Oak Ridges Lake Wilcox, Richmond Hill real estate

Living in Oak Ridges and Lake Wilcox

Oak Ridges is the northernmost part of Richmond Hill, bordering Aurora to the north, King to the west and Whitchurch-Stouffville to the east. Yonge Street runs through its centre, and Bayview Avenue, Bloomington Road, King Road and Stouffville Road are its other main routes. Lake Wilcox, on the east side of Yonge, gives the community its focal point.

The whole community sits on the Oak Ridges Moraine, a ridge of hills, forests, wetlands and kettle lakes left by retreating glaciers. Settlers came along Yonge Street around 1800, and the area was known as Oak Ridges by the 1840s. For much of the 20th century it was a mix of farms, small lakeside settlements and modest homes. It became part of Richmond Hill in 1971. Suburban growth took off in the 1990s, especially along Bayview Avenue, and development has since filled in much of the land not protected by the moraine.

Today it is a community of contrasts: older homes and former cottages near the lake, established subdivisions from the 1990s and 2000s, newer townhouses along King Road and Yonge Street, and large stretches of protected forest and trails.

Getting around

• By car: Highway 404 is a short drive east and Highway 400 to the west, and Yonge Street connects south to the rest of Richmond Hill.
• Viva Blue bus rapid transit runs along Yonge Street with stops in Oak Ridges, connecting south to Richmond Hill Centre and Finch station on Line 1.
• The Yonge North subway extension, under construction, will bring Line 1 to Richmond Hill Centre, a shorter bus ride than travelling all the way to Finch.
• GO trains: Gormley and Bloomington stations on the Richmond Hill line lie to the east, and King City station on the Barrie line lies to the west.
• On foot and by bike: Trails are excellent, but daily errands mostly require a car.

Parks and things to do

• Lake Wilcox Park is the community's gathering place, with a sandy beach, boardwalk, picnic areas and a youth park. Paddling, kayaking and fishing are popular, and it is busy on summer weekends.
• Lake Wilcox itself is the largest kettle lake on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
• The Oak Ridges Community Centre, on the lake's eastern shore, has pools, a gym and fitness space and is designed to fit its natural setting.
• The Oak Ridges Corridor Park protects forest and wetlands around Bond Lake, with trails popular for hiking, running and mountain biking.
• The long-distance Oak Ridges Trail crosses the moraine, linking to wider routes.
• Yonge Street has local shops, plazas and restaurants, and Aurora and the rest of Richmond Hill are nearby for more.

Homes you'll find here

• Lakeside homes: Around Lake Wilcox, you'll find a mix of older homes, rebuilt custom homes and some former cottages, often on irregular lots.
• 1990s–2000s subdivisions: Detached homes, semis and townhouses, especially east of Yonge toward Bayview Avenue, many backing onto trails or green space.
• Newer townhomes and condos: Growing along King Road, Yonge Street and Bloomington Road.
• Estate-style homes: Some larger homes sit on bigger lots near the moraine forests.
• Protected land: Much of the remaining open space is restricted by moraine and Greenbelt rules, so the area's natural setting is likely to stay.

Who it suits

• Nature lovers: Lakes, forests and trails are part of daily life.
• Families wanting space: Larger homes and yards are common, with parks and a modern community centre nearby.
• Commuters by car: It has quick access to the 404 and 400 for jobs across York Region and Toronto.
• Paddlers, cyclists and runners: Lake Wilcox and the moraine trail network are right at hand.

Good to know before you buy

• Moraine and conservation rules: Properties on or near the Oak Ridges Moraine, lakes and wetlands may face limits on additions, pools, grading or tree removal. Check with the City of Richmond Hill and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
• Older lakeside homes: Some homes near Lake Wilcox began as cottages. Get a thorough inspection covering foundations, drainage and any conversions.
• Lake water quality: Lake Wilcox has had ongoing issues with algae and nutrient levels. The city monitors it and posts swimming advisories.
• Summer parking: Lake Wilcox Park is busy in season and has pay parking. Expect more traffic on nearby streets.
• Commute distance: Even with transit improvements, downtown Toronto is a long trip. Test your commute at rush hour.

Thinking about buying or selling in Oak Ridges and Lake Wilcox? Talk to Mehran for a free, no-pressure conversation.

Neighbourhood guide by Mehran Salehian, Sales Representative.