Thinking about moving to Hamilton? You’re not alone! We get asked this all the time, especially from people considering the jump from Toronto.

Funny enough, I asked myself the same question when I was debating my move back in April 2023.

I grew up in the Hamilton/Waterdown area, but I had spent the last decade in Toronto—living in places like Kensington Market, Cityplace and Roncesvalles. I was a city girl through and through.

So when I bought my 3-bedroom house in Strathcona for way less than what I sold my Toronto condo for, I started to panic. Why? Because I had fully embraced the Torontonian lifestyle. I was all about the downtown restaurant scene, knew every hidden wine bar, and my gym had every fancy amenity you could think of (cold plunge? check. spin classes? check. in-gym restaurant? check.). Plus, I could walk or bike pretty much everywhere.

How on earth was Hamilton going to compete with that? Was I going to be bored out of my mind?

Curious about Hamilton? Learn even more in our community guide right here.

Fast forward a year, and I can honestly say I’m glad I made the move. Hamilton has something special—a pulse and character that I didn’t even realize I was missing in Toronto.

Sure, there are times I miss the convenience of having everything within walking distance. But being closer to nature, enjoying a lower cost of living, and still having amazing restaurants to try has made a huge difference. Plus, I’m just a 42-minute drive from my old Roncesvalles neighbourhood, so it’s not like I’m that far removed from my city roots.

The Pros and Cons of Moving to Hamilton

Pros:

1. Food Scene Hamilton’s food scene is on fire. Seriously. You’ve got everything from cozy cafés to farm-to-table dining popping up everywhere. My go-to spots are Le Tambour Tavern on James Street North, Rosales Diner on Dundurn Street South, and Undefined on King William. There’s always something new to try, and the quality is top-notch.
2. Access to Nature As someone who loves the outdoors, I used to think High Park and the Waterfront Trail were the ultimate escapes. But in Hamilton, you’ve got nature in your backyard. This city is literally called the “City of Waterfalls” for a reason—there are over 100 waterfalls right here! Plus, the Bruce Trail runs through the city, and you’ve got easy access to the Escarpment and some beautiful conservation areas for hiking and biking.
3. Affordability Hands down, one of the biggest reasons people are flocking to Hamilton is the affordability. Take it from me – you can get way more bang for your buck here than in Toronto. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking to upsize, Hamilton’s housing prices are far more reasonable, and you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing your lifestyle.
4. Arts + Culture Hamilton has a thriving arts scene. Vibrant street art, murals, and galleries are everywhere. The annual Supercrawl in September is a must-do. It takes over James Street North, turning the entire area into a festival of live music, art, and food. Plus, we’ve got venues like the FirstOntario Centre bringing in big-name acts and shows. It’s a pretty creative, energetic place to live.
5. Varied Neighbourhoods One of the coolest things about Hamilton is how different its neighbourhoods are. Sure, people think “downtown” or “the Mountain,” but there’s so much more. Places like Dundas, Waterdown, and Ancaster have a more suburban vibe, while areas like Flamborough and Binbrook offer that rural charm. There’s really something for everyone, depending on what kind of lifestyle you’re after.

Thinking of buying your first home in Hamilton or know someone who is? The posts below can help:

• Our Ultimate Handbook for First-Time Buyers
• A Gift Guide for the First Time Buyer in Your Life
• 7 Amazing Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent

Cons of Hamilton Life:

1. You’ll Want to Have a Car Yes, there’s public transit (HSR), and you’ve got access to GO trains. Plus, there are some decent bike paths. But let’s be real—Hamilton is still very much a car city. Owning a car will make things a lot easier, especially if you’re commuting or need to get around beyond the city core.
2. Quieter Pace Hamilton is definitely quieter than Toronto. It took me some time to adjust to the slower pace, especially after being so used to Toronto’s constant buzz. That said, it’s not a ghost town—there’s still plenty happening here with restaurants, events, and arts. But if you crave the hustle and bustle of Toronto 24/7, it’s something you might miss.
3. Traffic and Infrastructure While traffic isn’t as bad as Toronto, Hamilton has its moments. Rush hour, or if there’s an accident on the Skyway or the Linc, can be a headache. Also, some areas of the city still feel a bit dated when it comes to road infrastructure, so navigating the city can feel like a work in progress.
4. Limited Job Market for Some Sectors Hamilton has a lot of opportunities if you’re in healthcare, education, or tech. But if you work in fields like finance, advertising, or high-end professional services, you might find fewer job prospects here. A lot of people still commute to Toronto because the job market isn’t as wide-ranging in certain industries.

Planning to sell your home and move on to your next great adventure? The posts below will help you make the most of it:

• What Everyone Needs to Know About Selling Their First Home
• A Back to Basics Guide to Maximizing Your Sale
• Should You Sell Your Home and Become a Snowbird?

The Verdict

So, is Hamilton a good place to live? Honestly, it depends on what you’re after. If you love being close to nature, want more affordable housing, and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with a vibrant food and arts scene, Hamilton might just be perfect for you. Plus, you’re still close enough to Toronto if you ever need your big-city fix.

For me, Hamilton isn’t just a place I moved to—it’s a place I’m happy to call home.

Do you have questions about buying a home in Hamilton or the surrounding areas? One of our top agents in Hamilton & Burlington can guide you through each step. Reach out to us right here or call (905) 332-9223 to connect to an agent today.