Freelton, Hamilton

Freelton is a small rural village community situated in the municipality of Hamilton, Ontario. It is known for its beautiful landscape, picturesque farms, and peaceful setting and is located in the northern part of Hamilton. Freelton, despite its small stature, has a close-knit community and a slow pace of life. Its rich agricultural heritage and stunning vistas create an atmosphere that beckons residents and visitors alike to a more relaxed way of life. The community spirit is alive through local gatherings, farmer's markets, and festivities honouring the area's rural roots. Freelton, while embracing its rural charm, enjoys the advantage of being conveniently connected to Hamilton's amenities. With major highways in close proximity, residents can easily access the downtown area, which offers a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Additionally, neighbouring towns such as Waterdown and Carlisle offer additional amenities and services to ensure that residents have everything they need within reach. The Valens Lake Conservation Area and Christie Lake Conservation Area provide hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic picnic areas, allowing residents to enjoy the region's natural beauty fully. Freelton's real estate frequently presents a variety of properties and rural homes, attracting individuals in pursuit of a peaceful escape from the urban chaos. The area's aesthetics and its convenient positioning between the countryside and city amenities foster an appealing atmosphere for those yearning for a balanced and interconnected lifestyle.

Let us go through Freelton’s overall livability and lifestyle score: The neighbourhood is recognised for its exceptional safety, with a crime rate significantly lower than the national average of 85%. This remarkable safety rating has earned the neighbourhood an A+ grade, making it one of the most secure neighbourhoods in the city. Residents can be satisfied knowing their chances of falling victim to a crime are minimal, with only a 1 in 163 probability. Freelton surpasses the safety levels of 98% of cities in Ontario. Please refer to the table below for further insights into local crime statistics.

People from different cultures live together in this diverse area. They value their diversity and encourage close bonds with one another. Freelton's median household income is 47% higher than the national average, reflecting a steady economic condition. Here, the unemployment rate is 72% lower than the national average, emphasising the community's endurance and opportunities. Notably, 31% of residents earn $20,000 or less, and 9.5% of the neighbourhood's population earns between $80,000 and $100,000. Moreover, 8.7% of people in the area earn $300,000 or more. In Freelton, Latin Americans comprise approximately 1.86% of the population, while the Chinese community accounts for about 0.19%. Additionally, South Asians comprise around 0.13% of the town's population. In terms of language, most residents in Freelton primarily communicate in English, making it their first language of choice.

Freelton is a bustling neighbourhood with prominent schools, hospitals, and a variety of food options to suit every taste. Take a glimpse into the top educational institutions, eateries, shopping destinations, and hospitals this area offers. Here is a list of some neighbourhoods around Freelton:

• Waterdown
• Carlisle
• Dundas
• Flamborough
• Ancaster

Schools

Schools in Freelton come under the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB). Though no schools are situated directly in Freelton because of its rural character, educational institutions in nearby regions cater to the community. Here are a few schools in the surrounding area:

• Balaclava Elementary School
• Kilbride Public School
• Millgrove Elementary School

Restaurants

The culinary scene in Freelton is a fascinating fusion of many cuisines, with several eateries serving both foreign cuisine and local specialties.

• Bakers Corner
• Cascata Bistro
• Breezy Corners Freelton

Shopping Malls

Different shopping malls are conveniently located near the neighbourhood, offering diverse retail options for the residents. People can enjoy the utmost convenience with the outlets offering nearby lifestyle amenities. Here are some of them:

• The Freelton Antique Mall
• Main West Mall
• Waterdown Village

Hospitals

Although Freelton is a village, it has no hospitals nearby. Nevertheless, residents of Freelton have access to medical facilities and hospitals in nearby towns. Below are a few hospitals that are conveniently reachable from Freelton:

• Hamilton General Hospital
• McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC)
• St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Explore Freelton through its premier attractions, where nature seamlessly integrates with the community's vibrancy. Take a park walk, savour local cuisine, and be a part of the area's rich cultural heritage. Freelton offers a rich history of exciting experiences just waiting to be explored.

The Freelton Antique Mall

The Freelton Antique Mall offers a variety of antiques and one-of-a-kind items. It's like a big shop filled with products from older times, such as vintage furniture, ancient toys, unique jewellery, and historical items. People interested in history or who would love to buy something uncommon often stop here.

Valens Lake Conservation Area

This reserve area, just a short drive from Freelton, is great for long walks, fishing, picnics, and camping. Take advantage of some of the greatest fishing in the area while not relaxing around the campfire. Relax on the sandy beach or swim in the natural swimming area on hot summer days. Visit in the winter for ice fishing, skating, hiking, and even winter camping.  The restaurant is open all year.

