Crerar, Hamilton

Crerar is a quiet, family-friendly neighbourhood located in the Hamilton Mountain area of Hamilton, Ontario. It is characterised by its residential properties, which consist of single-family detached homes, townhouses, and a few apartment buildings. Crerar's development primarily took place between the 1980s and early 2000s, making the area relatively modern compared to other Hamilton neighbourhoods. This community is especially popular with young families and professionals due to its peaceful environment, affordable housing options, and proximity to schools, parks, and essential services.

Crerar offers residents excellent access to local amenities and Hamilton’s downtown core,

making it a convenient place to live. Shopping centres, healthcare services, and recreational facilities are located nearby, while public transport connects Crerar to other parts of the city. The neighbourhood's safety and suburban atmosphere make it an attractive place for families seeking a balance between urban accessibility and a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. Schools such as St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School are easily accessible, and parks like Gilkson Park provide green spaces for outdoor activities.

Crerar has an impressive livability score of 86 out of 100. This score is taken from several parameters that contribute to the overall quality of life in the area. Here’s an overview:

Crerar is a safe neighbourhood, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The overall crime rate in Crerar is 74% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 73% lower. This means residents of Crerar have only a 1 in 93 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Crerar is safer than 92% of the cities in Ontario, making it one of the most secure areas in the province. If we talk about the broader Hamilton area, It has seen a 6% drop in crime year over year, further contributing to the sense of safety in the neighbourhood. This low crime rate is one of the reasons Crerar is so attractive to families and individuals seeking a peaceful place to live.

The people of Crerar are diverse, with various cultural backgrounds reflected in the neighbourhood. About 8.29% of the population is South Asian, 6.80% is Black, and 5.54% is Chinese. This cultural mix brings a rich variety of traditions, languages, and customs to the community.

Crerar has a relatively high median household income, 8% above the national average, reflecting a strong economic standing. The area's unemployment rate is 41% lower than the national average, indicating a healthy job market. While 5.6% of residents earn $20,000 or less, most households fall within comfortable income brackets, with 9.8% earning between $80,000 and $100,000.

Crerar is surrounded by family-friendly neighbourhoods offering a range of housing, parks, and amenities. These nearby areas provide a balance of suburban comfort and proximity to Hamilton’s city centre, with excellent access to public transport and green spaces. They are popular for their livability and strong community feel, making them desirable places to live.

• Bruleville
• Barnstown
• Rushdale
• Greeningdon
• Balfour
• Gourley
• Hill Park
• Inch Park

Schools

Nearby Crerar, several schools cater to different educational needs. These schools offer primary and secondary education, as well as public and Catholic schooling options.

• Pauline Johnson Elementary School
• James Macdonald Public School
• St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School
• St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Elementary School

Restaurants

Crerar and the surrounding area in Hamilton offer several dining options, a mix of local and international flavours. Within a short distance of Crerar, you’ll find everything from casual brunch venues to places that offer more refined dining experiences.

• The Dirty South
• Sushi On Fennell
• Caro
• Cowabunga Pizzeria
• Hammerhead’s Fish and Chips

Shopping Malls

Crerar is conveniently located near several shopping centres. The shopping malls are well-connected to public transport and provide ample parking, ensuring easy access for shoppers.

• CF Lime Ridge Mall
• The Centre on Barton
• Eastgate Square
• Jackson Square
• SmartCentres Hamilton Mountain

Hospitals

Crerar is located near several well-established hospitals that offer a wide range of medical services. These have state-of-the-art facilities for rehabilitation and outpatient services, making them well-equipped to handle various medical needs. Here are some of the major hospitals that are easily accessible from the locality:

• Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre
• Hamilton General Hospital
• McMaster University Medical Centre
• St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
• St. Peter’s Hospital​

Albion Falls

Albion Falls is one of Hamilton’s most scenic natural attractions. It is admired for its stepped rock formation, where water gracefully cascades down over 19 metres in height and spreads out over 18 metres in width. The falls are part of Red Hill Creek and are known for their striking appearance, especially during high rainfall seasons. Located in King’s Forest, visitors can enjoy the view from two designated platforms, as access to the bottom is currently restricted. Due to its popularity, visiting during quieter times, like weekday mornings, is recommended to avoid large crowds.

Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is a 23-metre-high terraced ribbon waterfall located in Hamilton, Ontario, on a tributary of Red Hill Creek. It is best viewed after heavy rains or during the winter snow melt when its flow is most impressive. Visitors to Buttermilk Falls also enjoy scenic views of Red Hill Valley and the deep gorge it cascades into. It is accessible via the Bruce Trail from the top while viewing from the bottom requires navigating the gorge near Albion Falls.

