The History of Hamilton
The City of Hamilton has a rich history that spans centuries. In pre-colonial times, the area that we now know as Hamilton was used primarily by First Nations. They were gradually driven out of the area by the Iroquois, who were British allies at the time.
After the American Revolution, many Loyalists settled in the region and in 1792, the land that Hamilton now occupies was purchased by the Crown in order to encourage more Loyalists to settle there. During the War of 1812, the area saw significant battles such as The Battle of Stoney Creek, when the Canadian and British military defeated American troops invading.
Shortly after the War of 1812, the town of Hamilton was born. Conceived by George Hamilton, the town did not immediately achieve high status until 1816 when it was declared to be the administrative centre for Gore District.
Over the next hundred years, Hamilton would grow exponentially and become an important port city with numerous ties to manufacturing, specifically the steel industry. And in 2001, Hamilton and the surrounding towns of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek were amalgamated to create the new City of Hamilton.
Where is Hamilton?
Hamilton is nestled on the western shore of Lake Ontario, directly between Toronto and Niagara Falls. Centrally located in the Golden Horseshoe, Hamilton is perfectly situated for excellent accessibility to both Toronto and the United States.
Hamilton is also home to the Niagara Escarpment and Bruce Trail. This spectacular area encompasses local farms, wetlands, recreation areas, beautiful scenic cliffs, waterfalls, and more.
Hamilton Economy
Like much of Southern Ontario, Hamilton is an area driven by the manufacturing industry. Colloquially known as “Steeltown,” over 60% of Canada’s steel is produced in Hamilton, and ArcelorMittal Dofasco remains a significant employer and economic driver in the area.
However, in recent years, medical and education have become bigger drivers of the economy in Hamilton. In fact, the number one employer in Hamilton is actually McMaster University. Both sectors employ a large proportion of the population in Hamilton, helping to make Hamilton one of the most diverse economies in Canada.
Additionally, there appears to be a new industry appearing in Hamilton over the past years–perhaps an unexpected one. The film industry is beginning to boom in Hamilton. The area has hosted many film and television productions and several film studios account for a moderate portion of the employment in the area.
Hamilton Demographics
Hamilton is a sprawling city with a metro area that encompasses over 1,300 kilometres, with countless neighbourhoods and a general population of over 767,000. The city also projects significant growth over the next 30 years.
As an overall family-friendly city, it’s common to see young families choosing Hamilton real estate as they seek more space for their growing families. Young professionals are also fans of Hamilton, as the city offers great transportation options making it a commuter’s dream.
Overall, Hamilton residents are a mix of these young professionals and families. They are often considered well-cultured and educated, lovers of nature, academia, and art.
With the third-largest immigrant population in Canada, Hamilton is diverse, friendly, and accommodating. Many immigrants in the area hail from countries like Italy, Portugal, India, and the Philippines.
Education in Hamilton
The area is home to many highly-regarded public, private, faith-based, and post-secondary schools. With a total of 4 English and French school boards and over 200 elementary and secondary schools in the area, parents can confidently choose almost any Hamilton neighbourhood and expect to find high-quality schools present.
The main school boards in Hamilton are:
- Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
- Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
- Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud
- Conseil scolaire Viamonde
For post-secondary students, Hamilton has numerous options including:
- McMaster University
- Brock University
- Mohawk College
- Redeemer University College
- College Boreal
Hamilton Infrastructure
Sometimes known as a city of commuters, Hamilton residents have access to an abundance of transportation options. The city is bisected by major highways and roads like Highway 403, Highway 8, and the QEW are easily accessible to drivers from just about anywhere in the city.
Public transportation is also accessible in Hamilton. The city is served by the GOTrain Lakeshore West Line, which extends from Union Station in Toronto to Niagara Falls.
Public bus service is available in Hamilton, and the city continues its growth with the development of a Rapid Transit Network (BLAST Service) and light rail. As the city continues to grow and expand, it’s reasonable to assume that more public transit options will become available for residents.
Hamilton is home to many high-quality healthcare facilities. There are 6 main hospitals that serve the area well including:
- Hamilton General Hospital
- McMaster Children’s Hospital
- Juravinski Cancer Centre
- St. Joseph’s Hospital
- St. Peter’s Geriatric Hospital
- West Lincoln Memorial Hospital
Arts and Culture in Hamilton
Hamilton is quickly becoming known for its burgeoning arts and culture scene. In stark contrast to its history as an industry-driven city, there are countless opportunities to get involved in the arts in Hamilton. There’s also abundant sports, recreation, dining, and events to take in.
Its prime location on the Niagara Escarpment means that Hamilton is brimming with natural beauty, parks, waterfalls, green space, and outdoor recreation. Hiking, mountain biking, organized sports, and athletic programs.
