Lisgar

Lisgar, Hamilton: A Welcoming Family Community with Natural Charm

Welcome to Lisgar, a vibrant and family-friendly neighbourhood in Hamilton, Ontario. Known for its strong community spirit and a harmonious blend of established charm and modern conveniences, Lisgar offers an exceptional living experience. With its array of excellent schools, abundant green spaces, and diverse housing options, Lisgar stands out as a highly desirable place to call home.

Geographical Context: South Hamilton's Accessible Gem

Lisgar's strategic position in Hamilton provides residents with both local tranquility and efficient city connections.

• Location: Lisgar is nestled in the southern part of Hamilton, offering a comfortable residential environment. The neighbourhood's appeal is enhanced by its proximity to Upper Canada Street for shopping and amenities.
• Neighbourhood Character: This family-oriented community features a mix of older and newer homes, including single-detached houses, row houses, and apartments. It is characterized by its welcoming atmosphere and abundance of green spaces, contributing to a high quality of life.
• Accessibility: Lisgar offers good access to major roadways, making commuting straightforward and connecting residents to various parts of Hamilton and beyond.

Community Spirit: Diverse, Engaged, and Secure

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

• Vibrant Community: Lisgar has a population of 4,003 and is characterized by a strong sense of community. It's particularly popular with families, with 45% of households having children. The community also includes couples without children (26%) and one-person households (22%).
• Cultural Richness: Residents of Lisgar come from 54 different ethnic origins, reflecting a rich multicultural mosaic. The most common ethnic origins reported are Canadian, English, Italian, Scottish, and Irish. This diversity enriches the neighbourhood's social fabric.
• Safety: While specific crime rates for Lisgar are not individually reported, Hamilton as a city has seen a notable 26% decline in its overall crime rate and a 31% decline in violent crime over the past decade (2008-2018). This positive trend generally extends to established residential areas like Lisgar, contributing to residents' overall satisfaction with safety.

Demographics: A Profile of Lisgar's Residents

Lisgar's demographic makeup reflects a stable, educated, and actively employed community, indicative of a desirable residential area.

• Population & Households: With a population of 4,003, Lisgar is a thriving community. Households typically range from one to five or more persons.
• Age Profile: The popularity with families indicates a significant presence of younger and middle-aged adults, along with children and teenagers.
• Education & Employment: 57% of adult residents have some postsecondary education, with 16% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This educational attainment supports a skilled workforce.
• Key Industries (Top 3):
• Health care and social assistance
• Retail trade
• Manufacturing
• Average Household Income: The average household income in Lisgar is approximately $111,166.

Educational Opportunities: Nurturing Academic Growth

Lisgar 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 5 public schools, offering comprehensive elementary and secondary education. These schools offer elementary and secondary special programs.
• 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 Lisgar offer specialized programs such as French Immersion and Advanced Placement, catering to a wide range of academic needs and fostering well-rounded development.

Amenities and Recreation: Local Conveniences and Green Escapes

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

• Shopping & Dining: Shopping is available along Upper Canada Street, providing convenient access to daily necessities. Additionally, local eateries like Rico's Restaurant and Mountain Burger are available.
• Parks & Facilities: There is one park with 8 recreational facilities, including a playground, a basketball court, and sports fields. This indicates a strong focus on community well-being and active lifestyles, with spaces designed for residents of all ages. Lisgar also benefits from being close to natural attractions like Felker's Falls and Eramosa Karst Conservation Area, providing picturesque spots for picnics and outdoor adventures.
• Community Centers: The Lisgar Terrace Community Center is available for cultural activities and community gatherings.

Community Services and Healthcare Access: Comprehensive Support

Residents of Lisgar 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 Lisgar residents.

Transportation and Connectivity: Seamless Commuting Options

Lisgar offers efficient transportation links, ensuring residents can navigate within Hamilton and connect to other cities.

• Public Transit: While Lisgar has some transit options, it is generally considered "transit friendly" (2/5), meaning transit is available for some trips but not all. There is a major GO station nearby (Lisgar GO station, likely referring to the one in Mississauga, indicating strong regional connections).
• Commuting Habits: The majority of residents commute within the city, primarily by vehicle. For those who drive, Lisgar is rated "car friendly" (4/5), with good access to freeways and major arteries, and ample parking.
• Walkability/Bikeability: Lisgar has a Walk Score® of 56 ("somewhat walkable") and is "somewhat bikeable" (47), meaning you might find places to bike, but a car is often preferred for most errands.

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

Lisgar's location allows residents to easily engage with Hamilton's diverse cultural attractions and entertainment options.

• Local History & Nature: Within close proximity are historical sites like the Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site (11.3 km away) and natural wonders such as Felker's Falls Conservation Area (6.5 km away) and Eramosa Karst Conservation Area (4.5 km away), which offer opportunities for exploring local history and nature.
• Hamilton's Cultural Hub: Residents have access to major cultural institutions like the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Dundurn Castle, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, and various music and theatre venues across the city. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Gage Park, and Sam Lawrence Park offer beautiful settings for leisure and cultural events.
• Festivals and Events: Hamilton is known for its vibrant cultural scene, hosting annual events like the Festival of Friends, Supercrawl, and various local festivals on streets like Locke Street, providing continuous entertainment and community engagement.

