Hamilton Neighbourhood Guide

Hamilton offers some of the best value in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. It has a revived downtown, historic neighbourhoods, the Niagara Escarpment running through the middle of the city and more than 100 waterfalls. Many Toronto buyers move here for a larger home and a real backyard.

Popular neighbourhoods in Hamilton

• Westdale: Character homes and a village shopping strip next to McMaster University.
• Kirkendall and Locke Street: Older homes near Locke Street's cafes and shops.
• Durand and downtown: Historic homes and condos close to James Street North and the GO Centre.
• Dundas: Small-town charm in the valley, surrounded by trails and waterfalls.
• Ancaster: Larger homes, newer subdivisions and easy Highway 403 access.
• Stoney Creek and Waterdown: Family areas with newer homes, close to the QEW or Highway 6.
• Hamilton Mountain: Above the Escarpment, with well-priced family homes and big lots.

Homes you will find

Older brick homes and semis in the lower city, condos downtown, post-war bungalows on the Mountain and newer subdivisions in Ancaster, Binbrook, Stoney Creek and Waterdown.

Getting around

GO trains on the Lakeshore West line stop at Hamilton West Harbour and Confederation stations, with GO bus service from the Hamilton GO Centre. The Hamilton LRT is being built along King Street from McMaster University to Eastgate. Highways QEW and 403, the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and the Red Hill Valley Parkway connect the city.

Schools

Public schools are run by the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and Catholic schools by the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB), with French-language schools from Viamonde and MonAvenir. McMaster University and Mohawk College are both in Hamilton.

Things to do

The Bruce Trail, Royal Botanical Gardens, Bayfront Park, Dundas Peak, Albion Falls, the James Street North art crawl and a growing restaurant scene.

Buying tips for Hamilton

• Many lower-city homes are 80 to 120 years old. Check for knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, lead water lines and older foundations.
• Older wiring and plumbing can affect home insurance. Get an insurance quote before you firm up your offer.
• Homes close to the Escarpment edge or creeks may have conservation authority limits on additions.
• Properties near the future LRT line may see higher demand once it opens.

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