We are considering moving to Hamilton. While it seems there are good reasons to move there (interest in revitalizing the city), it also seems there are strong reasons for not moving there (lack of funding, concern about economic health, increase in property crimes, etc.).
We are looking for answers to two questions (albeit broad ones) --
Why should one think that Hamilton is on the upswing?
What will prevent Hamilton from realizing its potential?
It certainly seems that there are many cities with a beautiful housing stock that would be to die for in other cities. But these cities never seem to find the resources, the commitment, etc. to realize their full potential.
I love all those houses, I know where that area is too as I know some people that live in the area. Many of those mansions and others near by are largely under valued due to the fact it is hamilton and also its next to a crappy neighbourhood.
I've lived in Hamilton all my life and can probably direct you to some neighbourhoods that have begun to spring back to life in recent years. The city as a whole hasn't really 'taken off' yet... but I am more optimistic now than ever. My reasons?
1. We just voted in a new mayor who has a lot more vision for the revitalization of the city. I've long believed that it is Hamiltonians ourselves who have held back this city by allowing a few special interest groups to tax the death out of the urban city in order to subsidize sprawl. Our new mayor sees urban renewal as the way forward. Our old mayor attended the ground breaking of 'summit park' - a mega sprawl project on the outskirts of town (something like 10,000 homes) and proclaimed "this is the future of Hamilton." Thankfully he's gone and hopefully our new mayor will refocus city hall.
2. We are seeing major new investments in health care and sciences/research...the McMaster Innovation Park will be a huge boost to the local economy as will the new multi-modal shipping project at the port and overall waterfront/downtown redevelopment.
3. Remax Canada recently named downtown Hamilton and north end/waterfront homes as one of Canada's next boomspots. I bought a home 3 years ago here for 136,000 and could easily fetch over 200,000 today. But believe me, I'm not moving. My wife and I love living downtown.
I'm not sure what 'crappy' neighbourhood next to Durand the last poster is referring to, but areas that are fast becoming the 'it' place to live in Hamilton are - Locke South, Strathcona, Corktown, North End/West Harbour.
All of these are 'downtown' neighbourhoods and are all seeing great increses in home prices and more importantly, new developments such as lofts, restaurants, galleries and shops opening up.
Probably Hamilton's best kept secret is the nature within the city. My downtown home is a 10 minute walk from Locke South, Hess Village, Farmers Market, Library etc.....and also a 5 minute bike ride from the escarpment trails, harbour/Cootes Paradise trails which can lead out to the Dundas Valley, the RBG is a few minutes away as are great fishing/canoeing spots.....not a day goes by where I don't see folks walking down my street with fishing poles and tackle boxes.
All that to say, life in Hamilton is better now than it's been in my memory...and only getting better....the city is starting to re-invest in the downtown and things like parks, transit, city beautification etc..... I think we'll really have a better grip on things in 3 or 4 years once this new council gets their teeth into things.
Kansas City has many neighborhoods with houses similar to those you posted. I love them. Most of them are unique, not the cookie cutter houses in the burbs. I'm glad to see that someone would come in restore them, not let them fall by the wayside. Great post!!
__________________
"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
Thanks for sharing. I love going into old neighborhoods like that. I always enjoy getting to tour inside old mansions as well and hearing the stories about their history and the people who built them.
Cool pics. I love that first house too, when was it built?
Don't know for sure, but these homes range from the Victorian era to just before WWII. I'd say the one in the first pic is toward the latter.
__________________ RECENT PHOTOS: TORONTO • SAN FRANCISCO • ROCHESTER, NY • HAMILTON • GODERICH, ON • WHEATLEY, ON • COBOURG, ON • LAS VEGAS • LOS ANGELES
Prev
Linear Mode
