Hamilton, Ontario has a great reputation for being a big city that also has a huge amount of green spaces. Also known as Hammer Town, Hamilton is surrounded by protected areas as well as natural parks like the Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and Sherman Falls.

But, there are many more benefits, as well as a few setbacks, of living in Hamilton, so you need to research home prices and other variables to find out if this port city is the right fit.

While it’s true that Hamilton is the proverbial big city with a small-town feel, there are many elements that set aside Hammer Town from other major cities in Ontario. In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of living in Hamilton, Ontario, and share important details that you need to know before moving to this beautiful city.

What’s It Like in Hamilton, Ontario?

Before discussing the pros and cons of Hamilton, Ontario, let’s go over a few basic details about Hamilton.

The city of Hamilton has one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in Ontario, and for good reason. Home to more than 700,000 inhabitants, Hamilton is known for its natural beauty, proximity to downtown Toronto, and top family amenities often found in big cities, like Limeridge Mall.

Hammer Town borders Brant county on the west end and Wellington county on the north end border, and both of these areas boast some of the most beautiful scenery in Southern Ontario. Hamilton has actually earned the reputation as the Waterfall Capital of Canada thanks to the hundreds of cascades on the banks of Lake Ontario, which fall within the limits of the city.

In addition to this, Hamilton is known as one of the hidden gems in Ontario because the city has a flourishing art scene, countless miles of walking trails and a vibrant food scene. Add to this a wide range of entertainment options in downtown Hamilton or other parts of the city centre.

Pros and Cons of Living in Hamilton, ON

Like all major cities in Ontario, Hamilton brings a unique combination of features and characteristics. Because each family is different, you need to learn about the advantages of choosing Hamilton over other nearby cities if you want to make the best choice for your family.

If you’re not from Hamilton, visiting Hammer Town is a great idea, especially if you’re interested in looking at the different neighborhoods. Additionally, you can also experience city life more in-depth and try a few of your usual activities, like going out for dinner, to compare the cost of living.

You should also take the opportunity to identify real estate professionals in the area and arrange a few viewings. This will help you gauge property prices in this major city, compare these to your potential job opportunities, and decide on what’s best for your family.

With the above in mind, here are the benefits and disadvantages of moving to Hamilton, ON.

Pros

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Hammer Town, it’s time to discuss house prices, job opportunities, cost of living, and other benefits of living in Hamilton.

Like other historic major cities in Ontario, it’s important to note that Hamilton has a superb public transport network. This is one of the reasons why this city is a fantastic place for people who are environmentally conscious.

It’s possible to enjoy the many waterfalls and the beautiful sights at Hamilton harbor, not to mention visiting nearby cities by traveling a short distance on public transportation.

Not only this, but other pros of living in Hamilton include:

1. Living Costs

Hamilton is known for its relatively low living costs. From the price of residential property to everyday expenses, living in Hamilton can relieve a significant amount of financial pressure, even if you decide to get a bigger place in the inner city area.

It’s estimated that a detached home is around $500,000 in Hamilton depending on the area where it’s located. It’s also possible to find this type of property for $100,000 to $150,000 less than the average price, making this city a great alternative for families.

2. Ease of Relocation and Transportation

Yes, moving to a new city or even neighbourhood is a massive transition. But, as far as difficulty level goes, moving to or in Hamilton is just easier than in the vast majority of cities.

The reason for this is that Hamilton is located by major highways, not to mention the fact that it has its own airport, the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.

3. University Education

Although Toronto is known for having some of the top schools in Ontario, Hamilton is home to many institutions that provide world-class higher education. This includes government-funded institutions such as the Mohawk College, which specializes in technology and healthcare careers.

McMaster University is another one of Hamilton’s most remarkable institutions that provides a year-round medical program that’s known worldwide.

4. Healthcare and Entertainment

In addition to top medical schools, Hamilton also provides some of the best healthcare in Ontario and Canada as a whole. The city has several institutions that rank among the country’s best medical facilities, increasing the quality and availability of the healthcare services provided in the Waterfall Capital of Canada.

Cons

Working with real estate professionals can help you get a realistic idea of what it will be like to live in Hamilton. That means that you’ll also experience some of the setbacks that you may not find in Quebec City or the West Coast.

That said, each and every area has its own challenges, so evaluate which setbacks are the most important for your household before making a choice.

1. Traffic Jams

If you’re driving or certain forms of public transportation during peak hours in Hamilton, you’ll be stuck in traffic. Just like the food scene, the number of vehicles in Hamilton has been growing. And since it’s a historic city with several one-way streets, it’s common to see traffic jams building up.

Every two-way street that’s created can help relieve this pressure, but there’s a strong chance you’ll experience heavy traffic if you live in Hamilton.

2. Lots of Tourism

People that work in the tourism industry will absolutely love this point. But it’s worth noting that many Hamilton residents find the number of tourists in the city overwhelming, especially close to the attractions like Gage Park and Barton St, which is commonly referred to as the Hamilton Forum.

3. Negative Impact of the Steel Industry

The city of Hamilton has relied on the steel industry for decades. However, there is no doubt that this relationship has taken its toll on the area’s natural resources. There’s a big movement towards improving local environmental programs, but it’s definitely a work in progress that Hamilton residents still need to address.

Conclusion

Hamilton is a superb place to live thanks to its proximity to great cities and natural resources, like Niagara Falls and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area. We hope that the pros and cons we listed above allow you to make the best decision and select the best home, whether it’s on the main street or in one of the city’s suburbs.

To find out more about buying a house or how to take advantage of the real estate cost savings in Hamilton, contact Justo today.