Richmond Hill and Newmarket are both in York Region, but they sell to different kinds of buyers. Richmond Hill is closer to Toronto, is more developed, and is more culturally diverse. Its schools are highly rated, and its homes are more expensive than those in Newmarket.
Newmarket, on the other hand, is farther north. It's still a suburb, but it feels more like a town than a typical Toronto suburb. It's cheaper and better for families, with more space per dollar and better value for detached homes. Richmond Hill is closer to the city and has more urban conveniences, but Newmarket has a quieter, more balanced pace of life and easy access to a lot of the amenities you'd expect in a bigger part of the GTA.
Real Estate, Affordability, and Types of Housing
Affordability and housing type are two of the most important factors when choosing where to buy a home.
Richmond Hill:
Richmond Hill is famous for its luxury detached homes, which now average about $1.6 million. The growing condo corridor along Yonge Street has made it easier for buyers who can’t afford detached homes to enter the market. In addition to well-known neighbourhoods like Mill Pond and Bayview Hill, there are many different types of homes available, and the price gap between condos and detached houses is well over a million dollars. The higher prices here are not just about the homes themselves. Being close to Toronto, having access to top schools, and a strong, diverse community all help keep demand high, even when the market slows down.
Newmarket:
Newmarket is a more affordable option, especially for families looking for more space. In March 2026, the average home sold for around $980,000, with detached homes averaging about $1.1 million. That’s over $500,000 less than a comparable detached in Richmond Hill, and you’re usually getting a bigger lot too. Most of the market here is detached homes, with neighbourhoods like Stonehaven, Summerhill Estates, and Woodland Hill, plus older homes near Main Street and Fairy Lake. Condos are limited and mostly found along Yonge Street or near the Davis Drive GO station.
For more details on prices, available homes, and recent market trends in each area, we have made two in-depth overviews of the most recent market trends for both Richmond Hill and Newmarket.
Comparison and Key Takeaways
Feature | Richmond Hill | Newmarket |
| Average Home Price | $1,219,863 | $978,941 |
| Commute to Toronto | 45 - 60 minutes Access to Highway 404 and the GO Station | 60 - 90+ minutes. Access to Highway 404, Highway 400, and the GO Station |
| School Rankings | Top-Tier: some of the highest-ranking schools in the country | Above average |
| Key Amenities | Hillcrest Mall, performing arts center | Upper Canada Mall, historic Main Street |
| Overall Feel | Diverse, Established, fast-paced suburb | Small-town pace with big city perks |
| Demographics | Very diverse community | Less diverse, multi-generational local families |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.76% | 0.89% |
| Best For | Commuters, buyers looking to upgrade, and education | Value seekers, first-time buyers, growing families |
Lifestyle and Amenities
Richmond Hill has a lot going on. Hillcrest Mall covers the basics, and the Yonge Street corridor near Highway 7 is packed with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
The dining scene really reflects the community, with some of the best Chinese food in York Region at spots like Commerce Gate and Times Square Plaza. Beyond that, the Richmond Hill Center for the Performing Arts brings in professional shows year-round, and places like Mill Pond Park, the David Dunlap Observatory, and Richmond Green Sports Center give families plenty to do on weekends.
Newmarket is a bit more laid back. Upper Canada Mall is one of the largest in the York Region, but Main Street is where the town really shows its personality, with boutique shops, cafes, and local restaurants housed in Victorian-era buildings.
Fairy Lake Park, Riverwalk Commons, and the Tom Taylor Trail along the Holland River are go-to spots for getting outside. The community events are a big part of life here too, think Music in the Park, Main Street festivals, and a summer farmers market that actually gets the whole town out.
For a deeper look at specific neighbourhoods in each region, see our Richmond Hill community guide and Newmarket community guide.
Commute and Transit
Richmond Hill:
If you drive from Richmond Hill to downtown Toronto, you’ll take the 404 to the DVP, with a short section on the 407 from Langstaff. On a clear day, you can reach Union Station in about 30 minutes. During weekday rush hour, I usually tell clients to expect 50 to 60 minutes, and it can take longer if there’s an issue on the DVP. There are two main slow spots: the Richmond Hill/Markham stretch of the 404, and the 404-DVP merge just south of Sheppard Avenue. Every York Region commuter deals with that merge.
If you take the GO train, the Richmond Hill Line only runs during peak hours. Trains head downtown from about 5 AM to 9 AM, and return from 3 PM to 6:30 PM, with service every 30 minutes during rush hour. The trip from Langstaff to Union takes about 40 to 45 minutes. The main issue is flexibility. If you miss the last northbound train at 6:30, you’ll have to take a bus, which takes much longer. Parking can also be a challenge. I’ve seen the Langstaff lot fill up by 7:30 AM on a Tuesday, so if you’re running late, it’s usually easier to park at Richmond Hill GO, one stop north.
Newmarket:
Driving from Newmarket uses the same 404 route, but you’ll face one more slow spot. You go through Aurora, then Richmond Hill and Markham, and finally hit the DVP merge. If there’s no traffic, it takes about 45 minutes to get from central Newmarket to Union Station. On a good day, plan for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, and during rush hour, it can take 75 to 100 minutes. If you live on Newmarket’s west side, there’s another option many people overlook. You can take Davis Drive to Highway 400, connect to the 407, and enter Toronto from the west, skipping the 404. This isn’t ideal if you’re headed to Union, but for jobs in the west end, it’s often faster.
Newmarket is served by the Barrie Line, which is more reliable than the Richmond Hill Line, even though it covers a longer distance. Trains run every 30 minutes during rush hour and every hour during off-peak times, right up to midnight. The off-peak schedule is helpful if you work late or need the train on weekends. The trip from Newmarket to Union takes 55 to 65 minutes. There are two stations to choose from: Newmarket GO, which is further south but has limited parking that fills up quickly, or East Gwillimbury GO, about 5 to 10 minutes further north, with nearly a thousand parking spots and a better chance of getting a seat. Most of my clients from Newmarket use East Gwillimbury.
Who The Commute Favours
If you work downtown five days a week and have a regular schedule, Richmond Hill is better for both driving and future transit options. The TTC’s Yonge Line subway extension is now under construction, with two new stops planned in Richmond Hill at Langstaff GO and High-Tech. Once it opens, the ride to downtown is expected to take about 22 minutes. There’s no set completion date yet, but in the long run, this will make South Richmond Hill even more attractive. Newmarket doesn’t have a similar project coming up.
If you have a hybrid or flexible schedule, or you don’t work downtown, the 20 to 30 minute difference in commute time doesn’t matter as much, and Newmarket’s lower prices become more appealing. For evening trips or unpredictable workdays, the Barrie Line is actually the better choice.