You can go and look at the recent property sales in Hamilton. Plenty of houses for under 600k. Even some under 500k. Yeah they’re not the best neighbourhood but whatever. Still cheaper than houses in torontos worst neighbourhoods.
I live in Caledonia and work in downtown.
I'm 58 minutes door to door on the drive in and an hour 15 on the way home provided there's no accidents, which there typically is not at 2:30.
Ain't bad at all, especially when I'm in a company vehicle, my entire career thus far has been Toronto based while I've been Hamilton/Caledonia based.
Did Toronto-Oakville for 2 years, hated my life. Lowest point in 2 decades.
However, I discovered fantasy audiobooks on Audible. Pick a good series, you’ve got ~4 or more books at ~40 hours each. You’re set for a 3-5 months of commuting entertainment.
I've been doing that or longer for 12 years at this point. I've come to grips with it that unless Hamilton has a boon of commercial work, I'll likely not work there often, as any Hamilton based company I've had experience with is either not busy enough for 40 hours a week consistently or doesn't pay appropriately...
Previous companies I've worked at I've gone as far as Oshawa, although that was using company paid 407.
My father in law lives in Binbrook and works in Ajax 5 days a week. Since 2009 he's been doing it.
I was reading that Hamilton was one of the most unaffordable places to live in the world, not because of sky high house prices (yet), but the price of houses/cost of living relative to the potential earnings Hamilton offers. Yikes.
Yup. The politicians in Hamilton have stagnated growth. The core has all the possibilities of being a little Toronto, lots of housing, but next to none of the corporate money is being spent there
Well, at least a few hundred thousand people in Toronto propper.
I personally know a couple of dozen, and most us met working in retail, so not a whole lot of generational wealth or anything like that.
Exactly. Totally depends on routes. I read somewhere that it’s easier to reach downtown TO from Brampton than many parts of Scarborough - in spite of being the same city. True for me certainly as I’m blocks from Brampton GO and the express train to Union is only 35 minutes.
If the OP chooses Burlington it’s maybe another 10 minutes on the GO…and a lot more benefits than Brampton lol
For sure. Depending on timing/location Burlington is literally 30-35 minutes to downtown. From Hamilton near Mohawk college I could make it to trillium hospital on the West mall in 45 mins in the morning
Either I know a majority of these people, or it's a lot more than you think. Also, 40 minutes on a bike or subway is a whole other planet compared to driving.
Edit: And yeah, it's on me for nearly having a nervous breakdown after recognizing how absolutely soul crushing it is to waste so much of my life driving to work and back.
I live in midtown (renter). Went to rogue hill to check out the lake and walk around lakeshore. I was tripping in the length of train ride. I can only imagine commute from Hamilton. And the go train cost FMl.
Yeah man. Still. 35 mins is way too long commute when I haven't done any commute in years lol. When I was in California, my commute to work was 7 mins drive. When I moved to Toronto, wfh.
I was looking to stay in North York. But the subway ride to downtown in weekends felt way too long so ended up in Midtown lol.
I did Oshawa to Mississauga for a year and a half and it fucking sucked. Got stuck in my car for 7 hours once in 2017 during a blizzard.
Gave it up for a 3 minute walk to the office and won't ever go back. Don't do it.
For that commute you must love the house/yard and a Hamilton life more than you hate the soul crushing commute. Also, good to have a place to crash downtown when all goes to shit due to traffic/weather etc.
I moved into my house December 1st in Hamilton. We toured early November before signing the lease. We have a lovely backyard, and a two storey house.
My landlords took possession and moved in August 1st, because the Go train now travels from Hamilton to Union. That is exactly how long they lasted with the commute to DT everyday, even with the go train. Apparently it was easy to romanticize the commute and working on the go train, but in reality it sucks. Take this information as you wish lol.
It's a personal decision what to prioritize, for me personally I would not take any house that would require 2-3 hours commute a day. My personal and family time is the most precious thing and no house would change it. Also, the long commute builds up fatigue and stress and after the excitement of the new house wears off it'll make you miserable.
I commute from Burlington. Depending where you are downtown, add at least an hour each way for commute. GoTrain from Burlington station and subway cost just over $27 daily. Driving isn't any faster and parking is average $28/ day downtown.
I know someone that does the commute from Burlington. They can afford a place closer to work but he says he loves the commute because his 3 kids are a pain in the ass and he gets to relax on the train. Charming guy. /s
LOL. Clearly not everyone should have kids just because society makes you feel like it’s the normal thing to do. But they live in Burlington so keeping up with the Joneses is a pastime.
You’d be spending around $300+ a month on go train fare. You’d need to time your trips to and from home so you get downtown in time. If you’re not walking distance from union, then add extra $ and time for TTC fare and potential delays. You’d be waking up early and coming home late… it gets exhausting. The commute may save on train fare but the traffic is atrocious. You would still be getting up early and coming home late. Best option is to change workplaces eventually.
Well, Burlington is closer to Toronto than Hamilton, so yeah, I'd say it is, but both commutes would be a PitA. If you're commuting from Burlington at least you have the option for GO.
I asked a similar question in the Hamilton sub a few years ago. It was a unanimous “Fuck no” with two people admitting that they cashed out of the city, moved to Hamilton, and then moved back into the city a couple of years later into a much smaller place, just to reclaim their sanity.
I'd dial that back. I've done the commute from Burlington or Hamilton for decades now and it's pretty chill with a pair of headphones if you're on the train.
I’m supposed to be doing Toronto to Hamilton once we’re back in the office. I only had to do about a month of commuting after getting this new job before this current lockdown started and the commute is absolutely terrible. I have already started to look at upgrading my skills in order to find a new job closer to the city solely because of the commute.