Natural Environment: Green Spaces and Outdoor Escapes

Lisgar benefits from its local green spaces and proximity to some of Hamilton's renowned natural features, providing ample opportunities for outdoor relaxation and adventure.

• Local Green Spaces: Lisgar was designed around a 7.9 km trail (Lisgar Meadow Brook Trail), which offers paved paths for walking, jogging, or biking with scenic views, including Osprey Marsh. Osprey Marsh, in the southwest corner of Lisgar, is a series of stormwater ponds that has become a valuable green space with wide paved and dirt paths, rich plant life, and various birds and ducks.
• Hamilton's Natural Beauty: Hamilton is often referred to as "The City of Waterfalls," with over 100 waterfalls cascading along the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. 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., Devil's Punchbowl Conservation Area, Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Tiffany Falls).
• Conservation Areas: Nearby conservation areas like Christie Lake, Valens Lake, and Fifty Point offer additional outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and water sports.

Future Development and Growth Outlook: Stability and Strategic Investment

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

• Urban Boundary: Hamilton City Council has voted to hold the urban boundary, focusing on increasing density and building within the existing city limits rather than expanding into surrounding farmland. This policy aims to encourage development on underused urban land, such as surface parking lots, and will likely shape future growth in areas like Lisgar, promoting infill development and preserving the neighbourhood's established character.
• City-Wide Infrastructure: Hamilton is undergoing significant infrastructure upgrades, including the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, and is committed to revitalizing housing and services. These city-wide investments will generally benefit all Hamilton residents, including those in Lisgar, by improving overall urban amenities and connectivity.
• Housing Needs: While large-scale urban boundary expansion for new single-family homes has been denied, the city remains focused on addressing housing needs through various strategies, including potential development charge changes to encourage residential construction.

Real Estate Market Trends: Diverse Homes in a Desirable Market

The real estate market in Lisgar is dynamic, offering a range of housing types that cater to different preferences, primarily featuring owner-occupied homes.

• Predominant Housing: Approximately 59% of homes are single-detached houses, with the remaining mix including row houses and apartments. Homes range from older to newer constructions, with many built between 1961 and 1980.
• Ownership: The neighbourhood is primarily owner-occupied, with 70% of homes being owned and 30% rented, indicating a stable and invested community. The majority of homes have three or more bedrooms (51% have three, 28% have four or more).
• Market Snapshot: As of a recent snapshot, the median sold price for a detached home in Lisgar was $675,000, which was an 11.9% increase year-over-year. The overall Hamilton real estate market, as of May 2025, showed an average detached home price of around $850,635, indicating that Lisgar offers relatively competitive pricing within the city. There are currently about 11 listings in Lisgar, primarily detached homes.

Cost of Living: Balanced Value in a Quality Community

Lisgar offers a balanced cost of living, providing access to urban conveniences and a high quality of life within Hamilton's broader affordability framework.

• Overall Affordability: Hamilton generally offers a more affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities like Toronto (estimated to be about 25% lower). The average cost of living per month for a single person in Hamilton is approximately $2,875 to $3,681.
• Housing Costs: While specific detailed cost of living data for Lisgar is not readily available, the neighbourhood is described as "one of the most affordable areas in the city" within a broader context of Hamilton's lower housing costs compared to Toronto. Rental properties in Lisgar can range, for example, from a 2-bedroom for around C$2,299/month.
• Utilities & Transportation: General Hamilton costs include basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) at around $155 per month, internet at $70, and a monthly public transit pass at $118.80. Car ownership is common and convenient in Lisgar due to good road access and parking.
• Income Alignment: The strong employment rates and diverse industries among Lisgar residents support a comfortable lifestyle within this cost structure.

Martin Group: Your Trusted Partner in Lisgar Real Estate

Navigating the desirable and family-oriented real estate market of Lisgar requires expert local insight and a dedicated approach. The Martin Group is committed to being your trusted advisor, guiding you to discover the perfect home or successfully sell your property in this harmonious Hamilton community.

• In-Depth Local Expertise: Our team possesses a deep understanding of Lisgar's unique characteristics, from its diverse population and excellent schools to its accessible amenities and beautiful natural surroundings. We provide tailored market insights to help you make informed decisions.
• Family-Focused Approach: We recognize the importance of finding a home that nurtures your family's growth. We'll connect you with properties that offer the space, comfort, and community features that make Lisgar so desirable.
• Personalized Solutions: Whether you are seeking a charming detached home, a convenient row house, or an apartment, or looking to maximize the value of your current 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

Lisgar stands as a prime destination in Hamilton for those seeking a family-friendly, established, and amenity-rich community with abundant natural beauty. Its vibrant diversity, 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 opportunities for active living resonates with you, Lisgar is ready to welcome you home. Team up with Martin Group to explore the possibilities and embark on your new chapter in this remarkable Hamilton neighbourhood.

Ready to Discover Lisgar?

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