Stinson

Discover Stinson: Hamilton's Vibrant & Evolving Central Neighbourhood

Welcome to Stinson, a dynamic and diverse neighbourhood nestled in the heart of central Hamilton, Ontario. Known for its rich history, a vibrant community spirit, and an exciting blend of heritage charm with modern urban living, Stinson is quickly emerging as a popular choice for young professionals and families alike. With its distinctive character, mix of housing types, and convenient access to downtown amenities, Stinson offers a unique and engaging urban experience.

Location: Central Connectivity & Historic Character

Stinson boasts a prime central location in Hamilton, offering unparalleled access to the city's core:

• Central Hamilton: Situated in the heart of Hamilton, providing direct access to the city's vibrant downtown.
• Commercial Corridors: Features businesses and stores along Stinson Street and Main Street East, serving local residents with convenience.
• Escarpment Proximity: Nestled against the scenic beauty of the Niagara Escarpment, offering picturesque views and natural access points.

Safety and Community Perceptions

Stinson is a neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, actively engaged through initiatives like the Stinson Community Association. Residents generally feel safe during the day, with 93% reporting feeling safe outside during daytime hours. However, like many urban transitional areas, concerns exist, with 54% feeling safe outside at night. Some residents perceive issues such as drug dealing or use (40%), sex work (32%), and vandalism/graffiti (27%) as notable problems. Parents also express some caution regarding children walking to and from school. The community is actively working to address these challenges, fostering an engaged and evolving environment.

Schools: Diverse Educational Pathways

Stinson is served by a variety of public and Catholic schools in its vicinity, offering diverse educational opportunities. Many of these schools provide special programs such as French Immersion and Advanced Placement.

Public Schools (Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board):

• Queen Victoria Public School
• George L. Armstrong Public School
• Norwood Park Elementary School
• Bernie Custis Secondary School (Grades 9-12)
• Sherwood Secondary School (Grades 9-12)
• ÉÉ Pavillon de la jeunesse (French Language Elementary)
• ÉS Georges-P-Vanier (French Language Secondary)

Catholic Schools (Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board):

• Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Elementary School
• St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School
• Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Elementary School
• St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic High School (Grades 9-12)
• Cathedral High School (Grades 9-12)
• ÉÉC Notre-Dame (French Language Elementary)
• ÉÉC Monseigneur-de-Laval (French Language Elementary)
• ÉSAC Mère-Teresa (French Language Secondary)

Amenities and Recreation

Stinson offers a variety of local amenities and recreational facilities, supporting an active and engaged lifestyle:

• Parks and Green Spaces: The neighbourhood boasts 4 parks with a total of 13 recreational facilities. These include playgrounds for children and a dedicated dog park, providing ample outdoor space.
• Recreational Facilities: Within its parks, Stinson offers a diverse range of amenities such as a pool, basketball court, ball diamond, community center, splash pad, sports court, trails, a fitness/weight room, and a gym.
• Stinson Street & Main Street E Businesses: The local businesses along these main arteries provide convenient access to daily necessities and services.
• Landmarks: The Stinson School Lofts (a former school building converted into unique residential units) is an iconic landmark, setting a tone for stylish urban living. St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church is another notable historical landmark within the neighbourhood.

Community Services

Stinson residents benefit from an active community association and convenient access to Hamilton's broader community services:

• Stinson Community Association: An engaged and active community association that works to improve the neighbourhood, regularly sharing news and updates.
• Libraries: The Hamilton Public Library system provides numerous branches across the city, with a local presence noted at 82 Stinson Street, offering literary resources, programs, and public access.
• Healthcare: Residents have access to various healthcare services and facilities throughout central Hamilton, including clinics and major hospitals such as Hamilton General Hospital.

Transportation and Commute

Stinson offers robust transportation options, catering to diverse commuting preferences and connecting residents throughout Hamilton and beyond:

• Public Transit: The neighbourhood is well-served by public transit, featuring 20 transit stops and easy access to the Hamilton GO Centre rail station. Approximately 29% of residents commute via transit.
• Vehicle Access: While only 14% of homes are single-detached, 58% of residents commute by vehicle, indicating good road connectivity. The neighbourhood provides convenient access to major thoroughfares.
• Active Transportation: Approximately 11% of residents commute by walking or biking, supported by local trails and a relatively central location.
• Commute Times: The majority of Stinson residents (71%) commute within the city, with 41% having a commute time of 15 to 29 minutes, and 19% commuting 30 to 44 minutes. 28% of residents commute to another city.

