Kennedy

Kennedy, Hamilton: A Harmonious Community in South Hamilton

Welcome to Kennedy, a diverse and close-knit neighbourhood nestled in south Hamilton, Ontario. Characterized by its welcoming spirit and a comfortable blend of residential charm and urban convenience, Kennedy offers an ideal setting for families and individuals seeking an established and supportive community. With its well-regarded schools, accessible amenities, and efficient transportation options, Kennedy stands as a desirable place to call home in Hamilton.

Geographical Context: Rooted in Hamilton's Southern Landscape

Kennedy's location in south Hamilton provides residents with both local tranquility and accessible city connections.

• Location: Kennedy is situated in the southern part of Hamilton, offering a prime spot within the city's broader landscape. The neighbourhood's character is largely residential, with a mix of older, detached homes that contribute to its established feel.
• Key Features: The area is known for its consistent population and provides a comfortable, family-friendly environment. Proximity to local shops and restaurants, particularly on Upper James Street, enhances daily convenience.
• Connectivity: Kennedy offers straightforward access to main routes, making travel to other parts of Hamilton efficient and convenient.

Community Spirit: Diverse, Connected, and Secure

Kennedy is celebrated for its strong community bonds, vibrant diversity, and a general sense of safety that contributes to a high quality of life.

• Community Cohesion: The neighbourhood fosters a close-knit atmosphere, drawing in a mix of ages, particularly those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. This multi-generational presence contributes to a stable and welcoming environment.
• Cultural Richness: Residents of Kennedy come from 54 different ethnic origins, reflecting a rich multicultural mosaic. Approximately 20% are first-generation immigrants, and 25% are second-generation immigrants, adding to the neighbourhood's diverse fabric.
• Family Orientation: Families with children make up a significant 38% of households, ensuring a lively and supportive setting for raising children.
• Safety: While specific crime rates for Kennedy are not individually reported, Hamilton as a city has experienced a notable 26% decline in its overall crime rate over the past decade (2008-2018), and a 31% decline in violent crime during the same period. This trend generally extends to established residential areas like Kennedy, contributing to residents' overall satisfaction with safety.

Demographics: A Flourishing and Educated Population

Kennedy's demographic profile showcases a stable, educated, and actively employed community, indicative of a desirable residential area.

• Population Stability: The neighbourhood maintains a consistent population, attracting and retaining residents across various life stages.
• Age Profile: Kennedy is particularly popular with individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, suggesting a strong base of working professionals and established families.
• Education & Employment: An impressive 61% of residents have any postsecondary education, with 26% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This educational attainment translates into a robust workforce: 65% of people over age 15 are employed, with a low unemployment rate of 4%.
• Key Industries (Top 3):
• Health care and social assistance
• Retail trade
• Manufacturing
• Common Occupations (Top 3):
• Sales and service occupations
• Business, finance and administration occupations
• Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations

Educational Opportunities: Nurturing Academic Growth

Kennedy provides excellent educational opportunities with a solid selection of public and Catholic schools, featuring diverse programs for students.

• Public Schools (Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board): The neighbourhood is served by 4 public schools, offering comprehensive elementary and secondary education.
• Catholic Schools (Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board): Additionally, there are 4 Catholic schools available to families, providing faith-based education.
• Special Programs: Schools in Kennedy offer specialized programs at both the elementary and secondary levels, including highly sought-after French Immersion and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, supporting varied academic interests and aspirations.

Amenities and Recreation: Local Conveniences and Green Escapes

Kennedy offers residents convenient access to a variety of amenities and ample green spaces for recreation and leisure.

• Local Services: Residents enjoy convenient access to shops and restaurants, particularly along Upper James Street, providing essential services and dining options close to home.
• Parks & Facilities: The neighbourhood features 2 parks equipped with a total of 13 recreational facilities. These include playgrounds, a pool, tennis courts, ball diamonds, and a splash pad, ensuring plenty of options for outdoor activity and family fun.
• Community Hubs: The presence of these facilities indicates a strong focus on community well-being and active lifestyles, with spaces designed for residents of all ages.

Community Services and Healthcare Access: Comprehensive Support

Residents of Kennedy benefit from easy access to Hamilton's extensive network of community services and advanced healthcare facilities.

• Healthcare Access: Hamilton is home to several major hospitals, including Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital, McMaster Children's Hospital, and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. These facilities, along with numerous local clinics and pharmacies, ensure comprehensive medical care is always within reach.
• Public Services: The City of Hamilton provides a wide range of public services, from social assistance programs to public health initiatives, supporting the overall well-being and quality of life for Kennedy residents.

Transportation and Connectivity: Seamless Commuting Options

Kennedy offers efficient transportation links, making it convenient for residents to navigate within Hamilton and connect to other cities.

• Public Transit: The neighbourhood is well-served by public transit, with 12 transit stops available, facilitating easy bus travel for daily commutes.
• Commuting Habits: While 73% of residents primarily commute within the city by vehicle, a notable 27% commute to other cities, highlighting the neighbourhood's strong regional connectivity. Most commutes are of medium duration (15 to 29 minutes for 44% of residents).
• Road Network: Proximity to major thoroughfares ensures smooth and direct routes for drivers, complementing the public transit options.

Cultural Attractions and Entertainment: Access to Hamilton's Vibrant Scene

Kennedy's central location in Hamilton provides residents with easy access to the city's rich and diverse cultural attractions and entertainment venues.

