Roughly an hour drive west of the city of Toronto is where you’ll find Hamilton, Ontario. A city with over 500,000 people, caught between its industrial past and art-centric future. It's a unique setting that’s made the city a popular shooting location for TV shows such as The Boys, The Handmaid’s Tale, Umbrella Academy and more.

Hamilton is often thought of as industrial or gritty, but there’s another side to Hamilton; tree shrouded neighbourhoods with red brick Victorian houses, hiking trails littered with waterfalls, eclectic restaurants, and affordable housing. In recent years, Hamilton has been growing thanks to young Torontonians who are giving up the big city for a slower pace and a lower mortgage—a trend that will only continue.

The price and culture is appealing, but it can be difficult to know where to begin your search in Hamilton.

The Best Area for detached homes

Affordable single-family housing is one of the biggest lures that Hamilton has. Houses that are down the mountain (below the escarpment) are brimming with character, clad in red brick and sometimes over a century old. The neighbourhoods that these homes are found in are well laid out and provide easy access to green spaces and walking trails.

The Durand neighbourhood is perhaps Hamilton’s most recognizable, but if you’re looking for a balance of safety, nature, and affordability, you’ll want to start your search in Rosedale. Nestled at the base of “The Mountain” this family focused neighbourhood has great schools, excellent views, and a convenient location for running errands or commuting to Toronto.

Prices vary, but generally speaking, you can except to save several hundred thousand dollars on the purchase of a single-family home in Rosedale, compared to prices in any neighbourhood in the GTA.

The Best Neighbourhood in Hamilton for Condos

Single-family homes are what draws many buyers to Hamilton, however, the luxury condo market is rapidly expanding the Hamilton area. At present, the Durand Neighbourhood is the stalwart condo area in the city.

Tall trees, hip cafes, delectable restaurants, exciting nightlife, and conveniently located transit stations are just some of the highlights of this charming neighbourhood. Some of the best neighbourhood’s in Toronto cannot offer all of these enticing amenities in one location, a statement for Hamilton.

Durand has several luxurious condo residences, but City Square is the cream of the crop in this area. Luxurious finishes and escarpment views are reason enough to check out this opulent residence, but it’s what’s nearby that really sells this building. City Square faces Durand Park and is only a 5-minute walk from the Chedoke trail system. As well, Hamilton’s famous Super Crawl and St. James Street North is just a short walk away.

The Best Area for Lofts

Hamilton’s industrial past makes it a great spot for loft developers, but the most impressive loft in town wasn’t converted from a factory—it was a school, it's found in an area that flies under the radar. The Stinson School Lofts is a remarkable conversion in the Stinson Neighbourhood, in downtown Hamilton. Backing on to the escarpment, this area provides a quiet family setting but is walking distance from dining and nightlife options. Units at Stinson School Lofts are spacious and stunning, featuring exposed ductwork, wood beams, exposed brick walls, authentic glass blocks windows and soaring ceiling heights.

Stinson is a great choice for convenience too; residents can walk to the Escarpment Radial Trail for hikes to the waterfalls, or stroll to Main Street to run errands on foot. There are hospitals, schools, and community centres close by, and no shortage of neighbourhood character.

The Best Area in Hamilton For Townhomes

Townhomes are found all over Hamilton, but the West Mountain might be the best area for town home buyers. Between the dense tree canopies and breathtaking lower city views, Hamilton’s West Mountain has a lot going for it if you're a fan of nature. A family area with an amazing community and well-regarded schools, the area also offers an incredibly an easy highway commute for those travelling to Toronto or neighbouring communities.

Community centres and athletic facilities are plentiful here, including one of the cities best golf courses in the city: Chedoke Golf Club. Townhomes in this neighbourhood can go for as a low as 50% of what you’d pay in the Great Toronto Area, and as a bonus, floor plans can often be larger here as well. If a townhome in a family friendly environment is what you seek, look no further than Hamilton’s West mountain.