Hamilton has numerous options for entertainment, whether you like live music, theatre, performance, art, live sports, and beyond. First Ontario Centre is home to the Hamilton Bulldogs hockey team and hosts games and live shows all year long. For more intimate performances, locals love places like The Casbah or Mills Hardware. Hamilton is also home to a first-class professional theatre, Theatre Aquarius as well as the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
With many art galleries and public art spaces, Hamilton is quickly becoming a must-see place for some of the most innovative and exciting art in Canada. The Art Gallery of Canada is a popular institution and monthly events like Art Crawl continue to promote arts and culture in the city. It even birthed one of Hamilton’s largest events, Supercrawl. This arts festival happens every September and brings hundreds of thousands of people out. The city is also its own canvas, with many colourful murals decorating the streets and activities like the Concrete Canvas Art Festival to support local street artists.
Hamilton isn’t just for artists. There’s a lively and enthusiastic sports community here too. With several professional sports leagues including the Hamilton FC soccer, Hamilton Bulldogs hockey team, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats football.
With its diverse community and proximity to Toronto, there’s no doubt that Hamilton has an amazing food scene. Whether you’re looking for upscale French bistro dining at Quatrefoil or a comforting bowl of soup at The Burnt Tongue, there’s something for everyone at every price point. Make sure to check out Canada’s first poke bar, Pokeh, or get a culturally varied experience at Aberdeen Tavern!
There’s always something going on in Hamilton. Whether you’re an indie music buff spending three days at the Festival of Friends in Grange Park or Supercrawl, or you prefer foodie events like the Hamilton Food and Wine Festival, or you want to enjoy the best of the area at the Locke Street Festival, Ancaster Fair, or the Peach Festival, there are plenty of ways to keep your social calendar booked.
Hamilton Neighbourhoods
With a metro area that encompasses over 1,300 kilometres, Hamilton has certainly earned its spot as the third-largest city in Ontario. Depending on who you ask, there are roughly 200 neighbourhoods and micro-communities in the area, each with its own unique flavour and style. As a result, the real estate in Hamilton, Ontario is just as diverse as the communities and population.
Whether you’re hoping to capture the fantastic Niagara escarpment views in picturesque Stoney Creek or you prefer to be right in the middle of the action in trendy and urban Beasley, there’s something for everyone.
Hamilton Real Estate Affordability
In general, real estate in Hamilton, Ontario is more affordable than neighbourhing cities like Toronto and Burlington. However, trends predict that the prices will continue to rise. Here’s a look at the average price breakdown from last year:
$757,000
Detached Homes
$596,000
Townhouses
$408,000
Condo-Style Homes
Most Common Property Types in Hamilton
Real estate in Hamilton, Ontario is diverse and interesting with a great combination of newer and older homes. Although currently, the majority of properties here are detached family homes, semi-detached, and townhomes, we are seeing an increase in new condo developments, perfectly suited for first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers alike.
Like the rest of the GTA, home prices in Hamilton are trending upward, however, they are still less expensive than more centrally located GTA cities and neighbourhoods. This, combined with Hamilton’s larger-than-average lots, and reasonable property taxes make Hamilton an excellent choice for a variety of buyers. No matter what you are looking for, there’s something here for you.
Interested in learning more about Hamilton real estate market stats? Read our monthly market reports on our blog.
Hamilton Homes For Sale
Depending on the neighbourhood you’re looking in, Hamilton, Ontario real estate offers a wide variety of homes for sale. The community is steeped in history with a progressive outlook on growth and development, so it’s not uncommon to find older, Victorian homes in the city centre, with renovated interiors to meet modern standards. Neighbourhoods like Beasley and Dundas are particularly known for their beautiful architecture and old-meets-new home style.
If modern real estate is more your cup of tea, there are many communities on the outskirts of Hamilton that provide exceptional amenities and tons of green space. These suburban neighbourhoods feature many single-family detached homes and townhouses.
With modern finishes and ample space, these homes present great value, especially when you consider the large lots they are situated on. For example, Binbrook is bordered by protected agricultural land, making it a great neighbourhood for those who want to enjoy the greenery.
Hamilton Condos For Sale
Although Hamilton is mostly known for its detached and semi-detached family homes, the condo sector is seeing a huge boom, with more developments getting announced frequently.
As one of the top Hamilton brokerages for new developments, Michael St. Jean Realty has its finger on the pulse of the condo market in the area. Most of the condos in the area can be found in Central Hamilton, however, you can also find numerous low-rise condo buildings scattered across the outskirts of the city.
These condos are mostly new constructions with modern floor plans, nice finishings, and proximity to great amenities. Such properties present a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers looking to get their foot in the door as well as investors and Hamilton’s downsizing population too.
