If you are considering buying a home in Hamilton and any of the following sentences describe you, the Durand community would be a great location to move to:
- You love historical architecture.
- You have an appreciation for mature trees and nearby nature trails.
- You enjoy dining out and nightlife.
- You work downtown Hamilton or commute to Toronto.
- You would prefer to leave your car at home and have the ability to walk to all your daily amenities.
- You have a creative personality and think that suburban cookie cutter type homes are boring.
- Being able to walk to the Farmer’s Market on a Saturday is important to you.
The Durand community of Hamilton is rich in history, culture and entertainment. This neighbourhood prides itself on elegant dining experiences and the fact that it borders on Canada’s oldest and longest path – the Bruce Trail – which offers unparalleled views along the iconic Niagara Escarpment.
For those who love history, the Durand community is named after James Durand (1775-1833). James Durand moved to the area in 1805 and purchased a large farm covering areas known now as Durand and some of the Corktown area too. The Durand community stretches from Main Street West to the escarpment, from Queen Street South to James Street South.
James Durand was a politician, well-known businessman of the time, and a militia officer in Upper Canada. He opened the first general store in the area and had one of the very first stone houses built in Hamilton. This home was located on John Street. James Durand sold his farm shortly after the War of 1812, to the man who would ultimately become the name sake of our city, George Hamilton. The Durand community was named after James Durand to honour his contributions to the development of the City of Hamilton.
HOMES IN THE DURAND NEIGHBOURHOOD:
The homes in the Durand community are a mix of reimagined colonial architecture as well as a 1900s style with hardwood floors, original fireplaces and incredible craftsmanship from that era. It’s an area that would be described as mixed density – the housing options are diverse, comprised of detached, semi detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, rental units and more recently built executive style condominium apartment buildings.
As I travel throughout the urban area of Hamilton and admire the unique communities within, the design of the homes from the 1900s blends well with the restored homes and buildings. The charm and characteristics change from building to building, and from block to block. There is a magnificent mixture of tree lined streets and tall buildings contributing to the feel of the city centre.
According to the census information from 2021, most of the households include 1 – 2 people. The highest number of people are between the ages of 30-44.
Accessibility
Not only is this a highly walkable location, but it is also a commuter’s delight!
- Easy access to the 403 – via Aberdeen Avenue or King Street/Main Street
- Close to the GO Centre on Hunter Street and the West Harbour GO
- For cyclists, designated bicycle lanes can be found on Bay Street, Charlton Avenue, Herkimer Street, Markland Street.
- Ample HSR bus access. You can find the HSR routes here.
- Mountain access: James Street South and Queen Street South/Beckett Drive
- Convenient to all local hospitals – especially St. Joseph’s and Juravinski Hospital
Arts & Entertainment
Hamilton has a dynamic community of music and theatre enthusiasts. The Durand area is one of the meccas; with the head office of the Brott Music Festival on Bay Street that coordinates musical theatre across the area, the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts on James Street South offering a wide variety of art programs for all ages.
For those seeking some evening excitement, there are lively night clubs, pubs and trendy restaurants nearby in Hess Village, in Corktown and along James Street.
Currently, the city is buzzing with excitement over the recent opening of the TD Coliseum. Bringing larger events to the city, you won’t need to travel to Toronto, amazing performances will be located only a few blocks away from home.
To provide another dose of local history, there is the Whitehern Historic House & Garden Museum showcasing how life in Hamilton was back in the mid-1800s where three generations of influential Hamiltonians lived for over 100 years in this well preserved site! Much like the Dundurn Castle, another historical gem, you can tour Whitehern Historic House & Garden Museum.
Nature & Recreation
At the heart of the Durand community is Durand Park. The community is committed to ensuring children have a place to play year round with a splash pad for the summer and an ice rink for some winter fun! Seasonal events are organized, such as an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, Outdoor Movie Nights and an Ice Rink Celebration.
Standing in this beautiful park with the play equipment, looking around at the beautiful city skyline, it feels like you’re stepping into a movie filmed in New York’s Central Park.
For the devoted nature lover, part of the Durand neighbourhood rests upon the base of the Hamilton escarpment along a section of the Bruce Trail. The breathtaking journey of the Bruce Trail provides you with views of old forests with massive trees, waterfalls and awe-inspiring views that you’ll want to explore again and again.
Schools within the Durand community
There is one public school, Central Elementary School within the Durand neighbourhood.
If you are interested in a property in this area, and would like to confirm the schools for this catchment, please search here for the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and here for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.
If you are interested in buying or selling a home, please contact me,
Andrea Harley-Maddox, Broker
~ RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc., Brokerage ~
OFFICE: 905-304-3303 ~ CALL or TEXT: 905-572-0777
email: andrea@readytomove.ca
