Up-and-coming neighbourhoods

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Transit and diversity boost appeal and affordability

Three-quarters of Canadians have made compromises to live where they do but that hardly means they’re dissatisfied. In fact, four in five would recommend their neighbourhood as a great place to live, according to Best Places to Buy in 2025: RE/MAX Next Neighbourhoods Report.

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“Liveability is important to Canadians and many buyers know what they’re willing to compromise on in order to get more on their must-have list,” says Don Kottick, president of REMAX Canada. “Every market has something for everyone but not all things. Compromise has always been part of the buying process, which includes managing expectations and setting realistic goals.”

According to an Angus Reid survey commissioned by REMAX Canada, 37 per cent of Canadians valued affordability as a top factor in choosing their neighbourhoods, down from 44 per cent in a similar 2024 survey. Affordability is followed closely by proximity to amenities such as restaurants, shopping and grocery stores (36 per cent) and convenient access to public transit (31 per cent).

The survey also found Canadians want to spend more times in their neighbourhoods:

• Shopping at local stores (58 per cent)
• Dining out (52 per cent)
• Socializing with friends, family and neighbours (43 per cent)

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is experiencing population growth over three per cent annually and significant infrastructure investments – particularly in transportation – are leading to improved neighbourhood quality across traditionally undervalued urban and suburban areas, according to the Next Neighbourhoods Report.

“Canada’s urban population is growing at an astonishing pace. Municipalities need to work with their provincial and federal counterparts to increase transit and housing infrastructure – which is already happening in some pockets of the Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver Areas,” says Kottick.

“New transportation links, often developed alongside housing, are transforming once overlooked and undervalued neighbourhoods into magnets for buyers seeking shorter commute times while achieving better affordability. Expanding access strengthens connectivity in community and creates excellent potential for long-term liveability and value.”

Based on the criteria of affordability, quality of life and a buyer’s return on investment, two types of emerging neighbourhoods surfaced: up-and-coming communities seeing advanced development, and regions that have traditionally been undervalued due to a lack of transportation access and misconceptions.

As governments at all levels invest in infrastructure and community revitalization, most Canadians said they feel those policies bring added benefits to their communities, with more businesses (88 per cent) and restaurants (87 per cent) having the greatest impact. New infrastructure, especially transit development, ranks lower at 41 per cent, but arguably has the biggest impact on the emergence of a “next neighbourhood,” RE/MAX notes.

As population increases, governments have begun investing in transit infrastructure – oftentimes a precursor to new businesses flocking to communities and facilitating ‘the next great neighbourhood. “Communities often experience transit development before and alongside new residential housing. In Ontario, we’ve seen rapid housing developments labeled Transit-Oriented Communities hugging the new Ontario Line actively under construction,” says Kottick.

Hidden gems

The Best Places to Buy in 2025: REMAX Next Neighbourhoods Report lists the following as ‘hidden gems” across the Greater Toronto Area and why:

Clairlea-Birchmount in Toronto has grown in popularity for its blend of urban and suburban living, transit access, and diverse neighbourhoods that appeal to young professionals and families. Its proximity to Taylor Creek Park adds ample green space.

Average house price: $932,014

Wexford-Maryvale in Toronto is a family-friendly neighbourhood offering a cozy, suburban feel with quick access to the Don Valley Parkway and Hwy. 401. Just minutes from downtown Toronto, it features mostly low-rise, one- to two-storey homes and brick bungalows.

Average house price: $1.071 million

Crown Point in west Hamilton is a diverse, mostly residential neighbourhood with affordable, owner-occupied detached homes featuring finished basements and backyards. It offers easy highway access, schools, amenities and a trendy yet exclusive feel close to work hubs.

Average house price: $570,000

Aldershot South on Burlington Bay’s west end offers easy highway and GO Transit access, a mix of housing, and plentiful parks, green spaces and waterfront views. It’s growing into a vibrant, well-connected community without heavy traffic.

Average house price: $899,000

Downtown Markham has a new York University campus, rising condominium developments and improved transit. This growing hub offers restaurants, activities and cultural attractions.

Average house price: $660,000 to $1.625 million

Seaton is a rapidly developing, master-planned community in Pickering and is gaining attention for its strategic location and infrastructure.

Average house price: $1.013 million

Don Mills-Victoria Village in Toronto has been shaped by the Eglinton Crosstown, among many other east-end communities, improving downtown access. They offer top arts schools; larger, more affordable homes than Don Mills/Leaside; and spacious lots with post-Second World War heritage.

Average house price: $1.126 million

‘Unexpected’ neighbourhood gems

Unique neighbourhoods have historically been undervalued due to unfair misconceptions or for being “too far away” from the city centre, according to The Best Places to Buy in 2025: REMAX Next Neighbourhoods Report. These communities are often well established but overlooked compared to neighbouring catchments.

Scarborough remains one of the “most undervalued” areas in the Greater Toronto Area. For decades, many have harboured misconceptions about the community due to a variety of outdated biases. However, it’s incredibly safe, has a diversity of housing stock and many positive attributes, including a renowned performing arts school with students coming from across the city to attend, according to the report.

Other unexpected neighbourhood gems: East York, particularly pockets around Birchmount, Victoria Park, Warden and Wexford, and Hamilton.