There’s no denying it: home hunters are falling in love with Hamilton. It’s no longer just in-the-know buyers who are scouring the local real estate market. Now more than ever, we’re seeing a ton of young families who are looking for the perfect place to put down roots. One of the most exciting things about this change is the way it’s rejuvenating some of our established communities.

If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Hamilton’s increasingly popular housing market, try one of these five neighbourhoods…

1) Strathcona

Did somebody say “revival?” Just west of downtown Hamilton, a charming historic neighbourhood is coming into its own. We’re talking about Strathcona, a community full of beautiful older houses—which, believe it or not, tend to be quite affordable! A recent influx of modern condos is also breathing new life into the area, and creating a more diverse housing mix. Prospective residents are attracted to Strathcona’s quiet and relaxed vibe, convenient location (close to Highway 403), and gorgeous green spaces (which include Victoria Park). As a bonus for history lovers, majestic Dundurn Castle is also in the neighbourhood. Put simply, this area has a lot to offer—and it’s a great place for families to invest.

✦ Thinking about making the move? Read: 5 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Strathcona

2) Kirkendall North & South

Nestled between Aberdeen and Main Streets, you’ll find upscale Kirkendall North & South. These twin communities are a major draw for home buyers, and it’s easy to see why. First, there are the picturesque streets and turn-of-the-century houses. Then there’s the proximity to vibrant Locke Street. This trendy strip is the perfect place to sip an espresso, enjoy a bite, or find a gift for that special someone in the local shops. More of a nature lover? You’ll adore lounging in beautiful Highland Gardens Park, which is built atop the city’s reservoir. A section of the Bruce Trail also runs through the neighbourhood—a must-visit for walkers, joggers, and cyclists!

3) Central Hamilton

This city is having a moment—one that’s well-deserved, if you ask us! For locals and visitors alike, thoughts of our urban revitalization are linked to Central Hamilton. James Street North is bustling with trendy boutiques, coffee shops, and art galleries. The food scene is just as exciting, as new hotspots (like Uncle Rays and Meanwhile Winebar) join well-established favourites (such as The French). The area also plays host to events like Supercrawl and Art Crawl (which draw attendees from well outside the city’s borders). It could be your home too—especially now that new developments like Acclamation Condos are moving in.

✦ For more on this neighbourhood read: Our Complete Guide to Central Hamilton

4) Crown Point

After one visit, you’ll understand the recent hype surrounding Crown Point. We’re big fans of pretty much everything about this pocket of the city, starting with sweeping Gage Park. At this 71-acre space, you’ll find green houses, gardens, sports facilities, a children’s museum, and more—all in the heart of downtown. Another Crown Point jewel is Ottawa Street, which is the site of both the city’s textile district and an incredibly popular farmer’s market. Living in the area also means being close to the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, and having easy access to the QEW (perfect for those weekend trips to the GTA and beyond).

5) Waterdown West

There was a time when Waterdown was thought of as little more than a sleepy commuter town. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. For our part, we’re pretty excited about up-and-coming Waterdown West, which has seen an upswing in new condo development of late. Along with the nearby amenities of the city, the area offers all the charm of a village—and a few natural wonders. We suggest hiking the pristine Bruce Trail, taking in the stunning Smokey Hollow Waterfall, and hitting up the top-notch Kamoosh Bistro for dinner. If you fall in love with the area, you’ll be happy to learn that Waterdown West is accessible to buyers in all price ranges!

✦ Click here to read our Waterdown neighbourhood guide.

Interested in learning more about life in Burlington? Curious about some of the beautiful homes on the market here? Get in touch—we’d love to show you what makes life in this community so great!

There’s no shortage of reasons to love living in Burlington, and one of the biggest is the sheer number of things to do. When the weekend rolls around, residents of this vibrant city have their pick of fun activities—and making a choice isn’t always easy. To simplify things, we thought we’d put together a list describing our perfect day here. 

