Townhouses For Sale in Cornell, Markham

Designed by Duany Plater-Zyberk, built from 1997

The Town of Markham conceived Cornell in the early 1990s as a different kind of suburb. US firm Duany Plater-Zyberk and Associates designed it in 1994 around a grid street pattern, higher density than a typical subdivision, and a retail main street within walking distance. Building started in 1997, and the community took its name in 1999.

What that means for buyers is a high proportion of townhouses, semis and detached homes on narrow lots with garages at the rear. Porches face the street, and parks and parkettes are scattered through the grid. Cornell Village, between Highway 7 and 16th Avenue, is fully built. South Cornell, south of Highway 7, began redevelopment in 2022, so newer units are coming on the market there.

The result is a neighbourhood where you can often walk to a park, an elementary school or a corner store, which is still unusual in York Region.

Living with a rear garage and a lane

Cornell's layout works well for many families, but it does change some daily routines. Things to think about on a showing:

• The walk from car to door. Some homes have a detached garage with a courtyard in between; others have an attached rear garage. With groceries and a car seat, the difference is noticeable.
• Yard size. The courtyard or rear yard is often small. Families who want a play area may rely on nearby parks instead.
• Coach houses. Some properties have a space above the garage. If you plan to rent it, confirm with the City of Markham whether it is a legal second unit.
• Parking. Count the garage and lane apron spaces. Street parking rules apply, and visitor parking on busy streets can be tight.

Cornell Terminal, Mount Joy GO and the 407

Cornell has its own bus terminal, served by York Region Transit, Viva and GO buses, with plans for Durham Region Transit connections. Highway 407 forms the southern boundary, with exits at Donald Cousens Parkway and Ninth Line, so drivers heading east to Durham or west across the region have easy access.

For trains, Mount Joy and Markham GO stations on the Stouffville line are the closest, a short drive or bus ride west. Families who commute downtown often weigh how close a home is to Mount Joy against how close it is to the 407.

Markham Stouffville Hospital sits on Church Street by Cornell's western edge, which is a draw for healthcare workers and for families who like having a hospital nearby. The Little Rouge Creek and the Rouge Valley lands lie to the east, which gives residents trails within a short drive.

Cornell for a growing family: what to check

Cornell's townhouses are usually freehold, so there's no condo fee, but some newer projects in South Cornell may use a parcel of tied land structure with a small common elements fee. The listing's legal description will confirm.

For older Cornell homes from the late 1990s and early 2000s, the big items are the roof, furnace, air conditioner and windows. A home inspection is worth the cost. For newer South Cornell units, ask about the remaining Tarion warranty coverage and any open deficiency items.

Schools are run by the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board. Check the catchment for the exact address with each board, since new schools have opened as the community has grown and boundaries have shifted.

Cornell usually has more townhouse listings than any other Markham community, so families can often compare several homes in a single weekend. That supply also makes it a good place to learn which layout suits you before widening the search.