Hamilton, a port city on the banks of Lake Ontario, is the perfect place for those who love the outdoors and want to live within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Hamilton is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, home to several golf courses, and offers access to a vast array of outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is also a popular filming location and artist hotbed, and home to some of the most affordable real estate in Ontario. Read more about Hamilton’s grit and culture below.
Just Listed Hamilton ON Homes For Sale
About Hamilton, ON
Hamilton was established in 1815 as Brockville, and was renamed Hamilton in 1833. The city is located on the western end of Lake Ontario, where it meets with the Niagara River and the Welland Canal. The city is home to around 800,000 people. Hamilton is the tenth largest city in Canada and has seen a population growth of over 800% since 1961.
Rated as one of the most diverse economies in Canada, Hamilton has a little something for everyone. Hamilton is known for its grit and that’s in large part because it produces around 60% of Canada’s Steel. However, if you thought Hamilton was all about manufacturing, you’d be wrong. Hamilton harbourtown has become quite the hotspot for Hollywood with movies like Robocop, John Q, Resident Evil, and the classic Cinderella Man.
This beautiful city offers many opportunities for residents to explore their heritage. There are many historical buildings that offer tours and museum experiences for those who want to learn more about this region’s past. These include Dundurn Castle (a 19th-century mansion) and the Royal Botanical Gardens. There are many things that make Hamilton unique, including the fact that it’s home to both Copps Coliseum and Ivor Wynne Stadium. Hamilton is home to a growing, diverse population with people from all over the world calling this city their new home. There are many neighbourhoods in Hamilton that offer unique cultural experiences as well as shopping opportunities for those who have an interest in international goods. These include Locke Street (a multicultural strip with many restaurants, cafés and shops from around the world) and Stone Church Road (a hub for Italian culture).
Hamilton ON Real Estate
Over 95% of Hamilton real estate is owned real estate and yet it maintains a wonderful diversity of choices. From smaller condos and townhomes to more traditional single-family homes there’s something for families of all sizes and at a relatively affordable price too.
While there are technically over 200 neighbourhoods in Hamilton, there are about 100 popular communities that attract buyers from all over the globe to one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. While average prices of homes for sale in Hamilton ON are north of $800K (a good bit below the average of Toronto real estate), condos start around $300k.
Hamilton ON is building infrastructure, commercial districts, and residential at record paces. Fueled in large part to its low tax rate, Hamilton’s diversity in landscape, jobs, and housing make a city to add to your relocation list.
Neighborhoods Of Hamilton ON
With over 100 neighbourhoods to choose from spread out all across Hamilton, the challenge isn’t selecting one but rather having to eliminate so many good choices.
If you prefer an urban atmosphere you’ll want to look closer to the city. You might want to consider homes for sale in Durand, Landsdale or Stinson. Inside the downtown part of Hamilton, you can expect new developments as well as historic homes, where everything is a walkable or short ride. If you like historic and established neighbourhoods, then homes for sale in Burkholme, Raleigh or Bartonville are ones to consider.
Surburbanites may want homes in Dundurn, Kirkendall North, or Westdale. These neighbourhoods allow commuters to get to downtown Hamilton if needed.
Hamilton ON Real Estate Trends
To say Hamilton ON real estate is on fire would be an understatement. Up over 30% since last year builders in Hamilton can barely keep up with the demand. While single-family homes and condos are going to cost around $700K to $900K (for larger homes), prices start at $300K for condos and average around $500K for a 2 or 3 bedroom condo.
Hamilton Transportation
There are many options for transportation in Hamilton. If you’re feeling active and want to bike around the city there’s a variety of different bike paths that will take you almost anywhere! Similarly, there are many sidewalks and paths for walking around Hamilton if that’s what you prefer. Hamilton also has an extensive bus system with over 180 routes throughout the area and plenty of taxi services. For those who would rather drive, Hamilton has a variety of highway and freeway systems. When it comes to flying in and out of the city, LHR (Hamilton’s John C. Munro International Airport) makes it easy to get from place to place.
Distance to Nearby Cities
- 41km (25 miles) to Mississauga
- 48km (30 miles) to Brampton
- 50km (31 miles) to Etobicoke
- 55km (34 miles) to Kitchener
Living In Hamilton Ontario
A big mistake of many of that outside of Hamilton is to think of it as an industrial manufacturing city. This makes the city feel more dark and dingy, but Hamilton is about as green as you get with over 116 parks including several along the beaches of Lake Ontario. Biking is a popular mode of transportation inside the city while everyone outside of downtown will likely be driving.
If you tire of the beach or biking strap on your hiking boots and hit The Devil’s Punchbowl, a 33.8 metre high waterfall along the Niagra Escarpment. While the view of the rock an caves are breathtaking, the Hamilton skyline isn’t too shabby either.
Shopping & Entertainment In Hamilton
Hamilton has all the trappings of a big city with big box stores and chain venues. However, if you’re looking for some local flavour visit the Augusta House on Monday nights for some music or head down Locke Street and browse the galleries and local specialty shops.
If you’re going on foot in Hamilton be ready to climb some stairs. With almost 2,000 stairs throughout the city, you’ll be able to work off all the great dining options throughout the city.