If you’re feeling ambitious this weekend, here’s how you should consider spending a day in Burlington…

Start off right 

There’s no better way to start the day than with a relaxing (and very satisfying) breakfast! One of our favourite places to do that is at the Coop. This Brant Street hotspot serves up decadent dishes, such as french toast bites and huevos rancheros. Whether you like to start your day with something sweet or savoury, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

Get moving 

After breakfast, it’s time to get the blood flowing—and enjoy some beautiful scenery at the same time! We suggest heading to Spencer Smith Park. This downtown greenspace is known for its waterfront views, which are simply spectacular from the promenade. In the warmer months, you’ll also want to check out the peaceful Itabashi Garden. If you’re exploring in the winter, don’t forget to visit Rotary Centennial Pond. If skating is your thing, this is one of the best rinks in the city!

Enjoy some culture 

Ready to get cultured? If you have an appreciation for the finer things, you’re in the right city. The Burlington Art Gallery is home to an impressive collection of works—plus it hosts up to twelve exhibitions a year. If you’re more of a reader, head to one of the city’s seven public libraries. Fans of modern architecture will be especially fond of the branch on New Street. This stylish glass building is home to a number of special collections, a computer lab, and even an aquaponic garden.

Fuel up 

If you’re like us, you’ll probably be looking for a midday pick-me-up at this point. Luckily, Burlington has more than its fair share of must-visit cafes. Without a doubt, Tamp Coffee is near the top of the list. The baristas here are at the top their game, pulling perfect espresso shots every time. Whether you check out the Brant or Pine Street location, you’ll enjoy an uncommonly flavourful caffeine boost—and an ultra-cozy atmosphere!

Do some shopping 

Interested in some retail therapy? Perhaps there’s something you need for your kitchen, bedroom, backyard, or closet—and you’ve been wanting to cross it off your list. Either way, your next stop should be Mapleview Shopping Centre. You’re pretty much guaranteed to find what you need at this shopper’s paradise. Mapleview is home to over 150 stores, including a mix of Canada’s most popular retailers along with a selection of high-end shops (like Michael Kors and Coach).  

Grab dinner 

Feeling hungry? Luckily, Burlington’s food scene is known for more than its brunch offerings. When dinner rolls around, you’ll find plenty of great options—from fine dining to creative casual fare. Recently, we’ve been loving Son of a Peach. This downtown eatery is the perfect go-to if you appreciate flavourful, carefully-crafted pizzas. If you’re more in the mood for tacos, head to Burro. From white fish to beef cheek to spicy brussels sprouts, the fillings here simply have to be tasted to be believed. 

Consider a nightcap 

If you don’t want to cut the night short, why not end things off with a nightcap? If you’re a beer lover, head to Beertown Public House. This is the perfect summertime hotspot, thanks to its spacious patio—which is one of the biggest in Burlington! No matter the time of year, you’ll love exploring the rotating bottle selection here. If you’re more of a cocktail person, try the bar at the Martini House on Elizabeth Street. Trust us, the selection is incredible!

Interested in learning more about life in Hamilton, and maybe even seeing some of the beautiful homes on the market here? Get in touch—we’d love to show you what makes life in this city so great!

The holidays have come and gone, but winter’s still here! Why not make the most of the coldest months with some seasonal sports? Skating and hockey are beloved pastimes in Burlington—and part of the reason for that is the number of incredible rinks in the city. From scenic outdoor skating spots to arenas that offer intensive hockey training, there’s something for everyone who wants to strap on a pair of skates.

If you’re looking for a rink this winter, here are five of Burlington’s best…

1) Appleby Ice Centre

Burlington hockey players, figure skaters, and ice-sport spectators are all fans of Appleby Ice Centre, and it’s easy to see why. This state-of-the-art facility is home to four sizeable indoor rinks, along with well-maintained change rooms and a popular concession stand. While the arena is over a decade old, it’s contemporary look and feel have held up well over the years. There’s also plenty of space for spectators (with over 750 seats), which is a good thing given the presence that the Burlington Cougars have here!

2) Rotary Centennial Pond

With its downtown, waterfront location and impressive natural beauty, Spencer Smith Park is a true Burlington gem. Even in the winter, this gorgeous space shines—and that’s thanks in part to Rotary Centennial Pond. This 10,000-square-foot water feature freezes over in the winter months, providing a scenic spot for some free skating. Discovery Landing provides a great view of the pond, so you and your family can scope it out before taking a spin around the ice. 

