Even the most seasoned urbanite has probably had this thought run through their minds before: “What would it be like to live in a small town?” Although Hamilton is by no means a small town anymore, compared to the big metropolis that is Toronto, it can certainly be considered a little more modest. 

We might be biased as to why Hamilton is a great place to live, but it would appear that Torontonians are starting to figure it out for themselves. We’re seeing a significant increase in the number of people moving from Toronto to Hamilton these days, and we can certainly see why. 

Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know about moving to Hamilton from Toronto:

First of All, Where is Hamilton?

Hamilton is situated on the western shore of Lake Ontario. It’s a port city that is centrally located in the Golden Horseshoe. It’s almost right in the middle of Toronto and Niagara Falls and the distance from Toronto to Hamilton is less than an hour’s drive by car. The easiest way to get to Hamilton from Toronto is a straight shot on the QEW, however, there are several alternate routes that can get you there if highway traffic is congested. 

Why Torontonians are Moving to Hamilton

For many Toronto residents, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a yearning for something different. Months of lockdowns meant that people who invested in the condo market to live the downtown lifestyle with all their favourite amenities close by had to re-evaluate their priorities. Many people felt that their condos were too small, too close to their neighbours, and with no city amenities to focus on, they started to dream about a different type of lifestyle. 

Working from home also created a new dynamic. For couples or families living in cramped quarters, suddenly being home all day presented a challenge: where would everyone work? Living in a one or two-bedroom condo is completely different when you have two people trying to conduct business each day in such a small space. 

This resulted in a significant migration to outlying regions like Hamilton. Moving from Toronto to Hamilton was appealing for many reasons, but one of the biggest was that the house prices were more affordable, and buyers could get more “bang for their buck” with bigger houses and properties with front and backyards. 

For Torontonians moving to Hamilton, the city was appealing for many reasons besides lower prices. Hamilton is still close to Toronto with great amenities and trendy urban attractions. The area is well-served by public transportation and has a great reputation for being a welcoming and inviting community. 

The region is also home to numerous diverse communities and neighbourhoods, and these smaller areas are also quite popular with Torontonians looking for a change. For example, Stoney Creek real estate is a great option for buyers looking for sprawling rural properties and large detached houses. 

Why Should You Move to Hamilton?

Are you thinking about making the move from Toronto to Hamilton? On the fence about moving your family across the region and settling in a new city? That’s completely fair. Relocating can be stressful. But consider the following.

• Do you currently live in a condo that feels too small? 
• Are you tired of bumping into your neighbours in the elevator every day?
• Do you want access to great schools, high-quality, and accessible infrastructure? 
• Are you spending more time working from home and want to live in a place surrounded by nature? 
• Are you a commuter looking for a great place outside the city with a simple commute? 
• Do you want to put down some roots in a city that combines small-town community with urban amenities? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be interested in looking more closely at Hamilton. Other Torontonians are moving to Hamilton, why not you?

Who Should Move to Hamilton? 

Hamilton is a diverse city with an engaging and exciting community. People here are friendly, full stop. Whether you’re a young professional, family, or empty-nester, Hamilton is perfect for you. With diverse neighbourhoods and a variety of property types available, there is a home in Hamilton that can suit any need. 

The short Toronto to Hamilton distance also makes the city great for commuters. If you still need to get to work in the city, it’s not hard to drive or take the GO Bus from Hamilton to Toronto. 

The area is also experiencing rapid growth, resulting in significant new developments on the market. Hamilton is accessible, affordable, and attainable for any person at any price point. 

Benefits of Living in Hamilton

Now that we’ve established some of the basics of moving to Hamilton, let’s take a closer look at Hamilton vs. Toronto when it comes to important things like amenities, cost of living, and infrastructure. 

Transportation

Although the big city offers simple and accessible public transportation, we think Hamilton has Toronto beat when it comes to a variety of excellent transportation options. The city is driver-friendly with lots of parking and access to major highways like The QEW and 403. Hamilton has its own bike infrastructure, bus routes including a RAPID transit corridor, GoTrain access to Toronto and Niagara Falls via the Lake Shore Line, and more. Downtown Hamilton is also very walkable and picturesque to stroll!

Schools

Toronto might have more schools than Hamilton, it does, after all, serve a much higher population, but Hamilton’s schools are second-to-none. With incredible public, private, Catholic, and French school boards in the city, your children will have access to incredible learning institutions. Hamilton is also home to some of the most highly-regarded post-secondary colleges and universities.

Cost Savings

Home prices and property taxes are generally lower than in Toronto. Buyers here can expect to get larger properties at a lower price. According to Numbeo, the cost of living is also lower in Hamilton, which means better quality of life and more money in your pocket. 

Job Opportunities

Hamilton has long been known as a hub of manufacturing. It’s a port city that has a deep history with the steelmaking industry. In fact, it’s commonly known as “Steeltown.” Although in the debate between Hamilton vs. Toronto, you might expect to see more diverse job opportunities in the bigger city, Hamilton ranks highly for having one of the most diverse economies in Canada. 

Years ago, the steel industry was the biggest employer here, but today, in addition to manufacturing, we are seeing the rise of education, medical, and even entertainment jobs become more prominent. In fact, McMaster University is the number one employer in the city right now. 

Working with a Local Hamilton Real Estate Agent

If you’re planning to make the move from Toronto to Hamilton, it’s best to work with an experienced local Hamilton real estate agent. Unlike Toronto agents who don’t spend much time in the city, a local real estate professional knows the unique micro-regions and can help you decipher the local niches that will make a big impact when buying a home. Local agents also have access to the best local resources including decorators, handyman services, lawyers, and more. It will save you a lot of time and headache to work with a Hamilton expert when making the big decision to move to Hamilton from Toronto. 

In this market, expert advice makes all the difference. If you have a question about buying or selling your home, call us at 1-844-484-SOLD or email us here.