Gage Park

Gage Park is a large and historic community park located in Hamilton, Ontario, at the intersection of Main Street and Gage Avenue. The park is known for its beautiful civic gardens, bandshell, and the newly constructed tropical greenhouse, which opened in 2020. Gage Park is a hub for community events, including the annual Festival of Friends and LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations.

Crerar offers a range of activities to suit different interests, from shopping and dining to outdoor fun. Here are some interesting things to do in the locality:

Explore Waterfalls

Crerar is close to some of Hamilton's most stunning natural attractions, including Albion Falls and Webster’s Falls, part of the renowned Niagara Escarpment. These waterfalls are perfect for hiking and photography, offering picturesque views of cascading water and surrounding greenery. Both sites feature well-marked trails, making them popular spots for nature enthusiasts looking to enjoy a peaceful escape​.

Cultural Experiences at Dundurn Castle

Just a short drive from Crerar, Dundurn Castle is a 40-room historic villa dating back to the 1830s. Visitors can enjoy guided tours with costumed interpreters who provide insights into the lavish lifestyle of the upper-class family that lived there and the daily lives of the servants. The estate also features a large kitchen garden and offers various educational workshops, making it a rich cultural and historical experience​.

Outdoor Recreation on the Bruce Trail

The Bruce Trail, which runs near Crerar, offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. It stretches for over 900 km and is Canada’s longest footpath, passing through diverse ecosystems and offering breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment. The trail is suitable for hikers of all levels and is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the Hamilton region.

Crerar is well-connected to popular locations in Hamilton, offering convenient commute options. Its proximity to major destinations makes it ideal for residents who need to travel for work, school, or leisure.

• Downtown Hamilton is located 8 km away. It offers a quick 10 to 15-minute commute for work, shopping, and entertainment.
• McMaster University is around 12.8 km from Crerar, providing convenient access for students and staff.
• Hamilton General Hospital is almost 9.3 km away, making healthcare services easily accessible.
• CF Lime Ridge Mall is just 1.4 km away, ideal for quick and convenient shopping trips.
• John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is 9.8 km from Crerar, which is perfect for frequent travellers.
• Juravinski Hospital is approximately 5.3 km away from the locality.

Hamilton Farmers' Market

Established in 1837, this historic market features over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, meat, fish, baked goods, and artisanal products. Located downtown, it's a hub for locals and tourists, offering everything from farm-fresh groceries to prepared foods like tacos and pasta. The market is open year-round, with additional attractions like food stalls and speciality coffee​.

Ottawa Street Farmers' Market:

Open every Saturday; this market offers fresh, locally grown produce, meat, artisan breads, and natural products. Vendors come from within 100 km, ensuring the freshest options. It's a family-friendly spot, with events happening throughout the year, making it a great place to shop for local goods​.

Locke Street Farmers' Market

A seasonal market that operates from June through October, Locke Street Farmers’ Market is a go-to spot for sustainably grown local produce. Visitors can find fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade baked goods, and flowers. It’s an excellent place for those who value farm-to-table produce and supporting local farmers.

Crerar has a significantly higher population density than Hamilton, which is 602% higher than the city’s average. Additionally, the median age in Crerar is 1% higher than that of Hamilton, suggesting a slightly older demographic.

Bayfront Park

Located near Crerar, Bayfront Park is a fantastic place for families with kids and pets. It offers scenic waterfront views and plenty of walking trails where kids can run around, and dogs can be walked on leads. There are open green spaces, perfect for picnics or just relaxing by the water. Families can enjoy biking, rollerblading, or fishing along the shoreline. The park is also home to various summer festivals and events, adding extra fun to a day out​.

Adventure Village Fun

Adventure Village, not far from Crerar, offers an action-packed experience for families with kids. The outdoor complex includes mini-golf, go-karts, and batting cages, providing endless fun for children. Pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash, making it an enjoyable trip for family and furry friends. With plenty of activities, Adventure Village is a great place for kids to burn off energy and for pets to enjoy some fresh air​.

Dundurn Castle Grounds

The historic Dundurn Castle is perfect for a family day out, with pets allowed to explore the beautiful grounds. While pets can't enter the castle itself, they can enjoy a walk around the gardens and outdoor spaces. The kids can learn a bit of local history while the whole family enjoys a relaxing day outdoors. Dundurn Castle's scenic surroundings make it an ideal location for family picnics, letting the kids run around and taking your dog for a walk​.

Crerar offers a relatively low cost of living, 15% lower than the Hamilton average and 6% below the national average. Housing is particularly affordable, with prices 40% below the national average, making it an attractive option for homebuyers.

The real estate market in Crerar offers a range of properties, with homes typically listed between $820K and $1,000K for purchase. Renters in the area can expect to pay around $3,000 per month. The neighbourhood is known for a mix of residential options, including townhouses and single-family homes. While homeownership is common, about 26% of residents rent. Crerar’s housing market reflects stable prices, with demand keeping homes on the market for an average of 51 days.