Hamilton Real Estate Services
Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in Hamilton, Ontario real estate, Michael St. Jean Realty has a plan and a process to help you succeed. Working with a variety of clients across a variety of budgets, Michael St. Jean Realty understands the nuances of Hamilton county real estate.
Buying a Home with Michael St. Jean Realty
Choosing a real estate broker to help find your next home is a big decision. You want to work with someone who understands your unique needs and wants. At Michael St. Jean Realty, we have a large team who understands the local market and has a knack for knowing exactly how to find what our clients want.
When you work with Michael St. Jean Realty as your buyer agent, you get:
- One of the top real estate teams in Canada representing you and protecting you.
- Access to real-time MLS listings before the general public.
- Access to power of sales and estate sales
- Insider access to new developments before they’re open to the public.
- A team available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to show you properties before missing out
- Expert negotiation to help you get the property you want at the best price.
- Access to the best financing rates and terms available.
Learn more about our selling process here.
Selling with Michael St. Jean Realty
Selling your home is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. When you finally decide to sell, you want to make sure you have support from one of the top Hamilton real estate brokerages.
Michael St. Jean Realty is your resource for comprehensive selling strategies designed to maximize your investment and gain top-dollar for your property. Whether you’re selling a condo, detached home, or multi-million dollar mansion, we have a custom program that will help you reach your selling goals.
As one of the most well-known and respected real estate companies in Hamilton, we are driven to produce results for our clients. Our extensive experience, expertise, and strategic marketing programs result in consistently faster and more profitable sales.
Learn more about our selling process here.
FAQ
Working with a local brokerage is always a good idea because they will have a deep understanding of the local market and community. They will learn about your likes and dislikes, your needs and your wants, and be able to recommend a Hamilton neighbourhood that will suit your style. Additionally, a respected real estate brokerage in Hamilton will have access to resources and tools that out-of-town agents might not have, such as mortgage specialists, home inspectors, moving companies, handyman services, and more.
Although the real estate market in Hamilton fluctuates like most other Canadian markets, Hamilton does tend to follow seasonal trends. The market is typically most busy in the spring and fall months, with slightly less sales activity in the summer and winter months. Traditionally, Hamilton real estate has been slightly more affordable than neighbourhing regions like Halton, Peel, and the GTA, however, in recent years we have seen prices in Hamilton start to rise.
The real estate market in Hamilton does tend to work on a traditional cycle. However, the best time to invest in real estate in Hamilton, Ontario is actually whenever you’re ready. As a respected local brokerage, Michael St. Jean Realty works year-round to help our clients buy and sell their homes. Only you can decide when is the right time.
Hamilton area real estate was made for families! The city is comprised mostly of detached, single-family homes and townhouses. With plenty of space, large yards, easy transportation, fantastic amenities, and high-quality schools, Hamilton should be at the top of your mind when considering a family-friendly town to settle down in.
With lower prices and property taxes than many other GTA communities, Hamilton is an excellent investment for a first-time buyer. Whether you’re looking into one of our brand-new high-end condo developments, or you’d like to get a great price on a property with a front and backyard, an experienced Hamilton real estate broker can help find exactly what you’re looking for at a great price. With Hamilton’s expected new growth and development on the horizon, now is a great time to get into the real estate market here.
With its numerous colleges and universities, Hamilton has a consistent rental market. As a result, the investor real estate market in Hamilton is always strong. The city is also experiencing significant growth with many new construction projects and condos in various stages of construction, providing an exceptional opportunity for investors.
Hamilton real estate is diverse and attainable for many price points. However, there are some definite Hamilton neighbourhoods that are more expensive than others. Some of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Hamilton are places like Ancaster, Dundas, Waterdown, West Hamilton, and parts of Stoney Creek.
Affordable real estate in Hamilton, Ontario is achievable for many different types of buyers. Some of the most affordable Hamilton neighbourhoods are those in Central Hamilton, parts of Stoney Creek, Hamilton East, and the Mountain neighbourhoods.
Any real estate broker in Hamilton, Ontario worth their salt knows that the city is perfectly situated close to many other amazing cities. Hamilton is an amalgamation of the surrounding towns of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek. It’s also about 20 minutes from Burlington, 30 minutes from Oakville and less than an hour from Mississauga. Kitchener and Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, and Brantford are also within an hour drive.
Finding a local experienced real estate broker in Hamilton is important. The best course of action is to find an agent with a stellar reputation in the community you are interested in. Ask friends and family for referrals, look at existing lawn signs and listings in the area, and always feel empowered to reach out to agents and conduct “interviews” to find the Hamilton real estate brokerage that meets your needs.
