Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Vaughan, Ontario 2025

Is Vaughan, Ontario the place for you? There are a lot of great things to love about Vaughan, and this article will help you understand:

• Vaughan, Ontario Demographics
• The Pros and Cons of Living in Vaughan
• Step-By-Step Guide to Moving to Vaughan
• Where Should I Live in Vaughan?
• Vaughan Average Home Prices 2025

By the end of the article, you should be able to determine if Vaughan will be a good place for you to start your home search.

Vaughan, Ontario Demographics (Update 2025)

Vaughan, a rapidly growing city in Ontario, Canada, now boasts a population exceeding 350,000 people, solidifying its status as one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

Vaughan is renowned for its multicultural character, with over one-third of its population identifying as visible minorities. The city has some of the highest concentrations of Southern and Eastern European Canadians and Jewish communities in Ontario. Here’s a breakdown of some key demographic highlights:

• Italian Community: Approximately 30%–31% of Vaughan’s population is of Italian descent, making it one of the largest Italian communities in Canada.

• Russian Community: Around 8% of Vaughan’s population identifies as Russian.

• Jewish Community: Vaughan is home to a thriving Jewish community, making up 4%–5% of the population.

• Other Communities: The city also has significant populations of South Asians, Chinese, and other diverse ethnic groups.

Languages Spoken

While English is the primary language spoken and understood by the majority of residents, Vaughan is a multilingual city. Many residents speak Italian, Russian, Punjabi, Cantonese, and other languages at home, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Geographic Location

Vaughan is situated about 40 km north of downtown Toronto, offering easy access to the heart of the GTA. The city is conveniently connected through various transit options:

• York Region Transit (YRT): A robust bus network serving Vaughan and surrounding areas.

• Toronto GO Transit: Providing regional rail and bus services.

• Toronto Transit Commission (TTC): Vaughan is served by the Toronto subway system, with the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station acting as a major transit hub.

Key Features of Vaughan

• Economic Growth: Vaughan’s economy continues to thrive, with strong sectors in construction, manufacturing, and retail. The city is also a hotspot for corporate headquarters and logistics.

• Urban Development: The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) has transformed into a bustling urban hub with residential towers, offices, shops, and restaurants.

• Parks and Recreation: Vaughan is known for its extensive green spaces, community centers, and attractions like Canada’s Wonderland and the Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Vaughan in 2025?

Living in Vaughan, Ontario, remains more expensive than the national average due to its proximity to Toronto, its high quality of life, and growing housing demand. Here’s an updated overview of income levels and living costs:

Household Income in Vaughan

• Median Household Income: The median household income in Vaughan has risen to $120,000 in 2025, reflecting the city’s economic growth.

• Average Household Income: The average household income is approximately $135,000, though this figure masks significant income disparities among residents.

• Income Distribution: While many households earn above $150,000, a sizable portion of residents earn below $100,000, reflecting the diversity in economic status.

Housing Costs

• Detached Homes: The average price for a detached home in Vaughan is now approximately $1.5 million or more, depending on location and size.

• Townhomes: Townhomes offer a more affordable option, averaging around $950,000–$1.2 million.

• Condos: Condos in Vaughan are priced at an average of $650,000–$850,000, making them a popular choice for first-time buyers and smaller households.

• Rent: Monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,500 to $3,500, while single-family homes typically rent for $3,500–$5,000 or more.

Living Expenses

• Utilities: Monthly utility costs (electricity, water, heating) average between $250–$350 for a standard home.

• Transportation: Vaughan’s excellent transit links come at a cost, with monthly transit passes ranging from $150–$180 for local and regional networks. Gas prices, averaging $1.60–$1.80 per liter, make commuting by car an added expense.

• Groceries and Dining: A typical household spends about $800–$1,200 per month on groceries, with dining out adding an average of $200–$400.

Pros and Cons of Living in Vaughan, Ontario

There are lots of great things (and a few not-so-great-things) about life in Vaughan, Ontario. To know whether Vaughan is the right place for your family, you’ll need to decide what amenities you need in your personal life and your community. Here are some of the pros and cons of living in Vaughan:

Pros of Living in Vaughan

• The Location
  Vaughan is located a good distance outside of downtown Toronto, but it’s close enough to the city to give you easy access to the city’s amenities. You can take advantage of easy access to concert venues, sports events, schools and universities, city parks, festivals and events, and Lake Ontario waterfront within a short drive, and still get home to a Suburban lifestyle at the end of the day.
  
• Vibrant, Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods
  Vaughan is a world-class city with a community vibe that can’t be beat. With schools of every type (private schools, french-immersion public school, English public school, and religious-based education), recreation centres and parks, and plenty of family-friendly activities to keep your kids busy, Vaughan is an excellent city for families. Plus, plenty of Vaughan’s neighbourhoods are vibrant and full of activity, such as Kleinburg, home to McMichael Art Gallery, events like an annual Christmas tree lighting, Canada Day festivals, and the popular Binder Twine Festival.
  
• Active Lifestyle
  Vaughan is home to Copper Creek Golf Club and plenty of places to hike, canoe, bike, or ski. You can also visit Kortright Centre for Conservation, take a walk at Reptilia Zoo, or go for a walk at Sugarbush Heritage Park.
  
• TTC and Great Transit
  Vaughan has access to Toronto’s TTC Transit system, and GO Train. You can use both the GO Train and the TTC Subway system to access Toronto and other areas within the GTA, so if you don’t want to struggle with the busy GTA highways, you can work in other areas and commute using public transportation.

