Is Hamilton a good place to live? Advantages of moving to Hamilton, Ontario

Last Updated on July 27, 2024 by William Alexander

Whenever you are thinking of changing your city life, there are a lot of questions that come to your mind, such as what the pros and cons of living in a new city are.  If you are currently a citizen of Toronto and you want to shift to Hamilton, you may wonder whether living in Hamilton, Ontario, is good or not. 

In this guide, you will get complete information about Is Hamilton a good place to live. As a local of Hamilton, I will provide you with perfect knowledge of whether you are moving to Hamilton or not. What are the pros and cons of living in Hamilton? So, let’s jump in!

What is Hamilton close to

Hamilton is situated only less than an hour’s drive from the west to Toronto. It is one of the largest cities in Canada in Southern Ontario. This city is the most populated and economically developed region. Also, the five main borders crossing the United States are less than an hour’s drive. 

This city is close to the most significant business hub ports of entry and Canada’s busiest international airport. Hamilton’s port is one of the busiest ports of Canadian Greek lakes. Hamilton Airport ( John C. International Airport) is Canada’s busiest airport. This city has many options for travel, shipping, people, and transportation of goods.

What is Hamilton known for

Hamilton is represented locally as “The Hammer or Steeltown” due to its industrial roots. This city is now one of Canada’s leading industrial centres. Its iron and steel industries are now Canada’s largest accounting of the national steel output. 

This city is also famous for being the waterfall capital of the world.  It offers exciting and different living experiences due to its waterfront trails and charming view of Niagara Escarpment.  Hamilton has access to natural beauty, parks, waterfronts, museums, art galleries, and famous restaurants and shopping centres. 

How big is Hamilton? 

According to recent research, this city has a population of about 5 lac and over five hundred and 52 approximately. Still, this city is the choice of newcomers in Canada who live in Toronto.  This city covers an area of about 11,18 square kilometres. On the other hand, Toronto covers only about 630 square kilometres of land. Hamilton is a quiet, big city, unlike Toronto.

Things to do in Hamilton

Hamilton, Ontario, offers a wide variety of activities related to art, nature, and sports. You can choose suitable activities according to your tastes, interests, and financial stability. 

Let’s discuss all types of fun activities or things to do in Hamilton and its popular areas, Ontario.

Nature and Outdoor activities

Enjoy waterfalls

This city is entirely of nature, and that’s why it is famous, due to its natural beauty and waterfalls. If you are also a lover of natural beauty, then you should visit Hamilton Waterfalls.  Webster’s Falls and Tews Falls are one of the most famous waterfalls in Hamilton. Albion Falls is another charming waterfall that is easily accessible. This is also known as the ” Waterfall Capital of the World.”

Royal Botanical Gardens

To enjoy the natural beauty, you can also visit this beautiful garden. Royal Botanical Garden is Canada’s most extensive garden. This garden offers walking trails and different events throughout the year.

Hamilton Harbour Waterfall Trail

Whenever you are in Hamilton, you try to visit this waterfall. It offers scenic beauty, walking, biking, and Marinas.

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Culture is one of the most essential parts of any city, and some people are very interested in knowing about the culture of any place. History is the most crucial element of any culture. If you are interested in learning about the culture and history of Hamilton, I recommend that you visit these places such as

• Dundurn Castle
• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum 
• Art Gallery of Hamilton 

In these places, you can enjoy arts and culture scenes. And also enjoy some historical attractions. 

Entertainment and Events in Hamilton

• First Ontario Center
  

This is one of the famous places in Hamilton that hosts concerts, sports events, and shows. This place is also home to the Hamilton Bulldogs hockey team.

• Hamilton Farmer’s Market
  

In Hamilton, this is one of the famous places if you want to explore flavour and products. You can also enjoy artisanal goods and ready-to-eat foods.

• Supercrawl
  

This is an annual music festival held in Hamilton that offers live performances, art installations, and local vendors. 

Outdoor recreation and activities

Here, I recommend some of the best spots in Hamilton for outdoor recreation. 

• Bruce Trail

It is one of Canada’s oldest and most famous marked footpaths, and it is in Hamilton. It offers excellent hiking opportunities and also beautiful or charming scenery of Niagara.

