Moving Closer to Toronto? Here’s What I Learned About Vaughan, Richmond Hill & North York

Hey there! If you’re like me, trying to move closer to Toronto while sticking to a budget of $1.1M–$1.2M, you’ve probably been researching neighborhoods like Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and North York. I recently went through this exact process, and let me tell you—it’s not as straightforward as I thought!

I wanted a good school for my kid (not necessarily the best, just solid), a diverse neighborhood, and a home that wouldn’t feel like a complete compromise. After a ton of research, driving around, and talking to locals, here’s what I found:

🏡 North York – The Best Transit & City Life, But Pricey

North York is awesome if you want to stay close to TTC subway lines and have access to great schools and amenities. If you work downtown or anywhere near St. Clair, Bloor, or Union, the transit here is a game-changer.

🔹 Best Areas for Your Budget: East of Yonge, Don Mills, and pockets near Steeles.
🔹 Pros:
✔️ Great public schools throughout most areas.
✔️ TTC subway access—perfect if you don’t want to drive every day.
✔️ Tons of shopping, restaurants, and parks.

🔹 Cons:
❌ Finding a detached home under $1.2M is nearly impossible. Even semi-detached homes are pricey.
❌ If you find something in budget, it may need renovations.

Reality Check: If I absolutely needed subway access, I’d have considered a condo or townhome here. But for a detached home? Not realistic for my budget.

🏡 Vaughan – Best for Growing Families & Commuting

Vaughan felt like a good balance—newer homes, great schools, and still somewhat connected to transit (though not as much as North York). Plus, the GO train express to Union makes commuting much easier.

🔹 Best Areas for Your Budget: Patterson (good schools), Vellore Village (some townhouses still in budget).
🔹 Pros:
✔️ More house for your money compared to North York.
✔️ Good schools in areas like Patterson.
✔️ TTC subway access at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre + GO train convenience.
✔️ Great mix of shopping, restaurants, and highways (400 & 407).

🔹 Cons:
❌ West of Jane is less desirable.
❌ You’ll still need to drive to the subway if you commute.

Reality Check: If I wanted a more suburban feel with a detached or semi-detached home in my budget, Vaughan made a lot of sense. It’s got everything except the subway right at your doorstep.

🏡 Richmond Hill – Quiet & Family-Friendly, But Less Exciting

Richmond Hill is great for families looking for stability, schools, and quieter suburban living. The schools are solid, but the area doesn’t feel like it has changed much in the last 20 years.

🔹 Best Areas for Your Budget: Weldrick (west of Yonge), South of Elgin Mills (older bungalows, potential for future value growth).
🔹 Pros:
✔️ Good schools and a safe community.
✔️ Quieter lifestyle if that’s what you’re looking for.
✔️ You might find a small detached home or older bungalow within budget.

🔹 Cons:
❌ Less commercial development—feels the same as it did decades ago.
❌ Detached homes in budget may need renovations.
❌ Less diverse compared to Vaughan.

Reality Check: If I wanted a slower-paced, family-oriented area, Richmond Hill would be a safe bet. But I was looking for more diversity and better access to transit, so it wasn’t my top choice.

🌎 Let’s Talk Diversity – Which Area Feels Most Balanced?

Since I wanted my kid to grow up in a multicultural neighborhood, this was important to me. Here’s how I felt about each area:

North York & Richmond Hill: Heavily East Asian & Persian communities. If you want strong representation from those cultures, they’re great choices.
Vaughan: More diverse mix—felt like a good balance.
Markham, Brampton, Maple: Less diverse than I expected—felt more dominated by single ethnic groups.

🔎 So, What’s the Best Choice?

If you have $1.2M max and need a detached home, here’s my advice:

✅ Best for transit & amenities? North York (but probably not a detached home).
✅ Best for affordability & newer homes? Vaughan.
✅ Best for schools & quiet living? Richmond Hill.

If you’re in the same situation as I was, drive around the neighborhoods—it helps a lot! Also, consider whether you’d be open to a townhome or semi-detached to get more options.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your move! 🚛💨😊