Introduction
Kirkendall North and South are defined by the natural boundaries of the Chedoke Civic Golf Club and the Niagara Escarpment to the south, with Hwy. 403 forming its westerly limits. From Main Street to Beckett Drive and Queen Street is the eastern limit of this attractive community with an abundance of green space.
Lifestyle
Kirkendall has been a community in demand since the 1990s. At that time, Chedoke Civic Golf Club also operated a ski hill. Today, sans ski hill, hikers and runners have taken over the path up the Escarpment, partaking in stair climbing at the golf course and at the foot of Dundurn Street. Residents also engage in tennis, football, baseball and other activities at Ryerson Recreation Centre and Highland Park Gardens.
The Vibe
In its midst is Locke Street, known in the 1980s and ’90s as a wandering window-shopping Mecca of antiques and collectibles. The antique craze has subsided, giving way to more gift-centric boutiques and shops favoured by foodies. Today, millennials and more are just as likely to fill the coffee shops alongside locals. The annual Locke Street Festival, each September, draws thousands of people to the area.
Meet the Neighbours
Kirkendall is still the place to be in Hamilton after all these years. Even the youngest residents know their way around the health food store or when the cupcakes are freshest at Bitten, and dogs are greeted by water bowls outside most shops. With proximity to McMaster’s Innovation Park and McMaster University and Medical Centre, many of the residents are employed in health sciences, education and business.
In the Area
The popularity of the area with its Escarpment setting and proximity to Locke Street means properties aren’t on the market for long, even those at higher price points. It also means listings are snapped up and properties quickly renovated and resold or become owner-occupied. So, $250,000 for a two-bedroom bungalow, needing work, on a small lot, is reasonable. Homes of $600,000 and up offer owner-occupied duplex living in high style.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Kirkendall is one of the most easily accessible neighbourhoods of the city. From above the Escarpment, visitors can descend along the Queen Street hill, or Hwy. 403 with two exits. It’s only a few minutes south on the 403 to The John C. Munro International Airport. The Go Bus travels right along King Street with stops close to Locke Street, while the HSR has regular routes through the area.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
One of the first nearly new stores in the city, Second Chance began drawing fashion forward shoppers to this antique heavy environment, and the salons and spas soon followed. The West Town Pub has held down its corner forever, while new restaurants with an upscale beat line the street. On Canada Day, Canada Street, becomes the most popular street in the city.
Dollars & Sense
Walkable is the operative word in Kirkendall, and most residents’ needs can be met with a short stroll. Many residents are employed in above average paying jobs at nearby McMaster’s Innovation Park, and McMaster University and Medical Centre. With the stair system up the Escarpment, residents and students make their daily commutes on foot. The area’s popularity does create traffic issues, so shoppers and diners sometimes add to the problem.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Bar on Locke
Always the first choice on Locke Street, and often a line-up to get in. Roll-up garage door gives the front table a street-view. Homemade dessert arrives fresh every afternoon.
more infoGoodness Me!
Hamilton’s premiere health food and grocery store before the masses turned on to healthy eating. Family-owned and now branching out through the region.
more infoOlive’s Oddments
One of the few remaining collectible shops, Olive’s has showcased china, furnishings and one-of-a-kind gotta-have items for more than 30 years.
more infoTextures Craftworks
A combined effort of area artists providing original, one-of-a-kind pieces for 31 years.
more infoSECOND CHANCE
Now into their 21st year, sisters Toni and Fran set the style trends with their boutique-style, consignment shop of designer apparel.
more infoDundurn Stairs
Stair climbing up the Escarpment is unique to Hamilton, with at least five sets to choose from. You’ll never know who you’ll meet – from moms and tots to marathoners, rowers and even firemen-in-training.
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