• Hamilton Golf and Country Club

It is one of Canada’s premier golf courses; this spot offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience. 

• Bayfront Park

This park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as walking, biking trails, picnics, and a stunning view of Hamilton Harbour.

 

Festivals and Fairs in and around Hamilton                                

Before moving to Hamilton, you should know about the famous festivals of this city that will develop your interest whether you are moving to this city or not. 

So, let’s begin. Here is the list and times of some famous festivals celebrated in Hamilton. 

• Supercrawl 

This festival is held in September. It is an annual art festival celebrated on James Street North. This festival offers live performances, street performances, and local vendors.

• Festival of Friends

This is also a music festival. And this is free of cost. This festival features Musical acts, arts and crafts vendors, and food items.

• Concession Streetfest

This festival is celebrated in June. It is a family-friendly street festival with live music, street performances, and different activities for all ages. 

• Hamilton World Music Festival         

This festival is celebrated in July, and it offers musical and dance performances from around the world.

• Winona Peach festival

This festival is held in August. It is a community festival celebrating local agriculture with a primary focus on peaches. This festival is different from other festivals due to its unique idea. It also offers arts and crafts, live entertainment, and delicious peach treats. 

List of festivals and fairs around Hamilton

1. Sound of Music Festival( Burlington)
2. Ribfest ( Burlington)
3. Canada day Celebration( Dundas)
4. Ancaster Fair
5. Cider Fest ( Stoney Creek)

Where to eat in Hamilton

Some food lovers first check the best places to buy food in any city before moving to a new city. So I will solve this problem for those people. I will give you information about the best food spots and also the best food in Hamilton. 

Here is the list of the best food spots in Hamilton

• The Mule Hamilton
• The Ship
• HAMBRGR King William
• The French
• Born and Raised 
• Bon Temps
• Black Forest Inn
• Bardo Locke St. Hamilton 
• B-Side Social
• La Spaghett Pasta house

 These are the top 10 famous and well-renowned food places in Hamilton. I recommend you taste the food flavours of these places.

Famous Food Items in Hamilton

1. Peach cider

It is a refreshing drink made for fresh peaches. You should try this drink in local markets and cideries.

2. Fish and Chips

This dish contains Classic fresh fried fish with chips. The best spot for this dish is Hutches on the Beach.

3. Poutine

This is one of the most delicious dishes in Hamilton. This dish has fries with cheese curds and gravy. Whenever you want to taste this dish, The Burnt Tongue is the best place to do so.

4. Hamilton Style Pizza

It is a local but unique pizza restaurant, and Chicago-style pizza is the best restaurant ever for pizzas.

5. Donairs

This dish contains spiced meat wraps with sweet sauce. Papa Leo’s Restaurant is the best place for donairs. 

6. Empanadas

This is a sweet pastry with various fillings. Saltlick Smokehouse is the best restaurant to try this dish.

7. Pierogies

This dish has Dumplings with potato cheese and meat fillings. The Hearty Hooligan is a good place for pierogies. 

These are the best food items in Hamilton that I recommend you to try.

Schooling Options in Hamilton 

There are two types of schooling 

1. Public schooling
2. private schooling 

The schooling system of Hamilton is based on public schooling, which is referred to as government-funded free education. This is a better education system than private schooling because, in private schooling, parents bear all educational expenses. That’s why the cost of living in Hamilton is less than in other cities. 

Hamilton is the best place to live due to the public schooling system. Across Canada, there is a co-educational system, which means boys and girls study together in grade 12.  Hamilton also provides private schooling, but in Hamilton, public school attendance is higher than in private education. 

There are three stages of pre-university education in Ontario.

1. Kindergarten

2. Elementary 

3. high schools

In kindergarten, there are two optional years, junior at the age of 4 and senior at the age of 5, and then elementary and high school. Schooling continues up to the age of 18.  The best educational board in Hamilton is the Hamilton-Wentworth district school board. 

Suppose you are newly shifting to Hamilton. Then, your child will attend the school that is near your area. If there is no public school in your area, then your child recommends that you get admission to the neighbouring region.