Cultural and Entertainment Opportunities

Stinson is a vibrant and culturally rich neighbourhood, with a dynamic population and a growing presence of trendy local businesses:

• Emerging Hub: Stinson is recognized as one of Hamilton's top emerging neighbourhoods for young professionals, with an "influx of trendy restaurants and shops" contributing to a thriving social scene.
• Arts and Culture: The neighbourhood's "dynamic population" and diverse ethnic origins (78 different origins) contribute to a rich cultural fabric. Residents are in close proximity to downtown Hamilton's cultural attractions, including the Art Gallery of Hamilton and the Hamilton Place Theatre.
• Sports & Events: Major entertainment venues like FirstOntario Centre and Tim Hortons Field are easily accessible, hosting concerts, sporting events, and large-scale gatherings.

Natural Environment

Stinson benefits from local green spaces and its unique position near the Niagara Escarpment, though challenges in air quality are noted:

• Local Green Spaces: The neighbourhood's 4 parks and their 13 recreational facilities provide accessible green spaces for residents to enjoy.
• Escarpment Access: The neighbourhood is nestled against the scenic beauty of the Niagara Escarpment, with trails available for outdoor recreation.
• Air Quality: While rich in other natural amenities, 22% of residents perceive poor air quality as a problem, indicating an area for potential improvement.

Future Development

Stinson is an established neighbourhood, predominantly characterized by older homes, with a high percentage of renter-occupied units. Future development in Stinson is largely focused on adaptive reuse and revitalization of existing structures, rather than new, large-scale construction.

• Adaptive Reuse: A prime example is the Stinson School Lofts (200 Stinson Street), a successful conversion of a historic school into unique residential condominiums, contributing to the neighbourhood's stylish urban living.
• Ongoing Projects: Other similar projects are underway, such as the Gibson School Lofts, which are currently in development with sales having started and construction anticipated for completion in 2025. These projects highlight a trend of preserving historical architecture while offering modern residential opportunities. Our team provides an accurate Market Understanding of these unique development trends.

Real Estate Market Stability

Stinson's real estate market is dynamic and diverse, reflecting its mix of housing types, age, and ownership. While it features a low percentage of single-detached homes (14%) and semi-detached homes (2%), a significant portion of the housing stock consists of low-rise apartments/condos (43%) and high-rise apartments/condos (29%). The market is predominantly renter-occupied (73%), with 27% being owner-occupied.

• Property Values: Recent sales in Stinson show a wide range of property values. For single-family residences, sold prices have recently been around $625,000 to $728,000. Multiplexes have sold for up to $1,700,000. Condo units have recently sold in the $443,000 to $474,900 range, with current listings up to $629,900 for larger units. These figures illustrate the diverse investment opportunities within the neighbourhood.
• Market Activity: The market sees regular activity, with properties on the market for varying durations. The presence of cash buyers for quick sales also indicates a liquid market.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Stinson aligns with Hamilton's overall affordability, which is generally lower than larger Canadian cities like Toronto.

• Property Taxes: Property taxes in Stinson vary significantly depending on the type and value of the property. For instance, recent listings indicate annual property taxes for a condo could be around $6,849, while a detached home might be approximately $3,445. These are calculated based on the assessed value and the City of Hamilton's tax rate.
• Utility Costs: Average monthly utility expenses for a Hamilton household typically range from $250 to $400 (covering electricity, heating, water, and internet), varying based on home size, age, and individual consumption habits. For condos, some utilities like heat and parking may be included in maintenance fees (e.g., $973.21/month for a recent condo listing).

Martin Group: Your Trusted Real Estate Partner

Navigating the real estate market in a dynamic community like Stinson requires guidance from professionals who understand its unique character and evolving landscape. Martin Group offers:

• Exceptional Service: We provide outstanding service throughout the entire buying or selling process.
• Expert Knowledge: Our team has an extensive understanding of the local real estate market, including specialized insights into urban revitalization and diverse housing types.
• Professionalism: We maintain a dedicated and professional demeanor in all client interactions.
• Client-Centric Approach: Your needs and communication are our top priority.
• Market Understanding: We excel at navigating the complexities of the real estate market to your advantage.
• Timely Communication: Expect prompt and responsive addressing of all your inquiries.
• Stress-Free Experience: Our goal is to make your real estate journey enjoyable and hassle-free.

Conclusion

Stinson offers a vibrant and evolving urban living experience in central Hamilton, characterized by its diverse community, historic architecture, and convenient access to city amenities. With its active community association, range of housing options, and ongoing revitalization efforts, Stinson presents an attractive opportunity for those seeking a dynamic and connected lifestyle. If you're considering making Stinson your home, allow Martin Group to be your dedicated partner. Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction ensures you'll receive the best possible support in discovering all that this exciting community has to offer.