In the shadow of “Wonder Mountain,” this section of Vaughan has become an appealing destination for those looking to enjoy all the perks of small-town life, within easy driving distance of the big smoke. Just east of Highway 400, Maple stretches from Rutherford Road in the south to Teston Road in the north.
Maple is abuzz with excitement. This is a suburb, but definitely not a sleepy one. Active families on the go and a much younger population than much of the GTA make this a happy, noisy community in which every day has the potential to be a “grand day out.” You can actually smell cotton candy and funnel cakes in the air!
Maple is late twentieth-century suburban paradise. The more established area near Rutherford boasts perfect cookie-cutter brick houses and townhomes with peaked dormers. Further north, housing continues to expand far into the former farmland – it’ll be a while before these trees mature. The houses get bigger, subdivision streets more byzantine, and new developments are sold out and filled up as fast as they can be built.
It doesn’t get more family-friendly than Maple, and that’s who you’ll mainly find living here. Few single professionals are drawn to Vaughan for reasons other than work; there’s not exactly a happening scene here. Ethnically Maple is very diverse, and at least 45 per cent of its population are immigrants to Canada, well above the provincial average.
Judging by the number of vehicles jammed into driveways you’d imagine no one walks or takes transit in Maple, but that’s not entirely the case. While easy access to the 400 (and all connected highways) makes this area attractive to commuters, within Maple it’s pretty easy to get around on foot, and unlike suburban developments elsewhere, all newer streets feature sidewalks.
In an in-demand neighbourhood such as this one, nothing comes cheap. While some parts of Maple are more reasonable, the presence of so many people and corporate interests means this is the kind of place where it seems to cost $20 just to walk out your front door. Expect to pay above average prices for just about everything except fast food.
With so many expensive recreational options nearby, one of the best features of Maple is its many parks. There are at least 25 of them offering free entertainment for the whole family (pets too!). The area is also home to two Montessori schools. Secondary students attend Maple High School or St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School.
While attractive shopping and entertainment options draw many visitors to Maple, one has to dig pretty deep to find any of the local and independent businesses that usually define a smaller community. Since most of the development of this area has occurred in the last twenty years, there aren’t a lot of mom-and-pop places: this is chain store and franchise heaven.
A hand-picked selection of new home and condos for sale in Maple. For those who love the thrill of anticipation of getting into a brand new home or condo.
The only grocery store within view of Vaughan Mills shopping Centre, Coppa’s is popular not only because of its prime location, but its reputation for offering a huge variety of only the finest produce.
more infoThis all-in-one complex features an arena, swimming pool, indoor track, squash courts, fitness centre, bocce courts, a whirlpool, meeting and banquet facilities, and even its own bowling alley, in addition to the municipal library branch.
more infoWith “over 3 million bricks under one roof,” this popular newer attraction is another reason your children will undoubtedly be dragging you to Vaughan Mills at some point in the not-too-distant future.
more infoIn an area with few fine dining options, this stalwart packs ‘em in with no problem, and boasts a lovely enclosed patio that’s private enough to almost obscure its parking lot view.
more infoThe 15th-largest mall in Canada, this high-end retail Valhalla opened in 2004. Anchored by specialty shop giants such as the Bass Mills Pro Outdoor World and “the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle brands.”
more infoNot just a draw for tourists from across the country and around the world, locals flock daily to Canada’s largest theme park. With Season Passes starting at only $69.95, it’s a no-brainer for Maple residents with kids.
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