Here is the list of some famous Educational Institutions  in Hamilton

Famous Schools

1. Westdale Secondary School
2. Hillfield Strathallan College
3. ST. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School
4. Ancaster High School
5. Waterdown District High School
6. Sherwood Secondary school
7. Hamilton District Christian High School
8. Bishop Tonnos Catholic School 
9. Sir Allan MacNab secondary school

 All these schools are famous for the best curricular progress and academic development.

Famous Universities

1. Mcmaster University in Hamilton
2. Redeemer university

These two are the best universities in Hamilton.

Where to stay in Hamilton

In this guide, I will give you detailed information about the best places and also their prices in Hamilton and the surrounding area.

Names of Hotels	Rent or price of living In CAD	Rating
The Laundry Rooms	39 thousand approx.	4.8 stars
Knights Inn Burlington	23 thousand approx.	2.9 stars
Comfort Inn Hamilton	31 thousand approx.	3.5 stars
Four points by Sheraton	38 thousand approx.	4.0 stars
Sandman Hotel Hamilton	40 thousand approx.	4.3 stars
Waterfront Hotel	42 thousand approx.	4.1 stars
Super Eight by Wyndham	22 thousand approx.	2.6 stars
Sheraton Hamilton Hotel	43 thousand approx.	4.1 stars
The Pearle Hotel and Spa	98 thousand approx.	4.4 stars

This is a list of some of the best hotels in Hamilton, and the average home price in Hamilton is about $ 834,414. Now, it is your choice whether you stay in hotels or buy your own home in Hamilton.

Is Hamilton an excellent place to live? Pros and Cons of Moving to Hamilton

Pros of moving to Hamilton, Ontario

1 .Lower cost of living

Hamilton offers a lower cost of living than Toronto in terms of affordable housing and public transit. The prices of houses in Hamilton are much lower than in Toronto, and it is also the best choice for couples and families due to its natural beauty.

2. Neighbourhoods of significant cities

Hamilton is located in the Toronto neighbourhood. Toronto to Hamilton is only an hour’s drive. So, living in Hamilton, you can easily access the amenities of the big city without incurring high expenses. It is also close to Niagara Falls and the US border.

3.  To enjoy natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities

Hamilton is known as the Waterfall Capital of the World. It has around one hundred waterfalls within the city. Hamilton also has beautiful parks, green spaces, trails, and conservation areas, and also you can do many outdoor activities, as already discussed in this guide.

4. Job opportunities and growing economy

This city also offers different types of opportunities in Hamilton’s health sciences, healthcare education, and manufacturing sectors. This city is home to Mc master University, Mohawk College, and several hospitals.

5. Community and Lifestyle

People living in Hamilton are friendly, and Hamilton has a strong sense of community and a strong neighborhood and carries a different lifestyle. 

6. Public transportation and Infrastructure

This city has well-maintained public transit, highways, and rail connections that make traveling comfortable. This city has a Hamilton International Airport, which provides facilities to thousands of passengers every year.

Cons

1.Weather

Winter in Hamilton is cold with snowfall. There are better places for those who like moderate weather.

2.Industrial area

This city is famous for its industrial development. But these industries make the air polluted. 

Is Hamilton Right for You?

Hamilton is one of Canada’s largest cities. Hamilton is surrounded by notable cities like Dundas, Ancaster, Burlington, and Stoney Creek. This city offers lower living costs and also provides free education in public schools. Hamilton is full of natural beauty.

This city has several waterfalls. Hamilton is the place to call home. This city is also known for its industrial development and also provides different job opportunities. 

Is Hamilton the right place for you?  A simple answer to this question is that after reading the pros and cons, we can see that there are a lot of advantages to living in Hamilton. If you are in search of cheap houses, then Hamilton is the right place for you.

If you are in search of jobs, then Hamilton is the right place for you because it provides a lot of job opportunities in the industrial and healthcare sectors. If you are a lover of nature, then Hamilton is also the best place for you.

This city has around 100 waterfalls within the limits of the town, and it also has several parks and greenery.

FAQ’S

Final words: Is Hamilton a good place to live?

Yes, it is the best place to live. Here, you live comfortably. It is the best decision to live in this city. In this guide, I discuss all the essential points that you need to know before moving to this city. Also, the specialties of Hamilton areas.

After reading this guide, it is easy for you to decide whether you shift or not. But I recommend you to move to this beautiful city because there are a lot of advantages to living in the city and only a few disadvantages.