Kirkendall is often cited as Hamilton’s most desirable neighbourhood for young families, and it’s easy to see why. Anchored by the incredibly popular Locke Street South, this community feels like a trendy urban village. It offers the perfect mix of walkability, high-end amenities, and beautiful character homes, all tucked against the base of the Niagara Escarpment.
Demographics
Kirkendall attracts a specific demographic: young professionals, often commuting to Toronto or working in medicine/education, who want an active, social lifestyle. It is teeming with strollers, dogs, and joggers. The vibe is energetic and affluent but still friendly and grounded. It’s the kind of place where you run into your neighbours getting coffee every morning.
Schools
Schools are a massive driver for real estate values here. Earl Kitchener Elementary School is one of the most highly-rated schools in the city and offers a very popular French Immersion program. The playground after school is the social hub for local parents. For high school, the area feeds into excellent options, including Westdale Secondary.
Parks & Recreation
The H.A.A.A. Grounds (Hamilton Amateur Athletic Association) is the main park, located right off Locke Street. It features a track, tennis courts, and a splash pad. It’s always busy with community events. You are also just steps from the Chedoke Golf Course and the stairs leading up the Escarpment, which are famous among local fitness enthusiasts.
Shopping & Dining
Locke Street South is arguably the best shopping strip in Hamilton. It isn’t full of chains; it’s full of curated local businesses. You have Donut Monster for treats, upscale Italian dining at Cima, incredible brunch spots, and chic home decor boutiques. You can grocery shop, buy gifts, have dinner, and get a haircut without ever leaving your neighbourhood.
Transit Access
Kirkendall is very convenient for commuters. You are a short drive or bike ride to the Hamilton GO Centre. Highway 403 access is immediate via Aberdeen Avenue, making it easy to get out of town. The area is also extremely bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and a culture that supports active transportation.
Average Home Prices
Kirkendall is a premium market.
Entry Level: Smaller semi-detached homes or row houses typically start in the $750,000 range.
Detached Homes: A renovated detached home on a good street will generally cost between $950,000 and $1.4 million+. The demand here is constant, so prices hold very firm even when the broader market fluctuates.
Recent Market Trends
We see very low days-on-market stats in Kirkendall. Turn-key homes (fully renovated) sell extremely fast, often with multiple offers. There is also a trend of expanding existing homes—building rear additions to add family rooms and primary suites—because residents love the location so much they’d rather renovate than move.
Types of Homes Available
- Edwardian & Victorian Brick: The classic Kirkendall home is a 2.5-storey brick detached with a front porch.
- Row Houses: Charming brick row homes near the north end of the neighbourhood offer a slightly more affordable entry point.
- Character Lofts: There are a few converted buildings offering unique loft-style living near the main strip.
Why People Love Living Here
It’s the "Locke Street Lifestyle." Residents love that they don’t have to compromise. They get the big backyard and the great school, but they also get the latte art, the craft beer, and the walkable urban feel. It’s safe, it’s beautiful, and it’s fun.
Live the Locke Street Lifestyle
Want to be walking distance to Earl Kitchener and the best coffee in town? Let's find your Kirkendall home.
Related Neighbourhoods: Durand, Westdale, Strathcona.