Waterdown Trails and Parks

Waterdown's scenic paths are ideal for a stroll or a walk. Spencer Gorge Conservation Area and Smokey Hollow Waterfall are lovely natural areas to visit.

Dundas Valley Conservation Area

It offers stunning hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Explore its natural beauty through various trails suitable for different skill levels. While Freelton might not have prominent tourist spots, its proximity to nature reserves, conservation areas, and neighbouring towns provides outdoor activities, nature appreciation, and local history and culture exploration opportunities.

Freelton is a serene village in the Hamilton region of Ontario. While it might be a small village, it has much to offer its people. People can enjoy several recreational activities and attractions in and around the area. Here are a few recommendations -

Agricultural Tours and Farms

Visit neighbouring farms or take an agricultural tour. Some farms offer seasonal activities such as fruit harvesting or pumpkin patches, giving visitors a taste of farm life.

Attend Local Events

Look for local events around the neighbourhood, such as farmer's markets, artisan fairs, and community meetings. These gatherings frequently feature local talent, crafts, and cuisine.

Hamilton's Historic Districts

Visit the historic downtown areas of Hamilton, Dundas, and Waterdown, which are all close by. These neighbourhoods are known for their old architecture, streets, galleries, and local businesses.

Explore Nearby Towns

Visit nearby Dundas or Waterdown for attractive downtown districts, shopping, and local cuisine. These places usually have their own distinct attractions and historical landmarks.

Freelton has excellent transit links, allowing easy movement and access to the neighbouring area.

• Hamilton Downtown is around 20-30 kilometres, and the commute time is approximately 30 minutes to an hour by car, depending on traffic.
• Burlington is roughly 15-25 kilometres. It might take 20-40 minutes by car, but traffic conditions play a significant role.
• The nearest major airport to Freelton is the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) in Hamilton, Ontario. It's approximately a 25-30 minute drive from Freelton.
• The Freelton Antique Mall is just 1.1 kilometres away. It barely takes 2 minutes to reach here.
• Crawford Lake Conservation Area is 11.2 kilometres from Freelton. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach here.

Farmers' Markets

Several local farmers' markets are situated in neighbouring Waterdown, Dundas, or Ancaster. These markets are a treasure trove of fresh fruits and vegetables, delectable artisanal treats, unique handmade crafts, and vintage antiques.

Hamilton Farmers' Market

Situated in downtown Hamilton, this marketplace is brimming with an extensive selection of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, pastries, and unique handmade goods provided by various vendors.

Freelton Antique Mall

Although its main focus is on antiques, this place frequently showcases a variety of merchandise, such as vintage items, collectables, and occasionally handmade crafts.

Freelton’s population density surpasses Hamilton's population density by a significant 63%. Additionally, the median age in Freelton outshines that of Hamilton by a respectable 10%. These unique characteristics contribute to Freelton’s distinct ambience, offering a peaceful environment favoured by residents.

There are enjoyable activities in Freelton that you can do with kids and pets:

Outdoor Adventures

The nearby Valens Lake Conservation Area is where you can go on family-friendly hikes or enjoy peaceful picnics amidst nature's beauty. Additionally, some areas warmly welcome leashed pets, making it an ideal destination for your furry companions.

Local Parks

Visit the neighbouring localities and discover the charm of their local parks and playgrounds. From the inviting Waterdown Memorial Park to Dundas Driving Park, you will find great spots where children and furry companions can have a great time together.

Dog-Friendly Trails

Explore the area for dog-friendly routes, providing you and your canine companion with a pleasant opportunity for active walks. Consider exploring the landscapes surrounding Freelton or other conservation areas, which may allow leashed pets to accompany you on your outdoor activities.

The Apple Orchard Inc.

At The Apple Orchard, you can experience the agriculture of rural Ontario. The breathtaking setting, which includes over 10,000 apple and pear trees, is home to a family-friendly farm experience.

Westfield Heritage Village

The Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area lies just west of Rockton, Ontario. The location is available for strolling, hiking, and bird-watching from 8:00 am until 8:00 p.m. every day.

The cost of living in Freelton is 3% below the average in Hamilton. Compared to the national average, the cost of living in Freelton is 8% higher. The housing prices in Freelton are 4% higher than the national average. The general sales tax in Ontario is 33% higher than the national average. On the other hand, the state income tax in Ontario is 40% lower than the national average. Below is a table illustrating the cost of living in Freelton (out of 100).

Freelton boasts a median home price that exceeds the national average by 28%. Conversely, the median rent asked in Freelton is considerably lower, at 100% below the national average. The average number of occupants per household in Freelton surpasses the national average by 12%. Additionally, the number of owner-occupied households in Freelton is 22% higher than the national average. In contrast, the number of renter-occupied households falls significantly below the national average, at 45% lower.