Vaughan Neighbourhood Guide: Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinburg, Thornhill and VMC
Vaughan is a York Region city of about 323,100 people (2021 Census) northwest of Toronto. TRREB splits it into 21 communities, including Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinburg, Concord, Vellore Village and the Thornhill area (L4J). It has the only subway stations in York Region, including Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, two GO Barrie line stations, Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, and no municipal land transfer tax.
The short answer
Vaughan is a city in York Region northwest of Toronto, with about 323,100 residents as of the 2021 Census. It is made up of several historic villages that grew together: Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinburg, Concord and the Vaughan side of Thornhill. Vaughan also has the Line 1 subway, which reaches Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.
TRREB groups Vaughan into 21 communities. Here is how I explain them to buyers.
Thornhill, the Vaughan side (L4J)
Everything west of Yonge in Thornhill is in Vaughan: Crestwood-Springfarm-Yorkhill, Uplands, Brownridge, Beverley Glen, Patterson and Thornhill Woods, and Lakeview Estates. This is my home market, and I cover each community in my Thornhill neighbourhood guide.
Woodbridge
Woodbridge is in the southwest of Vaughan and is split by TRREB into West Woodbridge, East Woodbridge, Vaughan Grove, Islington Woods and Elder Mills. It grew from a historic village into one of Vaughan's largest communities, with established streets of detached homes, newer townhouses and condos, and quick access to Highways 400, 407 and 427.
Maple
Maple sits in the centre of Vaughan around Major Mackenzie and Keele. It has a mix of established and newer family homes, Maple GO station on the Barrie line, and Canada's Wonderland just to the west. Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital is nearby on Major Mackenzie.
Vellore Village and Sonoma Heights
These are newer family communities in the west and north of Vaughan, built mostly from the late 1990s onward. Buyers come here for newer detached homes and townhouses, newer schools and parks, and access to Highway 400 and Vaughan Mills.
Kleinburg
Kleinburg is a historic village in the northwest of Vaughan, known for its small main street, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and larger lots and custom homes in the surrounding area. It feels more rural than the rest of the city.
Concord and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre
Concord sits around Highway 7 and Keele, with a mix of older homes, newer townhouses and a large employment area. Glen Shields is a family neighbourhood nearby. Next to it, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC) at Highway 7 and Jane is a new downtown being built around the subway, with high rise condos, offices and parks. The city plans for about 25,000 residents there by 2031, so this is where most new condo supply in Vaughan is coming from.
Transit and commuting
- Line 1 subway: Pioneer Village, Highway 407 and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre stations, open since December 2017. These are the only subway stations in York Region today.
- GO Barrie line: Rutherford GO and Maple GO.
- Viva rapid transit: Blue (Yonge Street), Orange (Highway 7) and Pink routes, plus YRT buses. Since 2024, transfers between the TTC and York Region buses are free when you pay electronically.
- Highways: the 400, 407 and 427.
- Coming: the Yonge North Subway Extension will add stations near the Vaughan side of Thornhill at Steeles and Clark. No opening date has been published.
Schools, hospital and things to do
Schools. Vaughan is served by the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board. High schools include Woodbridge College, Emily Carr, Stephen Lewis, St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Maple, and Westmount Collegiate and St. Elizabeth Catholic in Thornhill. Check any address with the board's school locator before you buy.
Hospital. Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, part of Mackenzie Health, at 3200 Major Mackenzie Drive West. It opened in 2021.
Shopping and attractions. Vaughan Mills, the Promenade Shopping Centre in Thornhill, Canada's Wonderland, the Kortright Centre for Conservation and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
Common questions about Vaughan
Is Thornhill part of Vaughan?
Partly. Thornhill west of Yonge Street is in Vaughan (postal code L4J). Thornhill east of Yonge is in Markham (L3T).
Do you pay municipal land transfer tax in Vaughan?
No. Only the City of Toronto charges one. In Vaughan you pay only the Ontario land transfer tax. See my closing costs guide.
Does Vaughan have a subway?
Yes. Line 1 runs to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, with stops at Pioneer Village and Highway 407 along the way.
What are the newer neighbourhoods in Vaughan?
Vellore Village, Sonoma Heights, Patterson and Thornhill Woods are mostly newer family communities. The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre is where most new condos are being built.
Thinking about buying or selling in Vaughan?
If you want recent sold prices for a specific street in Vaughan, 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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