Parks In Hamilton ON
Hamilton has a series of biking trails that often lead to the many parks and natural conservatives. Because there are over 116 to choose from we created a Parks in Hamilton ON guide, but here are some highlights.
Bayfront Park
Maybe the most popular park amongst residents of Hamilton due to proximity to the city. Bayfront’s greatest feature… well, it’s in the name. It’s bayfront to Lake Ontario.
Tiffany Falls Conservation Area
Not the most famous of falls, but one of the most popular parks. Several hiking trails throughout the park with views of these wonderful waterfalls.
Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area
A must-see and frequent visit for tourists and residents alike. The park offers trails to see this huge gorge with the breathtaking Albion Falls at the base. It’s worth seeing if it’s open due to Covid.
Tews Falls
Another must-see waterfall, Tews Falls may or may not be open depending on the month and Covid news. When it’s open it’s worth a visit anytime during the year.
Sherman Falls
This picturesque waterfall is often used as a backup option when other falls in the area have full parking lots. Outside of Albion Falls, Sherman could be the favorite. This park is kid-friendly due to the short trail to get to the falls.
Things To Do in Hamilton, ON
What really makes Hamilton Ontario real estate so attractive is the number of outdoor amenities. With landmarks like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, along with 116 different parks, waterfalls, and even golf courses, residents of Hamilton have an endless supply of things to do.
- Dundurn Castle – Dundurn Castle is one of Hamilton’s most popular attractions. It was built in 1835 and has been a historic landmark for the city ever since. This sprawling estate offers tours throughout the year so you can get a glimpse into an aristocratic lifestyle from centuries ago.
- HMCS Haida National Historic Site – If you’re interested in Hamilton’s naval history, then HMCS Haida National Historic Site is the perfect place for you to explore. This ship has been sitting at a dock since 1947 and offers visitors an inside look into life onboard Canadian naval ships of the Second World War.
- Bayfront Park – If you’re looking for a great place to spend time outdoors, then Bayfront Park should be on your list. It has plenty of attractions such as playgrounds, walking trails, and even an outdoor skating rink!
- Gage Park – Hamilton had a new change in 2014 when Gage Park was opened to the public. This large park is filled with attractions for people of all ages, from playgrounds and walking trails to an outdoor swimming pool that’s open year-round!
- Tews Falls – Hamilton is home to many natural sights and Tews Falls should be one of them. It’s located in a scenic valley that offers plenty of different hikes for visitors.
- Fifty Point Conservation Area – If you enjoy the outdoors, then Fifty Point Conservation Area should be your go-to destination. This conservation area is located in Hamilton and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing!
- Waterfalls of Hamilton – Hamilton is home to many beautiful waterfalls, and they should definitely be on your list of things to see. Our top three favourites are Albion Falls, Chedoke Falls and Webster’s Falls – all conveniently located within the city!
- Spencer Gorge Conservation Area – This conservation area is situated along the Niagara Escarpment and offers a diverse range of trails for visitors. There are also some great views from this destination – don’t miss taking a walk through Spencer Gorge if you’re exploring Hamilton!
- Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area – This conservation area has a lot to offer visitors, from trails with stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment to great opportunities for fishing. It’s located close to Hamilton and offers plenty of space for everyone!
- Christie Lake Conservation Area – Christie Lake Conservation Area is a wonderful destination if you enjoy hiking and scenery. It offers great opportunities to explore the many areas of natural beauty that surround this conservation area!
Hamilton Day Trips
Hamilton has so much to see within city borders, but there are also a ton of exciting things to see outside of the city. In Hamilton, some of Ontario’s best destinations are right in your backyard! Here are some of our top favourites:
- Niagara Falls – If you’re looking to explore Canada and see some amazing natural sights, then Niagara Falls should be on your list of day trips. It’s just a short drive from Hamilton and there are plenty of things to do in the area so make sure to pack your hiking shoes! If you’re feeling classy, the Niagara wine region offers plenty of wineries for you to explore in the picturesque countryside. If you’re looking for a scenic day in Canada, then this is the perfect option!
- Toronto – Hamilton is only about an hour away from downtown Toronto, which is a huge city full of museums and theatres. It’s also home to the CN Tower – one of the tallest structures in Canada at over 520 meters high! You’ll find countless activities in the area, from parks to festivals to breweries. With so many things to do and see in the area, it’s not surprising that Toronto is a popular destination for day trips from Hamilton.
- Waterdown – If you’re looking for more of a smaller town feel in Ontario, then Waterdown is the place for you. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Hamilton and it’s worth every moment when you see this quaint little village. There are plenty of shops to explore as well as restaurants that will remind you just how good home cooked meals can be. Waterdown offers a quiet escape from the busy city and is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some relaxation.
- Burlington – If you’re a fan of charming towns, then Burlington should be on your list! It’s the closest city to Hamilton and it offers over 50 independently owned stores for you to explore. This city has everything from bookstores to boutiques to cafés. There are also plenty of restaurants in this area so if you want some delicious food with a great atmosphere, make sure to stop by one of these spots. Burlington is only about a 20-minute drive from Hamilton and it’s well worth the trip to explore this quaint town.
