The Short Answer

What are the best neighbourhoods near Markham's new race circuit? The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham runs on a temporary street circuit through Downtown Markham (Markham Centre), near Unionville GO. The best neighbourhoods to live nearby include Downtown Markham itself (condos, walkable, urban), Unionville (historic charm, top schools), and the established communities around Markham Centre — each offering proximity to the excitement plus year-round appeal. The key is choosing an area whose everyday character suits you, with the race as a bonus.

Markham just put itself on the international motorsport map, and the buzz has buyers asking a natural question: where's the best place to live near the action? Michael John Lau, a top real estate agent in Markham, breaks down the neighbourhoods around the new race circuit — and what to weigh before choosing one.

Where the circuit is: The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy runs on a temporary 3.52-km street circuit through the streets of Downtown Markham (Markham Centre) — along Enterprise Boulevard, University Boulevard, Kennedy Road, and the surrounding area, adjacent to Unionville GO Station. It's a race weekend (August 14–16, 2026), not a permanent track — the streets return to normal the rest of the year. The event is secured for five years.

What "Near the Circuit" Really Means

First, an important clarification for buyers: this is a temporary street circuit used for one weekend a year, not a permanent racetrack. So living "near the circuit" doesn't mean living beside a raceway — it means living in the vibrant Downtown Markham area that hosts the event. For most of the year, these are simply desirable urban and established neighbourhoods; the race is an annual highlight. That's the right way to frame the decision: choose a neighbourhood you'll love year-round, with the Indy as a bonus.

The Best Neighbourhoods Near the Action

1. Downtown Markham (Markham Centre) — closest to the action

The heart of it all. Downtown Markham is a master-planned urban community of modern condos, offices, restaurants, and entertainment along the Highway 7/Enterprise Boulevard corridor — right where the circuit runs. For buyers who want walkable, urban, live-in-the-middle-of-it energy (and to be steps from the race), this is the spot. It's also home to York University's Markham Campus and excellent transit (Unionville GO). Primarily condos — ideal for first-time buyers, professionals, downsizers, and investors.

2. Unionville — historic charm beside the buzz

Just beside Downtown Markham sits historic Unionville, with its iconic Main Street, heritage character, top-ranked schools, and Too good Pond. Unionville offers a mix of detached homes, townhomes, and condos in one of Markham's most beloved, prestigious settings — close to the race excitement but with timeless village appeal. Perfect for families and buyers wanting character and community with Downtown Markham next door.

Modern urban mid-rise condominiums and vibrant streetscapes in Markham Centre
Downtown Markham balances modern high-density condominium living with convenient transit access and vibrant community amenities.

3. Established Markham Centre-area communities

The neighbourhoods surrounding Markham Centre — including pockets of South Unionville, Village Green-South Unionville, and nearby communities — offer established, family-friendly living within easy reach of Downtown Markham's amenities and the event. These provide more housing variety (including detached and town homes) a short distance from the urban core.

4. Cachet, Angus Glen, and northern Unionville — prestige within reach

A little further out, Markham's prestigious northern communities (Cachet, Angus Glen, and the new Unionglen development) offer executive and family homes within a short drive of Downtown Markham and the race — combining upscale, spacious living with access to the action when it comes to town.

What to Weigh Before Choosing

Year-round lifestyle first

Since the race is one weekend a year, choose based on how you'll live the other 51 weekends. Do you want urban walkability (Downtown Markham), village charm and schools (Unionville), or spacious family living (northern communities)? Let daily life drive the decision.

Property type and budget

Downtown Markham is condo-focused and offers more accessible entry points; Unionville and the northern communities lean toward higher-priced homes. Your budget and desired home type will shape which area fits.

Race-weekend realities

Living in the immediate circuit area means an exciting weekend but also road closures and crowds during the event (early-to-mid August). For most, that's a fun annual trade-off; it's worth being aware of if you're right in the core.

The long-term upside

The Indy, secured for five years, adds to Downtown Markham's profile and momentum — part of a broader growth story (York University, economic partnerships, ongoing development) that supports the area's long-term appeal.

The Bottom Line

The best neighbourhood near Markham's race circuit is the one that fits your life year-round — whether that's the urban energy of Downtown Markham, the historic charm of Unionville, or the spacious prestige of the northern communities. The race is a thrilling bonus on top of areas that are genuinely desirable every day of the year. That's the smart way to choose.

Michael John Lau, one of Markham's leading REALTORS®, knows the Downtown Markham and Unionville-area communities in depth — and can help you find the neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals, race weekend or not. Let's talk about the right area for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Markham Indy race circuit?▼
The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy runs on a temporary 3.52-km street circuit through Downtown Markham (Markham Centre) — along Enterprise Boulevard, University Boulevard, Kennedy Road, and surrounding streets, near Unionville GO Station. It's a race weekend (August 14–16, 2026), not a permanent track; the streets return to normal the rest of the year.
What's the best neighbourhood to live near the Markham race?▼
The best options include Downtown Markham (modern condos, walkable, closest to the action), Unionville (historic charm, top schools, mixed housing), and established Markham Centre-area communities, plus northern communities like Cachet and Angus Glen for spacious family living. Choose based on year-round lifestyle, since the race is one weekend a year.
Is it noisy to live near the Markham Indy circuit?▼
The circuit is a temporary street course used for a single race weekend in August, not a permanent racetrack — so it's not a year-round noise source. During the event weekend there are crowds and road closures in the immediate area, but the rest of the year these are simply desirable Downtown Markham and Unionville neighbourhoods.

Find Your Spot Near the Action

Michael John Lau, REALTOR® CPA, CMA, knows Downtown Markham and Unionville inside out. Let's find the neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle and goals — race weekend or not.

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