If you’ve ever dreamed of living a Gilmore Girls-style life, this charming village near Toronto might be the place for you. With storybook streets, cozy cafes and even a gazebo, it’s full of Stars Hollow vibes, and locals say it’s one of the most beautiful places to live in Ontario.
You can spend your days wandering along flower-filled streets, strolling through boutiques with a warm cup of coffee, and more.
On Facebook, we asked Narcity readers what they think are the most beautiful Ontario towns to live in, and this dreamy village near Toronto was one of the places mentioned in the comments.
Readers say that downtown Unionville is the place to be if you want to live somewhere beautiful. The historic village, located about 30 minutes from Toronto in Markham, is straight out of a storybook, with old-world shops and heritage buildings lining the picture-perfect streets.
It’s no coincidence that this place looks like Stars Hollow — it actually served as the original stand-in for the fictional Connecticut town in the Gilmore Girls pilot episode. It went on to inspire the look and feel of the show’s beloved setting.
You can take a self-guided Gilmore Girls Tour around the town to discover filming locations from the series.
While you may not be able to visit Luke’s Diner, Unionville has many delicious restaurants and cozy coffee shops to enjoy, such as Il Postino and Behind The Alley.
The town offers year-round community events, as well as a distinct seasonal charm, from pumpkin-filled streets in the fall to twinkling Christmas lights during the holidays.
Unionville is also home to some beautiful natural areas, such as Toogood Pond. The scenic 33-hectare park is located right in the heart of downtown and offers lush greenery and picturesque trails.
However, living in this village comes with a hefty price tag. According to Zolo, Unionville’s median house price in June 2025 was $950,835, which is still lower than Toronto’s median price of $1,163,931.
With Stars Hollow vibes and storybook charm, it’s no surprise locals say Unionville is one of Ontario’s most beautiful spots to live.
Main Street Unionville Website
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.