History of Dundas
Beginning as a manufacturing village centuries ago, Dundas was named after the main roadway that passed through the community, which still exists today (also called Highway 5). The town was an economically prosperous and significant community during the later years of the 1700s and the early 1800s, and in 1847 Dundas was officially incorporated. Prior to the City of Hamilton’s boom, Dundas was an important industrial town that transported goods and materials from the area to the nearby City of Toronto. Following the establishment of MacMaster University in West Hamilton in 1930, Dundas slowly transformed into a bedroom community for commuting faculty, staff, and students of the university.
Where Is Dundas?
Dundas is located within Hamilton, just 15 minutes from the west end of the city and 5 minutes from MacMaster University, situated right at the foot of the majestic Niagara Escarpment and at the edge of Lake Ontario. Surrounded by natural landscapes, Dundas is also located in between vast greenspaces including Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Dundas Peak, and RBG Cootes Paradise Sanctuary.
Dundas Economy
Thanks to its location on the fertile river valley, and the surrounding powerful rivers flowing from the nearby escarpment, Dundas remained a significant economic centre in Canada for most of its history, known for agricultural trading and milling. The creation of the Great Western Railway and the factories and machine tool industry that developed in Dundas as a result kept this community thriving well into the Industrial Era. Today, Dundas’ economy is synonymous with Hamilton’s, and tourism, education, and recreation play a major part in the economy of this suburb.
Dundas Demographics
With a steady population of about 24,000 (2016), Dundas houses about 5% of Hamilton’s total population. Residents mostly include university staff and faculty who enjoy living close to the nearby MacMaster University campus, some families with young children, married professionals, and many seniors and retirees who enjoy the tranquility of the Dundas community.
Education in Dundas
Families will love that there are over a dozen school options in the Dundas community. There are several private, public, and Catholic schools, from elementary to high school. MacMaster University is also a short drive from Dundas, so residents settling down here are excellently served by institutions in the area. Some local schools include:
- Dundas Central Elementary School
- Sir William Osler Elementary School
- Yorkview Elementary School
- Dundana Elementary School
- St. Augustine Catholic Elementary School
- Dundas Valley Montessori School
- Colin Macdonald Alternative School
- Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts Independent Day School
- Dundas Valley Secondary School
- Columbia International College, Northcliffe Campus
- St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
Dundas Infrastructure
Dundas is home to a quintessential downtown core lined with plenty of independent shops, galleries, restaurants, and more. So walking these quaint streets is a great way to get a feel for the history of the community and immerse yourself in the village atmosphere while admiring the Victorian architecture. Dundas is served by the Line 05 bus, so residents can easily commute to the city centre whenever they need. The suburb also provides access to major roadways including Highway 5, Highway 8, Highway 99, and Highway 403, so it’s incredibly easy to get to Hamilton and the surrounding cities. Hamilton’s John C. Munro International Airport is just 20 minutes from Dundas.
There are a number of family doctors, dental offices, veterinarians, and pharmacies located within Dundas to serve the community. MacMaster Children’s Hospital is located a short 5 minutes from Dundas, so families living here have peace of mind knowing that emergency care for their kids is essentially right next door.
Arts & Culture in Dundas
Dundas is full of recreation options that make living in this suburb enjoyable, including the Dundas Golf & Curling Club, Dundas Driving Park, Dundas Tennis Club, and dozens of parks throughout the community.
From casual eats to fine dining, Dundas is home to a wide selection of popular restaurants. If you’re in the mood for something simple, Betula, Thirsty Cactus, and Collins Brewhouse offer delicious takes on classic crowd-pleasers, from burgers and tacos to salads and fish. Quatrefoil is the town’s most upscale dining spot, serving authentic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. For international flavours, Dundas is home to Indian, Korean, and Thai restaurant options like India Village, Namu, and Bangkok Spoon that have become local favourites.
Every year on the third weekend in August, the community of Dundas celebrates Dundas Cactus Festival by closing off King Street and gathering residents for a weekend of family fun. Originally celebrated at the beginning of the summer to welcome the new season, Dundas Cactus Festival is now held at the end of the season and features street vendors, a parade, carnival, live music, and more fun attractions for residents of all ages.
On the first weekend in June each year, Dundas hosts Dundas Buskerfest. Highlighting street performance artists from around the world, Dundas Buskerfest is one of the community’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Numerous vendors, artisans, and food trucks also line King Street during this weekend, so it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the culture of the community.
Dundas is known for its incredible natural landscapes and vast greenspaces. Right outside your doorstep is the Niagara Escarpment, the world’s largest escarpment, teeming with wildlife and populated with waterfalls. There are plenty of trails winding through Dundas, including the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail, the Spencer Creek Trail, and Glen Ferguson Side Trail. There are also a number of protected and well-maintained green areas in the community, including Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Dundas Peak, RBG Cootes Paradise Sanctuary, Borer’s Falls Conservation Area, and Tiffany Falls Conservation Area.
Dundas Neighbourhoods
While Dundas is a small village within Hamilton, there are a number of micro-markets within the community that cater to different lifestyles.
Downtown Dundas
Centered in the heart of this community, residents of Downtown Dundas will enjoy living within walking distance of all the best restaurants, cafes, shops, galleries, and amenities that this neighbourhood offers. Living in Downtown Dundas means having the greatest access to Dundas’ exciting events and being immersed in the history of the town. Dundas real estate is varied, with modern homes now popping up alongside the character-rich heritage homes.
