have time to compare. Well-priced homes still sell at about 98% of asking. For a deeper look at areas, projects and taxes, see the Markham real estate guide and the GTA market update.

Budget calculator

Buying as a newcomer

• Get pre-approved first. Many lenders have newcomer mortgage programs; see pre-approval basics.
• Land transfer tax: This city charges only the Ontario land transfer tax; there is no extra municipal tax like Toronto's. Eligible first-time buyers can get a refund of up to $4,000.
• Status rules: federal restrictions on buying by non-Canadians, and Ontario's Non-Resident Speculation Tax, can apply depending on your status. A real estate lawyer will confirm this before you sign.
• Rent first? Renting for 6 to 12 months while you learn the area is common and smart. I can help you plan the switch from renting to owning.
• New build or resale? See the pre-construction buyer guide before you put down a deposit.

Things to do in Markham

• Main Street Unionville and Toogood Pond
• Rouge National Urban Park
• Varley Art Gallery and Flato Markham Theatre
• Pacific Mall and CF Markville
• The Highway 7 food scene
• Try the local food scene: Markham has incredible family-run restaurants from every corner of the world

Your moving checklist

• Week 1: SIN, OHIP application, bank account, phone plan
• Settlement agency appointment (free)
• Health Care Connect registration
• School registration (check the catchment first)
• PRESTO card
• Mortgage pre-approval if you plan to buy
• A shortlist of 2 or 3 neighbourhoods by commute and school
• A call with a local agent who knows the area (book one free)

FAQ

Speak with Inderpal Sidhu
Direct: (647) 338-6875 · WhatsApp · Book a free call
HomeLife Silvercity Realty Inc., Brokerage. Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale.