Introduction
This former working class neighbourhood where Irish immigrants settled more than a century ago, is one of the last in the city to be transformed into a community on the move. With a prestigious location at the foot of the escarpment, it’s taken a while to draw newcomers, but now it’s as in-demand as any other hot spot. Growing developer presence adds new to the old to create a viable community.
Lifestyle
People live here, really live here. There are schools, trails and there is a sense of safety due in large part to neighbourhood associations taking back their community with events and activities that draw in positive influences and visitors. It’s a brief walk to take the kids to school or one of many parks, hit the rail trail, hop on the GO or walk to downtown.
The Vibe
Work, play and dine is the essence in the air of today’s Corktown. No longer a tired collection of streets that have seen better days, it’s been picked up and dusted off by those seeking city living and creating it themselves. When the work’s done at home, there are dozens of options for dining or grabbing a bite and a beer. Bikable and walkable, it ranks high on walkability scales.
Meet the Neighbours
Corktown is home to about 7,500 residents. Still the home of old-timers who moved into affordable cottages a lifetime ago, they are slowly being purchased by singles and professionals looking for city living. Because of its affordability in past years, families settled here as reflected by the parks and schools within its boundaries. Some rowhouses are being converted to live/work homes and businesses are fuelling the redux.
In the Area
Not exactly downtown, but close enough, Corktown offers the best of both worlds: nightlife plus a place to live in an area following the trends and tastes of city living. The Art Deco-styled Hamilton GO Station is ideal for those commuting to the GTA. You’ll find St. Joseph’s Hospital, several schools and a rec centre. There are also plenty of pubs and some of the city’s best dining.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
With its tiny streets and dead ends truncated by the CN tracks and overpasses, traffic is often limited. The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) travels along predominant roads to offer regular bus service. There is also DARTS service for those who require accessible transportation. Corktown is only a few minutes from the Wellington access up the escarpment or into downtown.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
With gentrification comes increasing rents and home prices. Century row houses of a few decades ago have been updated and transformed into business and offices to elevate the demand of the area. With proximity to downtown, it’s always been an affordable location for small and independent business. Small homes are commanding competitive prices along with lots of renovations and updating.
Dollars & Sense
When all is said and done, Corktown is still a liveable community for residents who can meet their needs at surrounding shops and offices. From Millennials and Gen Xers to Boomers, they can dine, find a coffee shop and pick up essentials without breaking the bank. Variety is key and within reach on adjoining streets. Housing prices, like everywhere else in the city, are on the rise.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Radius
Celebrating all things local from food and wine to arts and entertainment in a setting where everything is grown, raised, baked, cooked and prepared within its local radius.
more infoHamilton Go Station, Hunter Street West
Not just any stop on the GO line, this is the only example of Art Deco railway station architecture in Canada.
more infoThe Corktown
Operating as a pub since 1931, The Corktown has been a hub of the Hamilton music scene for decades, and continues the tradition.
more infoRail Trail
Snaking behind the concrete of downtown, this interurban trail built upon an abandoned TH&B railway line, reaches up the escarpment to Bernie Arbour Stadium.
Downtown YMCA
With a fully outfitted facility, the Downtown YMCA serves almost 5,000 members of all ages and always has room for one more.
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