Blog > Markham Best Neighbourhoods for Buyers Who Want a Short Walk to GO Transit
Markham Best Neighbourhoods for Buyers Who Want a Short Walk to GO Transit
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Michael John Lau is a top real estate agent in Markham and a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region. He helps commuters compare homes by the walk to the platform, not just the drive to the parking lot.
Which Markham neighbourhoods are within walking distance of a GO station
Markham has four GO stations, all on the Stouffville line: Unionville (155 YMCA Blvd.), Centennial (320 Bullock Dr.), Markham (214 Main St. N.) and Mount Joy (1801 Bur Oak Ave.). Buyers who want to walk usually look within about a 10 to 15 minute walk. Near Unionville GO, that often means condos and townhomes in Downtown Markham; near Markham GO, heritage homes in Markham Village; near Mount Joy, newer homes in Wismer and Greensborough; and near Centennial, established subdivisions around Markville.
Markham’s GO Stations and Nearby Areas
| Station | Nearby areas | Typical housing |
|---|---|---|
| Unionville GO, 155 YMCA Blvd. | Downtown Markham, Unionville south of Highway 7 | Condos, townhomes, some detached |
| Centennial GO, 320 Bullock Dr. | Markville and Bullock area | Established detached homes and townhomes |
| Markham GO, 214 Main St. N. | Markham Village, Main Street Markham | Heritage and older detached homes, some townhomes |
| Mount Joy GO, 1801 Bur Oak Ave. | Wismer, Greensborough | Newer detached homes, semis and townhomes |
Commute Trade-Offs
- Train schedules: check current Stouffville line trips at your times; frequency varies by time of day.
- Union Station access: the train is a good fit for downtown Toronto jobs; for other work locations, compare driving or Viva.
- Walking in winter: sidewalks matter; Markham clears sidewalks once snow reaches 5 cm.
- Price: homes very close to stations and Main Streets can carry a premium.
Parking and Daily Logistics
Even walkers sometimes drive. Check GO station parking options, and whether your street has overnight parking limits. Markham bans street parking overnight without an exemption, and since October 1, 2026, each online overnight exemption costs $6.
Looking for a home near a GO station? Call Michael John Lau, REALTOR®, at (416) 700-0286.
Living Close to the Tracks
Homes right beside the rail line can hear trains and crossing bells. A home a few streets away often gives the walk without the noise. Visit at peak times and listen from the bedrooms.
Which Station Fits Which Buyer
| Buyer | Often looks near | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time condo buyer | Unionville GO | Condos, shops and Viva in Downtown Markham |
| Family wanting character homes | Markham GO | Main Street Markham and established streets |
| Family wanting newer homes | Mount Joy GO | Newer subdivisions with parks and schools |
| Move-up buyer wanting space | Centennial GO | Established detached homes on larger lots |
Resale and Long-Term Value
Walkable access to rapid transit tends to stay in demand, especially with buyers who commute downtown. Homes a short walk from a station often appeal to a wider group of future buyers, including downsizers and young professionals. At the same time, new condo development near stations can add supply nearby. Compare recent sales of similar homes at different distances from the station before deciding what the walk is worth to you.
Budgeting for a Transit Commute
Compare the full monthly cost of each option. A GO commute replaces some or all of the cost of a car, parking downtown and highway driving time. For a two-car household, living close enough to drop to one car can free up money in the monthly budget, which may offset a higher price for a home near the station. Use real fares and parking costs for your own routes.
- Count train fares, local YRT connections and station parking.
- Compare with gas, insurance, maintenance and downtown parking.
- Factor in time: a reliable train can mean more predictable days.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Walk the route from the home to the platform, at rush hour.
- Check the train schedule for your commute times.
- Look for sidewalks, lighting and safe crossings along the route.
- Compare prices with similar homes a little further away.
- Check development plans near the station.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you choose a location.
Next Steps
- Buying a home in Markham: search near the station you use.
- Condos in Markham: options near Unionville GO.
- Markham neighbourhoods: compare areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many GO stations are in Markham?
Four, all on the Stouffville line: Unionville, Centennial, Markham and Mount Joy.
Which Markham neighbourhoods are near GO stations?
Downtown Markham near Unionville GO, Markville near Centennial, Markham Village near Markham GO, and Wismer and Greensborough near Mount Joy.
Are homes near GO stations more expensive?
Often, especially close to Main Streets and stations, but prices vary by street and home type.
Is living near the tracks noisy?
It can be. Homes a few streets away often keep the walk with less noise.
Can I park overnight on the street in Markham?
Only with an exemption or permit. Since October 1, 2026, online overnight exemptions cost $6 each.
What should I check before buying near a GO station?
The walk at rush hour, train times for your commute, sidewalks and nearby development plans.
Work With Michael John Lau in Markham
Michael John Lau helps commuters compare Markham homes by daily travel time, cost and lifestyle, with recent sales to back each decision.
📞 Contact Michael John Lau, REALTOR®
🌐 www.callmikelau.com
Want to compare homes near each station?
Michael John Lau can short-list homes within walking distance of the GO station you use.
Michael John Lau, REALTOR® · Markham, Ontario · (416) 700-0286
Disclaimer. Michael John Lau is a licensed REALTOR® serving buyers and sellers in Markham, Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. Station addresses are from GO Transit station listings. Parking rules are from the City of Markham (2026). Average price is from TRREB Market Watch (September 2026). Check current GO schedules. Michael John Lau is not a lawyer, accountant, tax advisor or mortgage professional. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Speak with a qualified professional about your own situation.