York Region

• More established suburban infrastructure

• Higher density in certain municipalities

• Strong retail and commercial development

• Highly competitive school zones

Major municipalities include:

• Richmond Hill

• Markham

• Aurora

• Newmarket

Durham Region

• More rural-to-suburban mix

• Newer communities expanding rapidly

• Larger lots in some towns

• Quieter, less dense overall

Major municipalities include:

• Whitby

• Oshawa

• Clarington

• Pickering

York Region feels more “mature suburban.” Durham often feels more “growing suburban.”

Historically:

• York Region has shown stronger price stability.

• Durham has shown stronger percentage growth during expansion cycles.

York Region tends to:

• Hold value during slower markets

• Recover faster after corrections

Durham tends to:

• Experience sharper growth in hot markets

• Experience sharper slowdowns in balanced markets

Neither is “better.” They behave differently.

York Region has:

• Highly competitive public and Catholic school zones

• Strong international reputation in certain communities

• High demand driven by school rankings

Durham Region:

• Strong local school options

• Less competition-driven pricing in many neighbourhoods

If school ranking priority is extremely high, York Region often commands premium pricing.

Durham municipalities may have slightly lower property taxes in some areas.

However:

• Insurance

• Utilities

• Maintenance

• Condo fees

… can vary significantly by property type in both regions.

Lower purchase price does not always mean lower total monthly cost.

York Region may be a better fit if you:

• Work in North Toronto

• Prioritize school zones

• Want strong long-term stability

• Prefer mature suburban infrastructure

• Have a budget above entry-level thresholds

• Durham Region may be a better fit if you:

  • Want maximum space for your budget

  • Prefer newer developments

  • Work east of Toronto

  • Are comfortable with a longer commute

  • Want a quieter suburban feel

In today’s balanced market:

• York Region offers stability.

• Durham Region offers affordability.

The “right” choice depends less on headlines and more on:

• Your budget

• Your commute

• Your lifestyle goals

• Your long-term plans

There is no universal answer to “York vs Durham.”

It’s about alignment.

Some buyers value stability and proximity. Others value space and price.

If you’re unsure which region fits your goals, I’m happy to walk you through:

• Current pricing by property type

• Monthly carrying cost comparisons

• School zone breakdowns

• Investment outlook differences

• Commute mapping

Every move should be strategic — not reactive.