Greensville
A quiet, rural neighbourhood, Greensville is a highly sought-after neighbourhood because of the available acreage, with a number of homes set on ravines or with views of the escarpment. The closest Dundas enclave to 403, Greensville offers residents quick access to Toronto, The GTA, and the tri-city area of Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge.
Pleasant Valley
Located just off Old Ancaster Road and a few steps from Sanctuary Park, you’ll find Pleasant Valley. With abundant greenspace and a number of schools closeby, this neighbourhood is a favourite among families. As this neighbourhood has grown in popularity, Dundas real estate in this area has become more diverse. Here, you’ll find many bungalows as well as executive properties and even luxury condos.
University Gardens
Abutting the shores of Lake Ontario, University Gardens lies at the fork of Spencer Creek, steps away from MacMaster University. As a gateway neighbourhood into the community of Dundas, University Gardens has the best of both worlds as it’s close to essential amenities like restaurants, gyms, and grocery stores, as well as beautiful natural surroundings like Lake Jojo, a number of creeks, trails, and Hopkin’s Woods Special Protection Area.
See more Hamilton neighbourhoods below.
Dundas Real Estate Affordability
The average sale price in Dundas in 2021 was $939,855. While the Dundas real estate average is higher than the City of Hamilton’s average home price of $798,959, buyers are willing to spend a little more in order to secure a truly unique living experience like the one that Dundas offers. With a range of Dundas real estate options, nature at your doorstep, endless opportunities for recreation, and easy access to Hamilton and neighbouring cities, it’s clear why real estate in Dundas, Ontario is highly sought-after.
Dundas Homes For Sale
As an established neighbourhood, Dundas has a wide variety of homes for sale. Depending on your budget and needs there is Dundas house for sale that can suit you. Whether you are looking for a modern townhouse, spacious bungalow, two-storey family home, or even a luxurious unique property, Dundas real estate has it all.
The average price for a single-family home in Dundas in 2021 was $1.1 million. This is slightly higher than the average for Hamilton, however, homeowners here appreciate the space, privacy, peace, and tranquility of living in a suburb.
Dundas Condos For Sale
Although primarily known for its beautiful suburban properties, large lots, and spacious floorplans, Dundas condos for sale are becoming more popular with buyers over the years. Dundas condos for sale boast open floorplans, beautiful views, and affordability for buyers looking to get the best of both worlds with modern amenities in a quiet and peaceful community.
Condos for sale in Dundas range from modest, easy-to-maintain properties perfect for investors and first-time buyers, to extremely luxurious condos and townhomes. If you’re looking for a condo in a quiet and safe Hamilton neighbourhood, Dundas condos for sale could be for you.
Dundas Real Estate Services
If you’re considering buying or selling Dundas real estate, you need an experienced local agent to represent you. Michael St. Jean Realty knows the community, the surrounding region, and the real estate in Dundas, Ontario best, and will help you navigate the market to make the right decisions.
Buying a Home with Michael St. Jean Realty
When you work with Michael St. Jean Realty as your buyer agent, you get:
- One of the top real estate teams in Canada representing you and protecting you.
- Access to real-time MLS listings before the general public.
- Access to power of sales and estate sales
- Insider access to new developments before they’re open to the public.
- A team available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to show you properties before missing out
- Expert negotiation to help you get the property you want at the best price.
- Access to the best financing rates and terms available.
Selling A Home With Michael St. Jean Realty
Selling your property is rarely a light undertaking. Michael St. Jean Realty has the resources, skill, experience, and presence in Dundas, Hamilton, and the surrounding communities to maximize your return on your Dundas real estate investment. No matter what type of property you’re selling, from luxury estates to apartment condos, Michael St. Jean Realty offers comprehensive listing services to ensure you experience the most successful sale possible.
FAQ
With its proximity to Hamilton and its great access to schools, greenspace, and more, Dundas is an excellent community for families of all ages.
Dundas is neither the most expensive nor least expensive community in the area. In 2021, the average price of a home in Dundas was $939,855. Homeowners here are often willing to pay a premium for larger-than-average lots and unique properties.
Although much of the real estate in Dundas consists of heritage homes, newer bungalows, and even luxurious condos, there is a large demographic of seniors and retirees who live here. Thanks to its lively events, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to great amenities, Dundas is popular with a wide variety of individuals.
For university faculty and staff, one of the best Dundas neighbourhoods is University Gardens. This community is located mere steps from McMaster University and is also close to numerous amenities, greenspaces, hiking trails, and more.
As part of Hamilton, Dundas has access to a great transit system that makes getting around the GTA easy. The suburb itself is highly walkable and close to numerous highways including Highway 5, Highway 8, Highway 99, and Highway 403.
Like most parts of the country, the ‘busiest’ period in real estate is typically the spring and fall. These are the times when inventory reaches its peak and you should find more homes available for sale. However, the best time to buy a Dundas home is actually whenever you are ready. It is possible to find a gorgeous home at any time in the year.
Selling in the spring or fall has its benefits since many buyers are out looking at these traditionally busy times. However, over the past few years, the market has shifted and with low inventory, it can be advantageous for a seller to sell their Dundas home at any time in the year. The key is working with a great real estate agent.
Real estate in Dundas is nuanced and community-driven. Finding a real estate agent who knows what they are doing is the best way to ensure your success. A local Dundas REALTOR® will have local market insights, community knowledge, and ties and connections to locals that an out-of-town agent does not have.
Take a look at who is currently working in your community. Note any agents who seem to specialize in the type of property you are looking for, and ask around to see who your friends and family have used in the past. It’s also essential to interview agents before committing to work with them. Ask a lot of questions and ensure you are aligned in your goals and expectations.