3) Stoneridge Ice Centre

We couldn’t create a list of top skating spots in Burlington without including Stoneridge Ice Centre. This hockey training centre is home to two rinks and two mini pads, which are ideal for players of different skill levels. But it’s even more impressive for its use of green technology. Stoneridge is the first arena on the continent to embrace Order of Magnitude Energy’s “private utility” power model, which will allow for energy with low emissions. 

4) Aldershot Arena

If you’re looking for a facility that’s just as good for hockey and ringette as it is for public and figure skating, Aldershot Arena is ideal. Located on Townsend Avenue, this skating hotspot boasts high-quality ice surfaces, plenty of parking, and well-maintained change rooms. It offers both scheduled and drop-in skate times, and on-site staff members are always happy to answer any questions you might have. 

5) Burlington Pond Hockey Training Centre

This hockey training centre, fondly known as “the Pond,” is the ideal place for aspiring young players. From camps and private lessons to little leagues and tournaments, the offerings here are bound to make your little ones passionate about Canada’s favourite sport. Instructors at the Pond also focus on the fundamentals—like power skating and stick handling. When it comes to the facilities, you’ll find great ice, a shooting pad, and areas for birthday parties and other celebrations!

As 2019 draws to a close, we want to send a big thank you to our clients, friends and family who supported our team through the year. It has been an incredible 12 months, and some of our highlights include: settling into our new renovated office, adding a more members to the team, connecting with the community at our food truck event, supporting charities that hold a place close to our hearts, and, of course, working with our incredible clients as they purchased and sold homes.
 
2019 was an interesting year in the real estate industry as we saw the Waterdown-Burlington-Hamilton markets bounce back from a sluggish 2018. Average home prices increased across the board in condos, townhouses and detached homes– and this is a trend we predict will continue in 2020. In fact, Re/Max is forecasting the average home sales price will rise 6% in 2020!
 
We anticipate Waterdown/Burlington/Hamilton will be a seller’s market in 2020, now that buyers have learned how to work with the stress-test and found new ways to finance homes. There continues to be a push of buyers from the east searching for more affordable options while still having access to amenities at their fingertips. Downsizers are trending towards condo living, opening up much desired inventory in the detached home market. There is currently a development freeze in downtown Burlington that could delay future development in the area even further if it is not lifted. The industrial sector in Hamilton has picked back up and the economy is expected to be impacted positively in the coming year.
 
The hottest neighbourhoods in Hamilton for 2020 include Leckie Park, Waterdown West and Fifty Point. In Burlington, in-demand neighbourhoods include Brant Hills, Central and The Orchard.
 
We are looking forward to the coming year and anticipate it will be an exciting year in real estate! Thank you again for all your support over the past years. We are honoured to be working within this incredible community!
 
All the best, and Happy New Year! 
Drew and Jayne Woolcott

The holidays are on their way, and it’s time for Burlington residents to get into the spirit. ‘Tis the season to spend time with family and friends, which means getting out and about. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of places to celebrate across the city. From bright lights to tasty treats, there’s so much to see and do—and so many ways to connect with loved ones.  

If you’re hoping to avoid cabin fever this holiday season, check out our top five events in Burlington…

1) Burlington’s Lakeside Festival of Lights

Until January 8th, enjoy the magic of the holiday season at Burlington’s Festival of Lights! Head to Spencer Smith Park any evening between 4 p.m. and midnight to see incredible, twinkling scenes. This festival, which features 60 light displays, is nothing short of enchanting. It’s also great for family members of all ages, making it the perfect after-dinner activity. Best of all, this Burlington attraction is free! Take our advice and catch it while you can.

2) Holiday Labs for Kids

Do you have creative little ones at home? If so, you’ll want to check out an upcoming series of holiday workshops at Apple Mapleview Centre. On December 19th and 21st, don’t miss the art lab, where kids will learn to make holiday emojis. A similar photography event will take place on the 19th, while one devoted to making music is set for the 22nd. For children between 5 and 12, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative—and learn to use fun technologies like iPads and GarageBand.

