Introduction
Formerly a separate municipality, Stoney Creek amalgamated with the City of Hamilton in 2001. It begins east of the Red Valley Parkway, including the area from Lake Ontario up to Rymal Road, and ends where Grimsby begins, at Fifty Road/11th Road East. The area is popular among families, young urban professionals as well as seniors.
Lifestyle
Outdoorsy types who still require urban comforts will really feel at home in Stoney Creek. You can go for a hike atop the World Biosphere Reserve, looking out on what can only be described as a panoramic vista, then take a short drive down the parkway to all of the shopping and cultural options that Hamilton has to offer.
The Vibe
Most of the original settlement took place below "the Mountain” (aka the Niagara Escarpment), where you’ll find lovely Victorian and Edwardian enclaves, as well as more recent mid-century neighbourhoods, all very well maintained. But there’s been a recent housing boom in the formerly very rural upper town, where several new subdivisions have grown in the last decade, with many more on the horizon.
Meet the Neighbours
Families raising children and younger professionals make up a good chunk of the population, but there’s a healthy percentage of active seniors living here too, particularly in lower Stoney Creek. There are slightly more single people living in Stoney Creek than elsewhere in the province, and of those, more are female than male.
In the Area
There are a lot of families in Stoney Creek and a lot of elementary schools, most of which are in the more established part of town below the escarpment. Up “the Mountain” there are now five public and three separate elementary schools, as well as the public Saltfleet High School and separate Bishop Ryan Secondary School in nearby Hannon.
30 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Stoney Creek has decent public transit options thanks to its amalgamation with Hamilton. Cyclists will find bike lanes and paths make it easier to get around, but most residents still drive to work and for errands. Close proximity to the QEW (via three interchanges), the Red Valley Parkway, Highway 8, and Highway 20 make it an excellent choice for commuters.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Stoney Creek has some really run-down areas in the lower town, particularly closer to the Hamilton border. For many, this makes Stoney Creek less appealing than the comparable community of Grimsby. But there’s a lot of redevelopment going on, and even some new housing in the lower town, which could potentially change the situation in the next few years.
Dollars & Sense
New luxury homes sell for relatively competitive prices, but are still significantly cheaper than nearby Burlington. There are definitely bargains to be found if you’re looking for a mid-century detached home, and some of the century cottages in the Olde Town are just begging for a makeover. Expect to pay slightly less than you would in the GTA for dining, entertainment and retail.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Parkermann’s
This adorable and super-friendly tea shop is the busiest place in Olde Town most mornings, when employees flock here for the locally roasted Red Hill coffee, pastries, and over 80 varieties of loose leaf tea.
more infoBanana Leaf Asian Cuisine
This popular local Asian fusion bistro features mainly Thai and Chinese specialties, including Dim Sum, in a surprisingly chic atmosphere for a small downtown plaza. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
more infoDevil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area
Once known as the Horseshoe Falls for its similarity in shape to the much heavier-flow version at Niagara, the main ribbon waterfall drops a staggering 33.8 metres past gorgeously Ordovician and Silurian stratified rock.
more infoStarlite Drive-In
This three-screen outdoor movie house is perched high atop the escarpment on Green Mountain Road. If the movie doesn’t grab you, you can entertain yourself by looking across the lake at Toronto or Buffalo!
more infoPunch Bowl Market & Bakery
The Punch Bowl has an excellent array of baked goods. You can stock up here on an incredible selection of retro toys, beverages, and candy! Already added to my holiday shopping list.
more infoSpasso Ristorante
Wood-oven pizza is the must-have item at Spasso, with locals raving about the variety of toppings and quality of the authentic Italian-style crust. It also features a full menu of pastas, fish and meat.
more info