Markham Village

The Unionville Jazz Festival has just concluded, and now it's time for the annual Markham Street Festival. Similar to the temple fairs in Chinese villages, Main St. Markham, this old street, is bustling with activity and throngs of people. What sets it apart is the blend of classic country music performances and soulful jazz tunes. You can enjoy popular street dances or burst into laughter watching traditional puppet shows. Interested in collecting artwork? Here, you'll find various paintings and handicrafts. Want to treat yourself? Besides the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, there's a variety of barbecues, bread, and cakes. Under the warm sunshine, people are in high spirits, and the intersection of music and voices creates a rare buzz in North America. This edition features Markham Village. Its geographical boundaries are south of 16th Ave. and north of Highway 407, with McCowan Rd. to the west and the 9th Line to the east.

Geographically, Milne Lake at the southern end of the area is the largest lake in Markham, formed as an expansion of the Rouge River system, surrounded by vast green parks. Coupled with the city government's commitment to environmental protection, the area has maintained a rural charm. There are several elementary schools in the area, with Roy H. Crosby P.S. being the most renowned. The high school is Markham District High School, known for its long history and outstanding performance in the sciences. According to local residents, this high school consistently excels in Markham's competitions. Speaking of schools, I've recently encountered a common problem: due to the upward trend in the housing market since 1996 and many Chinese families aspiring for their children to attend prestigious schools, homes in top school districts are highly sought after, commanding hefty prices. Many buyers set a price cap based on their income, leading to hesitation when houses exceed their budget or fierce competition when prices are still manageable. Countless buyers are troubled by this dilemma. Some parents are already planning for their children to attend a particular high school when they're barely two or three years old, showcasing the universal concern of parents.

Looking across the neighborhood, the houses exude a modest feeling, with bungalows and duplex structures dominating the south end, showing their age. Moving north, the houses become slightly newer, mostly two-story detached houses, some approximately 20 years old. Therefore, the houses in this area typically have larger lots, and the community is mature with lush trees. If you enjoy the soothing and fresh atmosphere of the countryside and the simplicity and nature of folk customs, you'll surely love Markham Village.

This column is hosted by veteran real estate brokers Yang Xiaodong and Niu Baili. Readers are welcome to contact them for various real estate-related inquiries. Contact numbers: 416-818-7508 / 416-3035878.