As the GTA real estate market hits record highs, many are looking outside the area for school, work, and raising families. There are tons going on in nearby Hamilton, which is attracting movers from all over southern Ontario. With its proximity to the border and the GTA, great schools, and a bustling arts scene, Rentals.ca has done your homework for you to help you find the perfect Hamilton neighbourhood for your needs.
Top Hamilton Neighbourhoods
1. Top family and kid-friendly neighbourhoods in Hamilton
- Delta West
This charming neighbourhood is home to St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School, which ranks in the top 10. Most of your neighbours here will have children, and if your children are young, you will be in good company. Delta West is home to Gage Park, an expansive green space where you can run with the kids and the dog.
- Huntingdon
Hate sitting still? This place has it all! Huntingdon is home to The Escarpment Trail, a 32-km walking and biking trail repurposed from abandoned rail tracks. Take the kids and the bikes, and check out the magnificent views of the Niagara Escarpment and Hamilton Brickworks. Huntingdon is also home to a recreation centre and a golf course for fun and relaxation for all members of the family.
- Mountview
The name says it all! This neighbourhood perched at the peak of Hamilton Mountain has access to some of the best views and schools in Hamilton. To the east and north of this neighbourhood are acres of green space, perfect for playing with the dogs and the kids. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Chedoke Radial Trail.
- Kirkendall
This sustainable neighbourhood has a village-like feel where most family amenities are within walking distance. A portion of the Bruce Trail runs through lush, green Kirkendall, which families love for its laid-back vibes and proximity to excellent schools, including French immersion programs.
2. Top neighbourhoods in Hamilton for singles and young professionals
- East Hamilton
Want to be in the centre of it all? Check out East Hamilton. You can be anywhere downtown within minutes in this bustling ‘hood, which has an abundance of prime rental stock. Surround yourself with mountain and lake views from the heights of your high-rise and don’t miss out on any of the great amenities this neighbourhood has to offer while working and playing hard.
- Durand
Durand is home to 12,000 Hamiltonians, and they’ve got room for a few more. This historic neighbourhood has fought against demolitions for decades to ensure plenty of affordable rentals stock in well-built historic homes. This quaint, community-oriented neighbourhood puts on many events for locals, so there is always a way to meet new people in this happening-neighbourhood. Next on the calendar? A summer garden tour.
- Blakely
Bordering Gage Park, this quiet and central neighbourhood is close to amenities without missing out on any of the action. It’s a hot neighbourhood for singles and young professionals in Hamilton.
3. Safest neighbourhoods in Hamilton
- Stoney Creek
This community on Lake Ontario’s south shore is one of Hamilton’s safest and most established. This pleasant community with soil just right for fruit growing is a picturesque town in Hamilton which is home to many families. It’s currently one of the fastest-growing areas in the GTA because of its accessibility to the Burlington Skyway.
- Strathcona
Located just west of Main Street, lovely Stratchona is home to some of Hamilton’s main attractions, such as Dundurn Castle, Tuckett Mansion-Scottish Rite, and Strathcona School. This postcard-perfect part of town is full of mature trees and rolling green lawns. Have you thought about raising a family in Strathcona?
4. Top places for students to live in Hamilton
- Bartonville
What used to be a sleepy neighbourhood for families has been revitalized with the addition of the Hamilton Brock campus. Plenty of cute shops and places to eat have popped up on the main drag to accommodate local students. The Hamilton GO station is conveniently located in Bartonville, making weekend commutes home a snap for students with families in the GTA. To unwind after a stressful exam, take a breather on the Escarpment Railway.
- West Hamilton
Home to McMaster University, West Hamilton has been a haven for student housing for years. Live right downtown in this exciting neighbourhood at the heart of it all. Hungry? Check out the iconic Valentino’s restaurant in this area, which has been satisfying customers with its legendary Italian fare for over 40 years. Cool down with a scoop of gelato and check out Dundurn Castle or the Royal Botanical Gardens because everything is happening for students in West Hamilton.
- St. Clair
While its neighbouring communities in all directions continuing to grow, St. Clair is still a little up-and-coming — and for a budget-conscious student, that’s a great thing. Tucked right downtown among desirable neighbourhoods like Blakely and Durand, St. Clair is home to a young and diverse population that likes to work hard and play hard all a stone’s throw from the city’s campuses.
5. Up-and-coming Hamilton neighbourhoods
- Stinson
This neighbourhood, which is rich in history, is undergoing a renaissance as developers move in to take advantage of its prime downtown location. Nestled in the foothills of the mountain, Stinson offers all the convenience of downtown with a laid-back, local, and neighbourly feel because of the pretty tree-lined residential streets just steps from the core. There’s a hot singles scene here, and great deals can be found in the area.
- Gibson
Up-and-coming Gibson is an investor’s dream. Formerly a sleepy residential area, property in this neighbourhood is being snatched up, making Gibson one of the hottest tickets in Hamilton. Located right near downtown and the waterfront, Gibson offers plenty of funky homes with character at still-affordable prices. The neighbourhood is still on the rise, but with this much going on, it’s wise to get into Gibson while you can.
