Hamilton East

The Vibe: Historically the industrial working-class heart of the city, the East End has transformed. It feels neighborly, scrappy, and creative. The Ottawa Street North strip (formerly the textile district) is now a hipster haven of antique shops, fabric stores, and trendy coffee spots.

Who Lives Here? Young families priced out of the West End, first-time buyers, and makers/creatives.

The Real Estate Lowdown:

Housing Stock: 1920s-1940s brick 2.5-storey homes. They have big front porches and gumwood trim but often share driveways.
Shopping: Ottawa Street North is the destination for interior design, antiques, and the city’s best Farmer’s Market.
Food: Incredible diversity, from cheap eats to the famous Chicago Style Pizza.

The Insider Tip: The "Delta" Sweet Spot. The neighborhood known as The Delta (near Gage Park) is the most prestigious pocket of the East. The homes here are larger and the streets are wider. If you can buy near Gage Park, do it—it is the area's strongest value anchor.