The Vibe

Richmond Hill is one of Toronto’s original great suburbs, located due north on Yonge Street. Its forward-thinking attitude has a focus on arts and culture, without losing touch with its robust history. Its exciting historic downtown and beautifully maintained heritage streets and buildings give it a certain savoir faire that lends itself perfectly to enriching experiences discovered in its many eclectic boutiques, charming cafés, and diverse dining experiences from every corner of the world.

The Story

Originally the lands of the Huron-Wendat First Nation’s, the Haudenosaunee defeated them in the mid-1600s and eventually abandoned the area at the turn of the century. Shortly after, the Anishinaabeg and Mississauga arrived in the territory and almost 200 years later, in 1805, Mississauga chiefs signed the Toronto Purchase. Formerly known as Treaty 13, the agreement transferred approximately 1,015 km2 to the colonial government.

In 1796, Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe completed the construction of Yonge Street, connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe as part of his defense against the French and Americans. Lots were available for settlement with Vaughan Township on the west and Markham Township on the east.

Emerging villages and communities in the area included Richmond Hill, Dollar, Langstaff and Temperanceville where settlers were a mix of Loyalists, Pennsylvania-Germans, and British immigrants. There was also a small community of African Americans who settled in the area after escaping enslavement.

Mill Pond served as the energy source for the town to help support the sawmills, iron foundries, a tannery, a brick yard, a distillery, lumber mills, and a grist mill that drove the area’s industry in the 1800s. This is now one of Richmond Hill’s most desirable areas.

In 1872 a petition to York County council requested that Richmond Hill be incorporated as a village to gain control over how taxes were spent. This was granted in 1873, but the village population began to drop. In 1912, the establishment of two greenhouses helped attract similar businesses to the community, dubbing Richmond Hill the “Rose Capital of Canada” in the 1930s. It wasn’t until 2019 that the area was reincorporated as a city.

Today Richmond Hill painstakingly cares for its historic homes and buildings, while continuing to show its commitment to expansion and industry. Mill Pond is a perfect example of Richmond Hill’s industriousness, which still stands as a central hub for local events while offering heritage homes near Yonge, random pockets of apartments and townhouses scattered throughout the neighbourhood and an impressive selection of bungalows, split-level and detached Colonial-Revival style houses. Other Richmond Hill neighbourhoods include the posh Bayview Hill area, the new housing subdivisions of Jefferson, the twisting, hilly streets of Westbrook and the quaint historic streets and homes of Crosby dating back to the 1800s.

The Convenience

Conveniently located on Yonge and the 404, you can’t find a closer, easier commute than Richmond Hill. You also have access to York Region Transit, Viva, and GO Transit bus terminals at Richmond Hill Centre Terminal.

Long established as a GTA suburb, you’ll find all the conveniences you need including a world-class performance arts centre, excellent schools, plenty of recreational centres, pools, and rinks. Lovely parkland sheltered by mature trees, featuring beautiful trails and views of the Upper East Don River and the Oakridges Moraine are ideal for long walks and biking, while the Canadian National Historic site, David Dunlap Observatory Park features the country’s largest observatory and over 5 km of trails.

Richmond Hill is also known for its excellent schools with your choice of public and Catholic school boards as well as renowned private and Montessori options.

The Residents

Richmond Hill is a highly diverse community with a large population of both English and Chinese speaking households. People with backgrounds from Italy, Spain, and Arabic descent also call this lovely City home along with a thriving Jewish community. Average incomes are slightly below Ontario’s average of $115,000 at $102,000 with about 18% earning over $200,000.

The Best Part

Richmond Hill’s serene pockets of welcoming, uncrowded mature neighbourhoods offer a peaceful life that feels far from the city, even though downtown TO is only 25 kms away.