What do you get when you put a bursting restaurant and arts scene, an abundance of waterfalls and green space and relatively affordable living within the GTA together? Our very own, #hamont.
Hamilton is home to over 740,000 people, and continues to attract attention (finally!) from Toronto folks looking for an alternative to living in the GTA. With a rich industrial history that once upon a time was heavily reliant on the manufacturing industry, many make assumptions about what this great city has to offer. I’m often pleased to show Toronto friends and interested buyers around on my “Tom’s Guide to Hamilton for Toronto buyers” tour (more on that later…) where I can show off trendy neighbourhoods, delicious food and beautiful trails, all within one city.
Whether you’re looking for a 5-star meal, a nature walk, an antique search or a good concert (in non-COVID times), Hamilton has something to offer you. Let’s take a look at some of my favourite neighbourhoods.
St. Clair
It all starts at home – my home, the St. Clair neighbourhood.
It boasts a number of fabulous historic homes and several heritage conservation districts. It’s visual anchor is ‘The Boulevard’, a site I have the privilege of enjoying everyday. A quiet, family friendly residential area with many unique homes, it’s often sought out for it’s architectural diversity, mature trees and picturesque streets. If you’re looking for a friendly neighbourhood for families and professionals and you don’t mind some competition in the market, consider St. Clair. You might just see me gardening.
Crown Point
A very popular neighbourhood for young families, the Crown Point area has multiple shopping districts, including Center Mall as well as the extremely popular Ottawa Street and Gage Park as core hotspots. In a great location; easily accessible to the downtown area or to the highways via Burlington Street. Affordable older housing within walking distance of some great local restaurants such as HamBRGR, Café Limoncello and Caro, coffee shop such as The Cannon and the ever-popular Ottawa St. Farmer’s Market make this is fantastic option for first time buyers.
Stinson
You’ve heard the term ‘up and coming’? This is it. 15 years ago, Stinson would be a neighbourhood to steer clear from, but now? It’s the place to be. Another hub for architectural restoration, the Stinson School Lofts serve as a gorgeous residential focal point. Beautiful historic homes are backed by a stunning view of the escarpment and immediate access to the rail trail and Wentworth stairs. Close to the downtown to boot – it’s the best of all worlds.
Close to parks, schools and transit, and undoubtably a great area to invest in.
Kirkendall
Home of the Judy Marsales office, Kirkendall is a favourite amongst those visiting Hamilton for the first time. A warm and inviting old-style neighbourhood, with a village atmosphere and friendly people on the streets. The streets are lively with independent book stores like Epic Books, restaurants galore like Brux House, The Burnt Tongue and Bread Bar and lifestyle shopping such as LuLu and Lavigne.
With equal access to the escarpment, the downtown and a booming residential area, Kirkendall is noted as one of the best places to raise a family in the city. Meet me on one of the many patios and I’ll show you everything this neighbourhood has to offer.
There are so many more neighbourhoods worth exploring, these are just a handful. Hamilton is a hidden gem that is ready to shine. Reach out anytime to learn more, and maybe I can bust out a new rendition of ‘Tom’s Guide to Hamilton’…
