Is Hamilton a good place to live? With its abundance of outdoor spaces and activities, diverse population, mix of urban, suburban, and rural living areas, and affordable Ontario real estate, the answer seems like a no-brainer. However, there’s much more to Ontario’s third most-populous city than meets the eye. So to make the most educated decision possible, take a look at these 9 reasons why Hamilton is a good place to live.
Convenient Location And Easy Transportation
Hamilton is in Southern Ontario, the heart of the Golden Horseshoe, around 75 minutes west of Toronto and less than two hours from the US border. One of the main advantages of living in Hamilton is its proximity to several GTA and Niagara Region locations and the American states of Michigan and New York. Thanks to Hamilton’s robust network of highways, getting around the city is a breeze -whether you’re commuting to work every day or heading out for some fun on the weekends. Residents can easily access the 403, Highway 8, Red Hill Valley Pkwy, and Lincoln M. Alexander Pkwy.
Hamilton’s Economy Is Diversifying
Hamilton was one of Canada’s most prolific industrial centres, specifically for steel, throughout the 20th century. That’s how the city earned nicknames such as “Steeltown” and “The Hammer.” Though many lost their jobs in the 1990s when production and employment took a severe hit, Hamilton has been steadily rebuilding since then and is now once again thriving in various industries. The top sectors are Finance, Life Sciences, Tourism, Digital Media, Advanced Manufacturing, Agribusiness, Healthcare, Education (McMaster University), and Innovative Technology. Additional indicators of why Hamilton is a good place to live AND work are:
- According to CREA Statistics, Hamilton added 400 new full-time jobs and 1,600 part-time positions in just a month.
- The unemployment rate in Hamilton is currently 4.3%, below Canada’s average.
- Hamilton was recently ranked by the Conference Board of Canada as the top city in the nation for economic diversity, offering opportunities to lead a successful career in several different fields.
There’s Housing Affordability In Hamilton
According to Zolo, the average home price in the city is $809K (around $200K less than Toronto’s average of $1M), and the average condo price is half of that. Depending on your aspirations and what you do for a living (and with an average yearly salary of over $102K), Hamilton is considered a better option than Toronto to purchase a property and maintain a mortgage. Another compelling reason Hamilton is a good place to live in the province.
A Neighbourhood Or Suburb For Everyone
There are over 200 designated neighbourhoods in Hamilton, from its buzzing urban districts to the quiet lakefront residential areas and the rural outskirts. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to decide where in Hamilton is a good place to live. Here are a few popular choices:
Neighbourhoods
- Westdale: This neighbourhood is young, lively, and livable. It’s also trendy among students due to its proximity to McMaster University. Westdale and the adjacent areas of Westdale South and North welcome new families, entrepreneurs, and young professionals.
- East End: Located between Gage Park and the waterfront, this traditional Hamilton neighbourhood boasts small detached homes and mid-century bungalows on wide, forested streets. Open space, parks, amenities, and public transit are plentiful.
- Corktown: This is a historic Hamilton neighbourhood with great walkability, plenty of historic properties and newly-built high-rise condominiums, a central location, and a desirable urban-chic atmosphere.
Suburbs
- Dundas: Dundas is a quaint town outside of Hamilton filled with charm, small businesses and a growing artistic community. If moving to a large, suburban home is your dream, you can make it a reality here.
- Ancaster: Ancaster’s old-world charm prevails despite the high-rise condos and malls that now fill the area. This is a particularly sought-after Hamilton suburb among young families and professionals.
High-Quality Educational Opportunities
Hamilton is a good place to live due to its excellent educational institutions. In addition to well-known post-secondary schools, McMaster University and Mohawk College, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board operates 13 secondary schools and 86 elementary schools in the area. For those looking for faith-based education, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is in charge of seven secondary schools and 49 elementary schools. Private and French Immersion schools also serve students in Hamilton.
Hamilton is Bikeable
This is a bike-friendly city, so if you’d rather move around on two wheels, Hamilton is a good place to live in. Hamilton is connected through a network of bike lanes. There’s also a bike share system with over 800 smart bikes in the Hamilton area, covering more than 25 sq kilometres. The system, run by a non-profit, offers a convenient way to pick up/drop off bicycles at any of the 130+ hubs located throughout the downtown area. Additional resources for cyclists include interactive cycling maps and popular biking trails (including gorgeous waterfall routes).
Abundance Of Parks, Trails, And Green Spaces
According to the City of Hamilton, there are approximately 525 parks and green spaces in this Ontario city, as well as over 131 well-maintained trails to explore. We’re talking about 3,480 acres of landscape that includes breathtaking waterfront areas. The Niagara Escarpment, designated as a World Biosphere Reserve, The Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Bruce Trail are just three popular outdoor attractions every outdoor enthusiast relocating to Hamilton, ON, would love.
Hamilton Is the ‘Waterfall Capital Of The World’
Nestled in the heart of the Niagara Escarpment, Hamilton’s yhill ecosystem is home to over 156 waterfalls. Many of these waterfalls are easily accessible, and visitors can enjoy their beauty year-round. Some paths along Bruce Trail are great locations for sightseers and hikers chasing waterfalls in Hamilton. Top favourites in the area include:
- The 21-metre-tall Tiffany Falls.
- Devil’s Punch Bowl at Albion Falls is 37 metres tall!
- Lovers Leap at Albion Falls, a hidden local gem said to be haunted.
- At twenty-two metres tall, Webster’s Falls isa breathtaking place to see the autumn leaves.
Hamilton Is Paradise For Pet-Owners
Hamilton, Ontario, is a pet-friendly city that welcomes four-legged friends with open arms. From dog parks and walking trails to pet-friendly restaurants and hotels, Hamilton has everything you need to make sure your furry friend feels right at home. Here are a few activities, parks, and services you can share with your pet in Hamilton:
Dog Parks In Hamilton
- Heritage Green Community Dog Park
- Hamilton/Burlington SPCA Dog Park
- Globe Leash-free Dog Park
- Rail Trail Dog Park
- Birch Avenue Leash Free Area
Pet Experiences In Hamilton
- Hit the bookstore with Fido: Indigo – Heritage Greene is a pet-friendly bookstore.
- Grab a craft beer: Fairweather Brewing Company is a dog-friendly brewery.
- Go for a hike: Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area, Fifty Point Conservation Area, and Dundas Valley Conservation Area in Hamilton, ON, are natural areas that welcome furry visitors.
Pet Services In Hamilton
- Training: PetSmart Training.
- Dog Walking: Paws for Adventure.
- Pet Retailers: Live Right Pet Supplies, Ruffin’s Pet Centre.
Reasons Why Hamilton Is A Good Place To Live
Hamilton will surprise you in more than one way if you give it a chance. Contact a local real estate agent to get some more insights about why Hamilton is a good place to live in Ontario or if you feel ready to start finding the perfect home in this city. And if you’re buying a home for the first time, have these 20 questions any Canadian first-time homebuyer should ask handy when you first meet with your agent. Good luck!
