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!