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Hamilton was once known for its steel industry. But these days, the city is getting recognition as one of Canada’s hottest real estate markets.
Competitive prices and promises of improved GO Transit are luring prospective home buyers from across the GTA. Although the increased demand driving up prices, there are still some hidden gems that are just now being discovered.
Like a beautiful, quiet waterfront that is changing. Now people rollerblading and strolling the trails are the norm.
Hamilton Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins has noticed the development.
“We’ve certainly seen it’s progression from a cottage community back in the early part of the century to a vibrant thriving neighbourhood. In the last number of years we’ve seen an influx of new development and new families moving into the beach. And certainly the waterfront development that’s been part of the beach community, the trails and everything that has come with it.”
Michelle Franchino from ReMax Escarpment has seen the real estate strategies develop.
“What you are seeing now is there is a real change. You are seeing older homes either being remodelled or completely torn down and new ones built up and that happens over time. The savvy buyer will buy now and not wait until everything is established.
Les Sohar, also from ReMax compares Hamilton and it’s neighbours to the east.
“If we went to the beaches in Toronto today and we tried to find a property comparable a hundred foot wide, lets just say you couldn’t do it. If you did find something similar it would be a fifty-foot wide lot available today, three lots in from the lake for 3.4 million versus 739 on the lake.”
The homes may have changed but one thing that has stayed the same is Hutch’s on the Beach. A popular diner that has served up burgers and fries since 1946.
Manager Rick Creechan says he welcomes the new arrivals and they different perspective they could glean.
“If you have more people coming in from Toronto, they are finding a little bit more about Hamilton. They are coming down here and trying restaurants like us and they are finding out maybe it’s not as bad as what they said it was.
Not as bad, or perhaps the best bargain around.