Cons of Living in Vaughan

• A Very Suburban Feel
  It’s difficult to list this in the ‘cons’ since, for some people, the calmer suburban vibe of Vaughan may actually be a pro! But if you’re considering moving to Vaughan, you should know that you won’t experience the same busy city vibe you get if you live in Toronto, or even in Mississauga, Etobicoke, or North York.
  
• The Traffic
  Vaughan traffic can be notoriously difficult to navigate, and you can spend a lot of time driving from place to place. The suburban nature of the city has created bordered neighbourhoods with very few cross streets, creating congestion on almost every major road, especially during the busy morning and evening commute.
  
• Touristy Attractions
  Vaughan can be riddled with tourists, especially in the summer months. Canada’s Wonderland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, a number of Golf Clubs, many wineries, and the aforementioned Kortright Centre for Conservation and Reptilia Zoo draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. These visitors also contribute to the congested traffic in the area.

Step-By-Step Guide to Moving to Vaughan, Ontario

If you’re considering moving to Vaughan, here are some steps you can take NOW to ensure your move is smooth and free of unnecessary hassles.

1. Narrow down your neighbourhood choices. From downtown condos and a busier city vibe to quiet, upscale neighbourhoods, and every family-friendly neighbourhood in between, Vaughan has something for everyone. Choose 3-5 communities you think would be best for you or your family to live in.

2. Make your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home. In a busy seller’s market, knowing exactly what you need and what you can do without will help save you plenty of time when you’re looking at homes.
   
3. Get pre-approved. When you see a home you love, you’ll want to put an offer in right away. Having a pre-approval will allow you to do just that – with no delays that could cost you the house! Being pre-approved also helps you know exactly what you can spend so you don’t spend time looking at homes that might be out of your budget.
   
4. Let Justo’s realtors show you around! We’re really knowledgeable about Vaughan’s neighbourhoods. We know how to help you estimate your commute, give you tips about where the best areas are for your lifestyle, and can even help you find a home close to the amenities you need, like great schools. Unsure about where you should look for a home in Vaughan? We can help with that, too! Our agents will compile a list of homes in areas that are suitable for your lifestyle, and help you narrow down the options.
   
5. Explore the city. Find out if you really want to live in Vaughan by spending the day in the city. Go to a few of the city’s favourite restaurants or coffee shops, walk around some popular neighbourhoods and parks, and even do a dry-run of your work commute. You’ll discover what life will be like in the city and help you decide if it’s the right place for you. Pro tip: Bring your spouse or partner if you have one! Make sure you’re on the same page, and that Vaughan will be a good place for you both to live.
   
6. Find your perfect home and make an offer. When you’re ready to purchase your home, Justo’s realtors will help you with every detail. Our lawyers can help you with all of the tricky paperwork and our industry partners will guide you through mortgages, home inspections, and other processes that may feel overwhelming. Justo’s full-service brokerage makes sure you’re informed and feeling in control throughout the entire process, and we offer you cashback on the purchase of your new home in Vaughan.

Where Should I Live in Vaughan?

Vaughan has plenty of beautiful, established neighbourhoods that are great for singles or families. Here are some of our favourites:

Kleinburg – Definitely one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Vaughan, Kleinburg is an estate community with gorgeous, well-developed landscapes and streets. Kleinburg considers itself a village within Vaughan and has its own BIA. Its European vibe and quaint streets are full of top-notch restaurants and coffee shops. Residents love how simple it is to walk around the downtown area and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the shops.

East Woodbridge – This is probably the best family-friendly neighbourhood in Vaughan. Mostly single detached homes, over 90% of the people in this community own their property, and most homes have children. East Woodbridge has 8 public schools, 11 Catholic schools, and 3 private schools as well as 17 parks and community recreation centres.

Sonoma Heights – Perfect for families who want a strong community vibe, people in Sonoma Heights have a strong sense of connection to one another and to the area, and also tend to live there long-term. This neighbourhood also has 9 Catholic schools and 8 public schools as well as plenty of parks and rec centres to keep everyone busy.

Vaughan Average Home Prices 2025

As of 2025, the real estate market in Vaughan, Ontario, has seen significant growth, reflecting increased demand and rising property values in the Greater Toronto Area. Here are the updated average home prices:

• Detached Homes: The average price for a detached home in Vaughan has risen to approximately $2,200,000. Luxury homes in high-demand neighborhoods can exceed $3 million.

• Townhomes: The average cost of a townhome is now around $1,400,000, driven by their popularity among young families and first-time buyers.

• Condos: Condos remain the most affordable option, with the average selling price reaching approximately $750,000–$800,000, depending on location and amenities.

Market Trends Driving Prices in 2025

1. High Demand: Proximity to Toronto, excellent amenities, and family-friendly communities continue to make Vaughan a desirable location.

2. Limited Supply: The availability of land for new developments is limited, particularly for detached homes, further driving up prices.

3. Urban Growth: The ongoing development of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) and surrounding areas has increased the value of properties near this growing urban hub.

4. Interest Rates: While slightly higher interest rates in 2025 have tempered price growth compared to the pandemic years, Vaughan’s real estate market remains competitive.

If you’re in the market for a home in Vaughan and you would like to see what the city has to offer, contact Justo today. We’ll be glad to show you around some homes in the city and help you decide if Vaughan is the right place for you.