Richmond Hill Neighbourhood Guide: Communities, Transit and the Subway Extension
Richmond Hill is a York Region city of about 202,000 people (2021 Census) north of Thornhill. TRREB splits it into 18 communities, from Bayview Hill and Mill Pond to Rouge Woods and Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox. It has GO Richmond Hill line service, Viva on Yonge, Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, no municipal land transfer tax, and two future subway stations at Bridge and High Tech.
The short answer
Richmond Hill is a city in York Region directly north of Thornhill, with about 202,000 residents as of the 2021 Census. It runs along Yonge Street from Highway 7 and the 407 north to the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Yonge North Subway Extension will end here, with stations at Bridge and High Tech.
TRREB groups Richmond Hill into 18 communities. Here is how I explain them to buyers.
South Richmond Hill: closest to Thornhill and the future subway
- Langstaff: the south end near Yonge, Highway 7 and the 407, including the Richmond Hill Centre area. It is where the Bridge and High Tech subway stations are planned, and where a lot of new condo and townhouse building is concentrated.
- South Richvale and North Richvale: established neighbourhoods west of Yonge with a mix of older detached homes on good lots and newer infill.
- Doncrest and Bayview Hill: east of Yonge. Bayview Hill is known for large executive homes, and Doncrest has established family streets.
Central Richmond Hill
- Mill Pond: the historic heart of Richmond Hill near the old village core on Yonge, around Mill Pond Park. Homes range from older character houses to newer builds.
- Harding, Crosby and Observatory: central communities with mostly established detached and semi detached homes. Observatory takes its name from the David Dunlap Observatory lands.
- Devonsleigh and Westbrook: family neighbourhoods with newer detached homes and townhouses.
- Rouge Woods: on the east side near Leslie, a popular family community close to Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park.
North Richmond Hill
- Jefferson: a newer community around Yonge and Gamble with family homes near forest and trail areas.
- Oak Ridges and Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox: the north end, on the Oak Ridges Moraine around Lake Wilcox. Buyers come here for newer homes, nature and trails, in exchange for a longer commute.
Beaver Creek Business Park and Headford Business Park are mainly employment areas.
Transit and commuting
- GO Richmond Hill line: Langstaff, Richmond Hill and Gormley stations, with Bloomington GO in the north on the Richmond Hill line extension.
- Viva Blue: rapid transit along Yonge Street, with the Richmond Hill Centre terminal.
- Highways: the 404 on the east side and the 407 along the south.
- Yonge North Subway Extension: about 8 kilometres of subway from Finch Station with five new stations at Steeles, Clark, Royal Orchard, Bridge and High Tech. Bridge station will be in the Richmond Hill Centre and Langstaff area between Highway 7 and the 407, connecting to Langstaff GO and Viva. High Tech will be near High Tech Road. The tunnelling contract was awarded in 2025 and the launch shaft was finished in July 2026. Metrolinx has not published an opening date.
Schools, hospital and things to do
Schools. Richmond Hill is served by the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board. High schools include Bayview Secondary, Richmond Hill High School, Alexander Mackenzie, Langstaff Secondary, Richmond Green Secondary and St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School. Always check a specific address with the board's school locator.
Hospital. Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.
Shopping and parks. Hillcrest Mall, Mill Pond Park, Lake Wilcox, Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, and the Oak Ridges Moraine trails.
Common questions about Richmond Hill
Will the subway come to Richmond Hill?
Yes. The Yonge North Subway Extension will end in Richmond Hill, with Bridge and High Tech stations near Highway 7 and the 407. Construction is underway, but no opening date has been published.
Do you pay municipal land transfer tax in Richmond Hill?
No. Only the City of Toronto charges one. In Richmond Hill you pay only the Ontario land transfer tax. See my closing costs guide.
What are the most popular neighbourhoods in Richmond Hill?
Bayview Hill and Rouge Woods are popular with families, Mill Pond for character and walkability, Langstaff for condos near the future subway, and Oak Ridges for newer homes near nature.
Is Richmond Hill close to Thornhill?
Yes. Richmond Hill starts right where Thornhill ends, at Highway 7 and the 407. Many of my clients compare homes in both.
Thinking about buying or selling in Richmond Hill?
If you want recent sold prices for a specific street in Richmond Hill, or a value for your own home, send me a message or call me at 647-965-7834.
Written by Robert Lin
Real estate agent serving Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, North York. Questions about your situation? Send me a message or call 647-965-7834.
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