3) Oh Christmas TEA

Do any of the members of your family have a sweet tooth? If so, you’ll want to visit Chickadee Family Cafe on December 23rd. Gran’s Tea Time and CAKEbar will be serving up some warming beverages and sugary confections from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition to high tea, there will be plenty of fun activities to enjoy. These include cake decorating, colouring, and all kinds of fun in the cafe playspace. Admission is $30 for one child and one adult. 

4) Winter Lights at the Rock Gardens 

Nothing says “Christmas” like beautiful lights, which is why we simply had to include another bright display in our list. As part of its seasonal festivities, the Royal Botanical Gardens is offering a whimsical stroll through a winter wonderland. You’ll find over 100,000 mini lights, 3000 string lights, 200 LED fixtures, and even an arctic fox ice sculpture! This beautiful setup will be displayed in the rock gardens—every Friday to Saturday until January 5th. Admission is just $10 per person, and $15 at the door. 

5) Magical Family New Year’s Eve 

Looking for a place to ring in the new year with your kids? Head to Marquis Gardens for a Magical Family New Year’s Event. You’ll enjoy an incredibly tasty dinner (including BBQ sirloin filets) along with some live tunes from DJ Central. There will be a bar for mom and dad, plenty of juice for the kids, and a countdown to remember! We can pretty much guarantee that when the balloons drop, every member of your family will feel the excitement. You’ll pay $61.75 to attend, and $37.50 for each child (ages 4-10).

Interested in learning more about life in Burlington? Curious about some of the beautiful homes on the market here? Get in touch—we’d love to show you what makes life in this community so great!

Give your home the modern edge it deserves.

Adding energy-efficient features can help improve the value and function of your home, and benefit the planet too! Green home features are, undoubtedly, the way of the future. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to save money on their energy bill while helping the planet at the same time?

Keep reading to learn about some of the best ways to upgrade your home with environmentally-friendly features, all while adhering to a modest budget.

Insulate the Attic

Who would have thought that something as simple as insulating the attic would help cut energy costs and benefit the environment? In as little as one weekend, you can have your attic fully insulated and start saving costs on your energy bill almost immediately.

This insulation will help maintain the internal temperature of your home, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Without insulation, chances are your furnace or central air system will be constantly fighting the losing battle of regulating the internal temperature.

Green Landscape Design

The right landscaping strategy can absolutely help the environment. Plants and trees can help improve the quality of the air, offer your home shade from the sun in the summer and provide shelter for wildlife. Not to mention that a stylish landscape design can greatly improve curb appeal.

Add the following to the landscape of your property before listing your home for sale:

• Flower gardens
• Trees
• Walkways
• Mulch
• Bushes
• Bird feeders
• Bird baths

Further improve the eco-friendliness of your lawn and garden with all-natural fertilizer, soil, weed control and insect control products.

Water Conservation

Sometimes turning off the tap while brushing your teeth just isn’t enough to conserve water. The installation of features like low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can greatly help limit the amount of water being used, while not affecting the functionality.

Watch for sales at your local home improvement store and seek assistance if you’re unsure of how to do the installation yourself. Most of these features are easily installed, but you’re better safe than sorry.

Solar Power Features

Solar power has become increasingly popular and common in modern times. There is a wide variety of solar-powered features that can be installed in your home.

• Security lighting
• Exterior lighting
• Water fountains
• Glow stones
• House numbers
• Generator
• Pool heating cover
• Window blinds

Of course, you can always install solar panels on the roof of your house. Although these can prove to be a significant investment, they offer a wonderful long-term benefit.

Heated Driveway

Forget using salt to melt the snow away during long, cold Canadian winters. Heated driveways melt the snow as it falls and ice as it builds up, eliminating the need to shovel or sprinkle salt. Not only can salt be harmful to your vehicle, but it can cause harm to the environment as well.

Road salt can affect the water quality, damage roadways, erode soil, harm nearby vegetation, and even affect wildlife. The salt can irritate and even burn the paws of dogs, raccoons, squirrels, and other wildlife. By switching to a heated driveway, you can skip the road salt and shovel altogether!

Real Estate in Hamilton and Burlington

For more information about listing your home in Hamilton, Burlington and surrounding areas, contact our experts at Woolcott Real Estate today. We can help you determine which environmentally-friendly features would best help update your home to sell quickly and for the best price possible.