Observatory MLS® Listings

Evidence through archaeological discoveries always provide the essential proof needed to exact information about the first settlers of an area and this is the case with Richmond Hill. Going back as far as 1800 BCE, evidence of Paleo Indians (through the findings of artifacts at the Mortson dig site close to Elgin Mills Road & Leslie Street and 13 other sites around the area) were the first settlers of modern-day Richmond Hill. After the Paleo Indians moved on, there is also proof that the Archaic culture and the Iroquoian culture took up residence in the area. Like so many other areas around Ontario by the 17th and 18th Centuries, the Mississaugas Indians flourished in the area and inhabited what is now known as Richmond Hill…until the British became interested in the lands and purchased all of it from the Natives. Miles Hill (Richmond Hill’s given name at the dawn of the 18th Century) began growing with inhabitants of French, British, American and German descent. Homes and businesses were appearing all around the area at a rapid rate, which drew more people into the area. At the turn of the year 1873, Richmond Hill was officially incorporated into a village, and officially into a town in 1957, many years later.Richmond Hill is within the body of the Region of York (southern position) and is within the Greater Toronto Area. The 1990s launched Richmond Hill into a major growth spurt, and both residential and businesses planted firm roots here. With the upsurge in Richmond Hill’s economy came leaders in the healthcare, finance, business and science industries. The largest telescope in Canada (at the David Dunlap Observatory) is situated in Richmond Hill. The north part of Richmond Hill is rural and is Old Richmond Hill, the central part is highly commercialized, and the southern part is more business/industrial. Neighbourhoods in Richmond Hill are as unique as its diversified residents (many different cultures call Richmond Hill home). Jefferson is an area that is a fairly new construction and is bordered by Bayview Avenue in the east, Gamble Road in the south, Bathurst Street in the west, and Jefferson Forest (residential homes) sits in the southeast area. Mill Pond and the Heritage Estates area are a gorgeous blend of nature (walking trails, wildlife, seasonal events & parks) and large, older heritage homes built to reflect the 17th and 18th Centuries. Yonge Street is an area that hosts both small-town venues and modern developments like condos and shopping/entertainment/dining establishments. Bayview Hill is mostly a residential area. East Beaver Creek is the core of commercial & service-related businesses.Real estate for sale in and around the neighbourhoods of Richmond Hill are high-quality builds of older and newer homes. Condos, townhomes, detached houses, townhouses, and semi-detached homes are all full of individual character and lack nothing in the way of added spaces (both interiors and exterior lots) and fantastic locations! Prime real estate and premium locations (like Oak Ridges) makes any homebuyer or developer invest smartly in Richmond Hill! The northern area is loaded with investment potential for the offerings of vacant lots and ready-to-go zoning. The easily accessible Oak Ridges Moraine is a very tempting nature-filled recreational outlet for outdoor enthusiasts that purchase homes in the residential neighbourhood of Oak Ridges.Residents of Richmond Hill have access to 2 GO Transit stations, York Region Transit, VIVA Transit, and Highway 404 to the DVP reaches the downtown hub of Toronto. New residents to Richmond Hill will be delighted to know that there are 28 public elementary schools, 5 public secondary schools, 13 Catholic elementary schools and 2 Catholic secondary schools. There are several private schools that provide education right up to grade 12. Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital can address all healthcare needs, and there are several medical clinics also in the area (Richmond Hill Medical and York Medical are just a couple).Richmond Hill is a large employment provider on its own, with ranging industries (like wholesale, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, health, finance, business services & education) and not too many residents seek the commute further into Toronto for employment. This lends to the appeal of Richmond Hill; it is self-sustaining, has a small-town feel and the overall area is very family-oriented. The diversity of cultures provides excellent in-town shopping, dining and entertainment options, as well as yearly events that take place all around Richmond Hill. The Farmer’s Market, Taste of the Hill, Culture Days, Studio Tour & Art Sale, Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, and the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts are just the beginning when it comes to fun things to see, do, and taste around Richmond Hill. The Richmond Hill Country Club (18-hole course), the Bloomington Downs Golf Course, and the Summit Golf & Country Club are excellent venues for golfers living locally. The Wave Pool (Canada’s largest indoor pool) is a great way to spend a day out with the kids, either before spending some time at any of the 166 parks (some of which have skateboard parks, picnic areas, ice skating rinks, amphitheatres and multi-use courts), which are a ball of fun for all ages!