An Expat Talks about Living in Hamilton, Canada

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Hamilton

How long have you lived there?

5 Years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

1. Main Library at Jackson Square. There's lots of information about clubs and events, and the staff is helpfull.

2. Hess Village, for nightlife. Hess Village is a couple of blocks full of pubs/clubs. Mainly live music, and lots of patios. People are very relaxed and friendly there, and you can expect to find people of all ages.

3. Hamilton has lots of festivals, so check them out.

4. Take a night course at Mohawk College. They have tons of courses each semester (Winter, spring, summer, fall), and if you take something you're interested in, you're bound to meet people.

5. Check out the parks and rail trail for physical fitness. Trail users are very friendly people!

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

I would say Hamilton is diverse. There are people of all ethnic, religious, and economic status. I believe that people are generally accepting of everyone.

There is at least one church of most religious denominations.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Hamilton has a very low unemployment rate.

Steel is the main industry. Hamilton is nic-named the "Steel City."

You can commonly find work in the steel industry, retail (there are 4 major Malls--Limeridge Mall, Eastgate Square, Centre Mall, and Jackson Square), fast food, security field. To find a job, look in the Hamilton Spectator, or Human Resourses Development Canada job bank.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

The city is big on music, and art, and theatre. Also sports (Hamilton Tiger Cats football).

Most people who have lived here for any period of time LOVE the city.

Some people's priorities are family, some work, some socializing. There's a nice balance of all, I guess.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Stoney Creek (East Hamilton) is decent, and reasonably priced as far as rent goes.

If you want to stay away from 'bad' neighborhoods, be careful of central Hamilton, Barton St, Cannon Street, 'Corktown,' (lower)Wellington, (lower)Wentworth. Rent is usually VERY cheap in these areas. If you're going to live there, I would check the area out before committing to renting. There are SOME decent places in Central Hamilton, you just have to look for them.

Hamilton West is the 'university' part of the town, it is very nice. Usually rent is more expensive here.

Hamilton Mountain is almost like an entity of it's own. It's nice, seems 'newer' and rent is of average cost. If you want to experience Hamilton as a city, I would live below the mountain. I live below the mountain, and I barely ever go up there. I have family who lives on the mountain, and they barely ever come down.

Dundas is a nice area, and has a small town kind of feeling. It's west of the city.

Ancaster is nice, and expensive. It's West of the city. I'm not positive, but I don't think there are many apartments for rent in Ancaster, more big houses.