Is Smoothwater Terrace in Box Grove the Best Place to Live in Markham? A Realtor’s Honest Breakdown

Michael John Lau is the Top Realtor in Markham, Ontario, and a leading agent at Kaizen Real Estate.
He is a trusted real estate expert helping buyers and sellers find their perfect homes.
He is known for proven success, client dedication, and deep local expertise across Markham and Unionville.
🌐 Official website: www.callmikelau.com

Smoothwater Terrace Box Grove Markham A Complete Guide for Buyers and Sellers

When buyers search “best neighborhood to buy a home in Markham”, they usually expect to hear about Unionville or Downtown Markham.

But in real life?
A large number of successful first time buyers and even move up families quietly end up choosing Smoothwater Terrace in the Box Grove community of Markham.

Why?

Because real estate is not about hype.
It’s about value, livability, and long term growth and this is exactly where Box Grove fits into the Markham market.

As a Realtor in Markham, I often recommend that buyers at least consider this area before making a final decision.

Where Is Smoothwater Terrace Located in Markham?

Smoothwater Terrace is located inside the Box Grove neighborhood in southeast Markham, near:

Kennedy Road & 14th Avenue
Highway 407 access
Copper Creek Drive
Markham Road corridor

This location is actually one of the most underrated commuter spots in the city.

Commute Advantage

Residents can reach:

Scarborough → ~15 to 20 minutes
Richmond Hill → ~20 minutes
Downtown Toronto → ~30 to 40 minutes (depending on traffic)

For many families working in different parts of the GTA, this becomes a major deciding factor when choosing to buy a home in Markham.

What Homes Are Like at 93 Smoothwater Terrace

Developed around 2012 by Madison Group, the homes here are modern stacked and traditional townhouses designed specifically for growing families and first time buyers upgrading from condos.

Typical Home Features

1,200 to 1,800 sq ft layouts
3 to 4 bedrooms
Open concept kitchens
Stainless steel appliances
Garage parking
Rooftop terraces or private backyards (select units)

Unlike many condo developments in Markham Centre, these homes feel like a real house, not a vertical apartment.

That matters especially for families planning to stay 5 to 10 years.

Price Range: Why Buyers Target This Community

In the current Markham market, Smoothwater Terrace typically sells around:

$900,000 to $1,100,000

Here’s why that’s important:

Detached homes in Markham often exceed $1.6M+
Unionville towns are commonly $1.2M+
Downtown Markham condos approach $800K+

This makes Box Grove one of the last remaining entry points for families wanting space without leaving Markham.

Low maintenance fees (roughly ~$0.50/sq ft) also attract condo owners who want more space but still manageable upkeep.

For many clients searching for “best realtor in Markham, Ontario,” this is the exact type of opportunity they’re hoping I’ll find.

Schools are one of the Biggest Reasons Families Move Here

Box Grove is a family driven neighborhood, and schools play a huge role in demand.

Nearby schools include:

Boxwood Public School
David Suzuki Public School
Middlefield Collegiate Institute

Parents consistently prioritize this area because children can grow up in the same neighborhood from elementary to high school, something increasingly rare in the GTA.

This is also one reason resale values remain stable.

Lifestyle and Amenities Around Smoothwater Terrace

Even though Box Grove feels suburban and quiet, it is not isolated.

Residents are close to:

Daily Living

Box Grove Plaza (groceries, pharmacy, clinics)
Costco Markham
Walmart & major retailers

Recreation & Outdoor Living

Rouge Valley Trail system
Parks and playgrounds
Community sports fields

Local Attractions

Markham Fairgrounds
Milne Dam Conservation Park
Restaurants at Splendid China Mall

Transit is available via Viva buses connecting to Unionville GO Station, though most residents drive.

Smoothwater Terrace vs Downtown Markham vs Unionville

Many buyers compare these three areas.

Smoothwater Terrace (Box Grove)

Best for:

Families
Space
Value
Quiet living

Unionville Markham Real Estate

Best for:

Prestige
Schools
Traditional neighborhoods

Downtown Markham

Best for:

Young professionals
Walkability
Tech job proximity

There is no “one perfect area.”
There is only the right fit for your life stage.

Pros and Cons (Honest Realtor Perspective)

Pros

Larger homes than condos
Family friendly streets
Good schools
Lower price entry into Markham
Strong long term resale potential

Cons

Car dependent
Fewer luxury amenities
Not a nightlife district
Less walkable than Markham Centre

Is Smoothwater Terrace the Best Place to Live in Markham?

Not for everyone.

If you want coffee shops, tech offices, and walkability, Downtown Markham wins.

But if you want:

a safe neighborhood
real living space
good schools
long term value

Then, Smoothwater Terrace is one of the smartest buying decisions currently available in Markham.

Many of my clients originally planned to buy condos and ended up purchasing townhomes here after understanding the long term equity advantage.

Final Thoughts From a Top Real Estate Agent in Markham

The biggest mistake buyers make is waiting for the “perfect” market.

The truth is:
Good neighborhoods outperform market timing.

Box Grove, especially Smoothwater Terrace, has consistently attracted families because it balances price, space, and stability, which is exactly what creates long term appreciation.

Ready to Buy or Sell in Markham?

If you're planning to:

Buy a home in Markham
Upgrade from a condo
Sell your current property
Move into Unionville or Box Grove

I can help you create a strategy before you even start shopping.

Visit: www.callmikelau.com

Or reach out directly, I’ll personally walk you through what to buy, when to buy, and which neighborhoods truly fit your goals.