For many Canadians buying a home today, the first question is no longer “How long is the commute?” Instead, it’s becoming “How good are the schools nearby?”
According to a recent Globe and Mail report, more Canadian families—even couples who don’t yet have children—are choosing where to buy based on future access to highly ranked public schools.
In many GTA neighbourhoods, buyers are willing to purchase a smaller home, an older property, or stretch their budget simply to secure an address within a desirable school boundary.
For many families, a home isn’t just a place to live—it’s part of a long-term education plan.
School Boundaries Can Add Tens of Thousands to Home Prices
One of the report’s most striking findings is how much value buyers place on school districts.
Homes located near the GTA’s highest-ranked public schools sell for approximately $60,000 to $70,000 more than comparable homes outside those boundaries.
For detached homes, the premium averages around 5% to 7%, while townhomes and other housing types often command premiums of 4% to 6%.
Sometimes, crossing a single school boundary can make a significant difference in both home value and buyer demand.
For sellers, this helps explain why two nearly identical homes in neighbouring streets may receive very different levels of interest.
Markham Continues to Stand Out
The report also highlights one clear winner:
Markham.
Among the 20 highest-rated school communities in the GTA, 11 are located in Markham, reinforcing the city’s reputation as one of the region’s most desirable places for families.
Neighbourhoods such as Middlefield and Victoria Manor–Jennings Gate continue to attract strong buyer demand thanks to their combination of highly rated schools, family-oriented communities, and convenient amenities.
Today, the median price for a detached home in Markham is around $1.5 million, while townhomes average approximately $1.04 million. Homes in some top school districts can sell for noticeably more than the city average.
It’s Not Always About Luxury
Interestingly, some of Toronto’s most expensive neighbourhoods don’t necessarily have the highest-ranked public schools.
Luxury communities such as Casa Loma, Rosedale, and The Annex remain among the city’s most expensive areas despite having relatively average public school rankings.
Why?
Many buyers in these neighbourhoods choose private schools, meaning public school rankings have less influence on purchasing decisions.
This shows that school districts matter most in communities where families prioritize public education.
Buyers Are Planning Earlier Than Ever
Another trend highlighted in the report is that buyers are beginning to think about schools much earlier.
Even couples without children are purchasing homes based on future school access.
Because school boundaries rarely change dramatically overnight, many families view buying in a desirable district as a long-term investment that benefits both their children and the property’s future resale value.
School Rankings Are Only Part of the Picture
While school rankings are an important factor, they shouldn’t be the only consideration when buying a home.
Families should also evaluate:
- Community safety
- Transit accessibility
- Parks and recreation
- Future neighbourhood development
- Daily amenities
- Property condition
- Long-term affordability
The ideal home balances education, lifestyle, and financial goals.
What This Means for Sellers
For homeowners located in highly regarded school districts, your property’s location may already be one of its strongest selling features.
However, buyers today are also looking for:
- Move-in-ready homes
- Competitive pricing
- Well-maintained properties
- Professional marketing
- Accurate neighbourhood information
Highlighting nearby schools as part of your marketing strategy can help attract qualified family buyers, but it should always be supported by a well-presented home.
JDL Realty Insight
The latest Globe and Mail report reinforces something we’ve seen in the GTA market for years:
Great schools continue to create strong, consistent housing demand.
While interest rates, market cycles, and inventory levels change over time, neighbourhoods with highly regarded schools often remain attractive to buyers planning for the long term.
That doesn’t mean every buyer should stretch beyond their budget simply to purchase within a top-ranked school zone.
Instead, the goal is to find the right balance between education, affordability, lifestyle, and long-term investment potential.
At JDL Realty, we help buyers understand not only current market conditions, but also neighbourhood trends, school districts, and future resale potential—so every purchase supports both your family’s needs and your long-term goals.
Final Thoughts
For many GTA families, buying a home is no longer just a real estate decision—it’s an education decision.
As demand for top public schools continues to grow, communities like Markham are likely to remain among the GTA’s most sought-after markets.
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading for a growing family, or planning years ahead, understanding how school districts influence property values can help you make a more informed decision.
Looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood near top-rated schools? JDL Realty is here to help you find the right home for your family’s future.
Source: The Globe and Mail
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