• Hamilton's Cultural Hub: A short drive opens up a world of experiences, from the renowned Art Gallery of Hamilton and the historic Dundurn Castle to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the HMCS Haida National Historic Site.
• Festivals and Events: Hamilton is home to numerous annual festivals and events, such as the Festival of Friends (Canada's largest free music event) and various arts and cultural celebrations, offering continuous entertainment options.
• Local Arts and Museums: Residents can explore various museums, theatres, and live music venues, contributing to a vibrant cultural life. The city also actively supports public art projects and community programming spaces.

Natural Environment: Embracing Green Spaces and Escarpment Views

Kennedy benefits from its local green spaces and easy access to Hamilton's iconic natural features, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

• Neighbourhood Parks: The two parks within Kennedy, with their diverse recreational facilities, serve as important local green spaces for residents to enjoy sports, play, and relaxation.
• Niagara Escarpment & Waterfalls: Hamilton is famously known as the "City of Waterfalls," with over 100 cascades along the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Kennedy residents can easily access these stunning natural wonders, along with numerous hiking and cycling trails that traverse the escarpment and surrounding conservation areas (e.g., Bruce Trail, Spencer Gorge, Dundas Valley).
• Biodiversity: The region's diverse habitats support a rich array of plant and animal species, offering opportunities for nature observation and appreciation.

Future Development and Growth Outlook: Stability and Strategic Investment

As an established Hamilton neighbourhood, future development in Kennedy is likely to focus on maintaining its desirable character while benefiting from strategic city-wide investments.

• Residential Stability: The prevalence of older, detached, owner-occupied homes suggests a stable residential landscape where significant new large-scale developments might be less common.
• City-Wide Investment: Hamilton is committed to urban development and revitalization. Initiatives like "The Big Build" focus on modernizing infrastructure (e.g., LRT project) and creating new housing throughout the city. While these major projects might not be directly in Kennedy, the overall city-wide improvements will enhance living quality for all Hamilton residents.
• Community Enhancement: Future efforts are expected to prioritize the maintenance and enhancement of existing community facilities and green spaces to continue supporting residents' needs.

Real Estate Market Trends: Established Homes in a Desirable Area

The real estate market in Kennedy is characterized by its stable nature, primarily featuring older, owner-occupied detached homes.

• Predominant Housing: Kennedy is predominantly composed of older, detached homes, providing a sense of established charm and spaciousness.
• Ownership: A high percentage of homes in the neighbourhood are owner-occupied, indicating a settled and invested community.
• Market Context (Hamilton overall): As of May 2025, the average detached home price in Hamilton was around $850,635. While the market has seen a decrease in sales and an increase in inventory year-over-year, it offers more options for buyers. Kennedy's established housing stock aligns with a stable market for such properties.

Cost of Living: Balanced Affordability in a Quality Community

Kennedy offers a balanced cost of living, providing access to a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and efficient services within Hamilton's broader affordability.

• Overall Affordability: Hamilton generally offers a more affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities like Toronto (estimated to be about 25% lower). For a single person, the average cost of living in Hamilton is approximately $2,875 to $3,681 per month, including rent for a downtown one-bedroom apartment.
• Housing Costs: While specific data for Kennedy isn't detailed, its older, detached homes likely offer a competitive price point compared to newer, more luxurious developments elsewhere in the city. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hamilton averages around $1,700 per month.
• Household Income: The presence of residents in the health care, retail, and manufacturing sectors, along with a high percentage of postsecondary education, suggests a comfortable income level to support living in this desirable area.
• Daily Expenses: Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment cost around $155 per month, internet is approximately $70, and a monthly public transit pass is about $118.80.

Martin Group: Your Trusted Partner in Kennedy Real Estate

Navigating the welcoming and established real estate market of Kennedy requires a knowledgeable and dedicated partner. Martin Group is committed to being your trusted guide, helping you discover your ideal home or successfully sell your property in this harmonious Hamilton community.

• In-Depth Local Expertise: Our team possesses a deep understanding of Kennedy's unique characteristics, from its diverse population and excellent schools to its accessible amenities and community spirit. We provide tailored market insights to help you make informed decisions.
• Community Focus: We appreciate the close-knit and family-oriented nature of Kennedy. Whether you're a family seeking a home near top-rated parks and schools, or an individual drawn to its urban conveniences, we'll help you find a property that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle.
• Personalized Solutions: From exploring charming older detached homes to navigating the sale of your property, we craft personalized strategies designed to achieve your specific real estate goals with precision and care.
• Seamless Experience: We are dedicated to ensuring a transparent, efficient, and stress-free process, providing proactive support and meticulous attention to detail from our initial consultation to a successful closing.

Conclusion

Kennedy stands as a prime destination in Hamilton for those seeking an established, diverse, and amenity-rich community. Its vibrant spirit, excellent educational opportunities, and robust connectivity create an unparalleled living experience. If the allure of a welcoming neighbourhood with a strong sense of belonging and abundant opportunities for active living resonates with you, Kennedy is ready to welcome you home. Partner with Martin Group to explore the possibilities and embark on your new chapter in this remarkable Hamilton neighbourhood.

Ready to Discover Kennedy?

Connect with Martin Group today for a personalized consultation. Let us guide you to the perfect real estate opportunity in this thriving Hamilton community.