Townhouses For Sale in Jefferson, Richmond Hill

Moraine headwaters and the 2000s subdivisions

The name goes back a long way. The area was known as Jefferson by the 1840s, with a common school built in 1840 and a post office in 1882. For most of its history it was a rural crossroads. The change to a residential community came with newer subdivisions, including Macleod's Landing and Inspiration off Bathurst Street.

That growth didn't come easily. Building on the moraine was hotly contested, and the Macleod's Landing development became an issue in the 2003 provincial election, when the Liberals promised to stop development on the moraine in Richmond Hill. The neighbourhood that exists today is the result of that period, surrounded by protected land that limits further building.

The houses are often styled with Georgian and Tudor details. Townhouses sit mostly alongside detached homes on the same streets.

Woodlots, kettle lakes and Saigeon Park

Jefferson's setting is its biggest selling point. Conservation lands, woodlots and kettle lakes surround the neighbourhood, and three major rivers, the Humber, Don and Rouge, begin close to Bathurst Street and Jefferson Sideroad.

Saigeon Park runs as a green corridor through the middle of the community, with a walking and cycling path and an off-leash dog area. For families with kids or dogs, being a few minutes from trails without driving is a daily benefit.

The flip side is that commercial amenities are along Yonge and Bathurst, so most errands mean a short drive to the plazas on those roads.

Getting downtown from Jefferson

Public transit is limited inside the neighbourhood. Viva Blue runs along Yonge Street, with service south to Finch station on Line 1. Richmond Hill GO station, on the Richmond Hill line, is a drive away, and the nearest GO options take about 15 minutes to reach by car from most addresses.

For drivers, Yonge and Bathurst lead south to Highway 7 and the 407, and Highway 400 is reachable to the west. The 404 is to the east across Yonge. Test your route at rush hour, since Yonge Street can be slow.

Freehold towns among detached streets: what to check

Most Jefferson townhouses are freehold, with no monthly fee. They're often two or three storeys, built in the same period and style as the detached homes around them. A few points to watch:

• Age of the big items. Homes from the 2000s may be approaching roof, furnace and air conditioner replacement. Ask for receipts if they've been done.
• Grading and drainage. Homes near woodlots or slopes can face drainage challenges. Look at the grading around the house and the condition of the basement.
• Lot backing. A unit backing onto conservation land usually means more privacy, but there may be restrictions on fences, decks or tree removal. Check with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority if relevant.
• Schools. Confirm the catchment with the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board.

For downsizers, Jefferson's townhouses are generally larger and more stair-heavy than condominium complexes closer to Yonge. For growing families, they offer a lot of space surrounded by green land, at the cost of a longer commute and fewer walkable errands.

Jefferson often has a steady supply of townhouse listings. Use the live data on this page to compare it with Westbrook just to the south.