Wismer vs. Greensborough: Which Markham Community Is Better for Families Seeking Top Schools on a Budget?

Wismer vs. Greensborough: Which Markham Community Is Better for Families Seeking Top Schools on a Budget?

Many families look for homes in Markham with high school rankings, two names consistently come up: Wismer and Greensborough. Both sit in northeast Markham. Both feel safe, have family parks, and are close to one of the most respected public high schools in Ontario: Bur Oak Secondary School.

But in today’s softer market, price matters and that’s where the difference begins to show.

Bur Oak Secondary: A Shared Advantage For Now

Right now, both Wismer and Greensborough fall under the Bur Oak S.S. boundary. The school’s reputation speaks for itself. Ranked #11 in Ontario by the Fraser Institute in 2023, Bur Oak offers strong academics, a vibrant arts program, and AP courses. Over 1,500 students attend, and the school continues to draw families who value education.

Nevertheless, Greensborough may eventually get its own public high school as the population grows. There’s no timeline yet, but it’s something to keep in mind if long-term zoning is important in your decision.

Markham’s Market: April 2025 Snapshot

The market has cooled since last spring:

  • Detached Homes now average $1.6M, down 7.5% year-over-year
  • Townhouses and semis sit around $1.18M, also down about 7%

In this environment, Greensborough tends to offer more value, particularly for townhomes or detached homes with a single garage.

How Do the Two Stack Up?

Feature

Wismer

Greensborough

Detached Avg. Price

~$1.6M

Slightly under $1.6M

Townhouses

~$1.15M+ (not many under $1.1M)

~$1.05M–$1.15M (better variety under $1.1M)

Single Garage Detached

Possible under $1.5M (tight lots)

More options under $1.5M

Double Garage Detached

Mostly $1.6M–$1.8M

Hard to find under $1.5M

Takeaway: If your cap is $1.5M, Greensborough gives you more breathing room. You’re more likely to find a freehold home without compromising too much on size.

Community Feel:

Feature

Wismer

Greensborough

Elementary School

Wismer P.S.

Donald Cousens P.S.

High School Zone

Bur Oak S.S. (stable)

Bur Oak S.S. (for now)

GO Train Access

Bus access only

Close to Mount Joy GO

Green Space

Family parks, moderate trails

Swan Lake, large open trails

Retail Access

Groceries, restaurants nearby

Quieter, more driving required

Walkability

Higher

Lower – better for drivers

Demographics

Established Chinese Canadian families

More diverse, newer families

Which One Fits You Best?

Your Priority

Best Fit

School zone stability + walkability

Wismer

Entry-level freehold options

Greensborough

Easy downtown commute

Greensborough

Close to parks and nature

Greensborough

Mature community with amenities

Wismer

Final Thoughts

If you’re choosing between Wismer and Greensborough, you’re already looking in the right direction. These are two of Markham’s most sought-after areas for families who value school quality, safety, and a good return on investment.

If you're on a tighter budget, for example, under $1.3M, Greensborough is worth a serious look. You might find a freehold townhome or a smaller detached that gives you space without stretching too far.

On the other hand, Wismer offers the comfort of an established community, walkability, and possibly more predictability around future school zoning and all of which can be worth the premium for many buyers.

 



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