Over the past decade, Hamilton has garnered an increasing amount of attention from residents across the GTA and Ontario. Much has been said about Hamilton’s relatively sharp ascent, becoming one of the most vibrant and desirable cities to live in across the province.
Today, we’re at the point where Hamilton’s starting to shed its reputation as an ‘up-and-coming’ one to watch. Instead, heading now more into well-known hotspot status. Although Hamilton’s reputation as a whole may be changing for the better, many people across the GTA still don’t know much about it.
We’re taking a deep dive into one of our favourite areas in the city, Central Hamilton. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
Where Is It?
Although its name may have you believe that this neighbourhood is smack-dab in the middle of the city, Central Hamilton is actually located closer towards the northwest corner of the city.
This is because ‘Central Hamilton’ was first coined back when the city was initially expanding. Geographically, it was closer to the physical centre of Hamilton. Since then, Hamilton has expanded further south and east.
Central Hamilton is loosely bordered by Main Street West to the south, Barton Street to the north, Dundurn Street North to the west and Wentworth Street North to the east.
The community is conveniently situated close to a number of recognizable Hamilton landmarks, including the sparkling waterfront marina, Highway 403 and 8 as well as a number of local parks, most notably Dundurn Park and Bayfront Park.
Can’t get the idea of moving to Hamilton out of your head? These related blogs may help answer any questions you have about the city and what it’s like to live here.
- Hamilton Community Guide
- 5 Things You Need to Know If You’re Moving to Hamilton
- 5 Things To Know About Hamilton Real Estate
- Hamilton’s Top 5 Up-and-Coming Neighbourhoods
How Do I Get There?
If you’re driving in from out of town, the easiest way to get to Central Hamilton is to take the Highway 8 (commonly known as King Street!) exit from whichever highway you’re travelling on. King Street East acts as the southern border for Central Hamilton and will give you lots of opportunities to turn off toward any part of the neighbourhood.
If you’re already in the Hamilton area, Highway 8 is still a great road to look for depending on which direction you’re coming from. Or, if you’re taking public transit from the Hamilton Street Railway, busses following routes one through four will regularly stop in Central Hamilton too.
What’s Around?
Central Hamilton is very close to a few of the city’s most appealing natural landmarks, including the Hamilton Harbour. It’s just a short walk north along the harbourfront to get to Bayfront Park, a 16-hectare public park set against the sparkling backdrop of Hamilton’s beautiful stretch of Lake Ontario.
The community also features some of the city’s best restaurants, many of them scattered along James Street North. Some of our favourites include Castelli Cucina for some of the best Italian food anywhere in Hamilton and Saint James Eatery for elevated breakfast and lunch. Or, for a fine dining experience, check out The French bistro for a special occasion.
Once you’ve had your fix of Central Hamilton’s best local cuisine, you can indulge in a bit of shopping at some of the nearby locally-owned vintage shops and fashion boutiques. Then, stop by southwestern Ontario’s biggest and oldest art museum, the Art Gallery of Hamilton for stunning exhibits and engaging programs.
There’s really no shortage of fun ways to spend your time in this vibrant Hamilton neighbourhood, no matter what your favourite hobbies and pastimes include.
We love dining out in Hamilton. Find out more about the city’s fantastic food and drink scene here!
The Local Real Estate
When it comes to Central Hamilton’s real estate market, the homes here are about as diverse as the food and culture scene. No matter what size or style of home you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find it here.
From iconic red-brick Victorian heritage homes to updated semi-detached townhouses and modern luxury condo units, the area has it all.
Due to Hamilton’s rich history, there are a lot of century homes that boast beautiful authentic architectural details from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Notably, many of these homes have been renovated and maintained to fit modern standards. However, it wouldn’t be uncommon in Central Hamilton to find a mid-century detached bungalow right next door either.
Closer to Main Street West is where Central Hamilton’s condo market really thrives. Recently constructed modern condo units are among the most desirable properties for singles, young couples or small families.
What About the Prices?
One of the best parts about the Central Hamilton housing market is the prices. Compared to other large cities nearby, Hamilton is generally still very affordable. For instance, a three-storey, four-bedroom Victorian semi typically ranges in price between $650,000 to $900,000–a little over half of what a similar heritage property would go for in downtown Toronto.
Sleek, new-build condos with brand new features and a stylish modern design range from $400,000 to $600,000 in price, depending on the size. Many buyers also purchase an older home with the intention of tearing it down or completely renovating it to realize their own dream property.
Planning on buying your first home in Hamilton? Or, do you want to take advantage of the market’s relatively low prices and finally move into a detached home? Here’s what you need to know about buying:
- First-Time Home Buyers Guide
- Hidden Costs of Buying a Home You Need to Know Now
- Upsizing 101: 5 Tips for Moving From a Condo to a House
About The Neighbours
Until recently, certain parts of Hamilton have had a reputation for being a little rough around the edges. While that reputation hasn’t really ever applied to Central Hamilton, the city as a whole has seen an enormous upswing in terms of safety and family friendliness. Central Hamilton is no different, with many young couples and families buying their first homes and moving into the well-established neighbourhood. There’s a great mix of different ages and cultures in this diverse neighbourhood, which is one of the reasons it’s so great.
If you want to learn more about if a move to Hamilton would suit your family’s needs, these related blog posts will come in handy:
- 5 Things to Look for in a Family Home
- Exceptional Schools in Hamilton: Our Top 5 Picks
- 5 Fun Things To Do in Hamilton With Your Family
Want to learn more about Central Hamilton and all its charm? If you’re thinking about moving to Central Hamilton, contact us today and speak to one of our local experts!