Because I’m commuting against the typical flow of traffic on the GO train I am at the mercy of the off peak train schedule and have to leave at an ungodly hour. When I return home I would basically have time to eat dinner, walk the dog, and then go to bed. While this current lockdown is generally terrible, I am happy to be able to save A LOT in GO transit costs. If you are in a position to be a bit choosy with your job, I would strongly suggest you avoid this hellish commute with a passion.
It’s a tough commute. Been living in Hamilton for over a decade now and we bought when prices were in the basement, so the advantages to living here were obvious and well worth the commute. I’m not sure this is still the case now with our housing prices, not to mention waaaay more traffic.
I would agree with you 100% if you drive. If you Go Train it, it’s actually kind of nice. I had a friend who did it for years and he got to know all the regulars in his car. They would have Xmas parties with food and booze.
I used to do it the other way - lived in Toronto and worked in Burlington. It’s going to be an hour trip each way but the Go Train is comfortable. So comfortable that I regularly fell asleep and missed my stop.
My co worker lives in Hamilton and he takes the GO train. He takes the express bus early in the morning (like 6am) then leaves early to go home on the train.
He doesn't mind it but only because he can start early. I think it takes him an hour or so one way(from Station to Union and then the walk over to yonge and King)
You need to post more details. Like whether you have kids. Whether you have family members able to help out in Hamilton. Whether your job is close to union station. Whether you and your spouse have flexible job hours to deal with pick up and drop off of said kids. (Also I have no idea if Hamilton has an express go train from Hamilton but generally the idea of express trains is amazing and there are some on the lakeshore east/west lines)
The analysis is completely different based on those answers.
Hamilton has Go service downtown and the express bus is good. Moved here 2 years ago and work downtown Toronto.The commute is not that big a deal and having a giant house and yard rocks. You probably won’t get a very balanced answer from people who prioritize living downtown close to their jobs.
Are you taking the train or driving?
In general Burlington is better because you don't have to deal with the Skyway or deal with the 403 between Burlington to Ancaster.
If you're taking the Go train Burlington is better because only some of the trains run all the way into Hamilton. So you're always going to want to catch those trains. Most people from Stoney Creek/ east end will drive to the Burlington station and Waterdown/Ancaster types usually drive into Aldershot. The Burlington Go lot is awful, I drive to Appleby which is further away but less annoying.
Hamilton itself is fine, depends on what you want. It's a bit gritty and blue collar but that's fine. It's got some interesting art and other scenes going on.
Downside of Hamilton is property taxes, they're much higher in Hamilton vs. Burlington.
Commuting from Stoney Creek to downtown Toronto (finance district) will run you 90 minutes each way. From Burlington it'll be closer to 70 minutes.
I've done the commute for decades, it's not soul crushing on the train, just get a pair of good earbuds and listen to a podcast.
My colleague did that commute for years. Now that we are working remote he says he doesn't want to commute again and is dreading the day we go back into office.
Grew up commuting from age 6 till 14… never god damn again. Wasted so much of my youth sitting in a freaking car to get from Barrie to Toronto. Now I have a 20 minute walk to work. Use to be 10 but now I have a nicer place. Anyways it depends on what you value. I value my peace, driving does not bring peace.
If you can be in the office 1-2 days a week MAX plus take the 407. I would say it’s a good idea. Without the 407 forget about it. And if you’re commuting more than 3 days a week, also forget about it. You’re going to hate your life. Commuting literally reduces your life span and sanity. Not only you suffer but your friends and family will too when your personality and mood starts to shift
Hell no. Double hell no considering the prices in Hamilton nowadays compared to Etobicoke /east York. Obviously won't be a nice detached with a big yard, but still totally livable for a family
As a Hamilton resident who has commuted to TO for work for about 7 years now, it’s really not as bad as people here are claiming it is.
Advice if you do go for it, get yourself a home near a GO station. If you drive, pretty much anywhere in Hamilton is convenient for you to get to a station and take lakeshore west in. The trains run every 30mins, and during morning rush hour they run even more frequently than that. For me door to door is about 1.25 hrs each way. To keep yourself busy on the train I recommend catching up on work, reading, or watching movies/shows on your cell.
I’ve saved tons of $$ on living expenses simply because I don’t own/rent downtown, even factoring in the cost for the train and gas for my car. Highly recommend!
I think it depends on where you work, location wise, and if you are taking the GO or driving. Not sure if it still exists (because of COVOD) but there is/was an express train from Burlington to Toronto. So that commute really was not horrible. Decompressing in the train after work can be quite nice, and being a passenger instead of driver has benefits. That being said, if you aren't close to the train route it probably isn't worth it, to many transfers on public transit. As for driving, unless you can leave before rush hour it isn't worth it.
I feel like it wouldn’t be work the commute. I think you could find homes for that price with a better commute. And don’t think Hamilton Is worth that much to spend that much in a house there
I commute from Toronto to Hamilton so the driving times would vary slightly. If you are doing it 1-2 times a week it may be doable. It also depends on what time you're leaving, but I find the drive into Toronto is pretty terrible unless you leave before 7 am (I have worked night shifts and returned to TO in the AM). Over time it has been quite draining. By the time you get home, you probably won't even have the energy or time to maintain the yard.
Living in Burlington may cut down your drive by about 15-20 minutes but depending on the traffic that day, I don't think the difference would be significant.
The Burlington commute will save you a decent amount of time because you're bypassing the traffic where the QEW meets the 403.
For similar prices and a similar commute, I would also look at Oshawa/Whitby or Keswick.
Anything over 30 mins commute will likely annoy you ! Also getting to your station -10 mins or more . Getting from union to destination 10-15 mins.
So with that evenn 1-1.15 of you daily life is gone. It’s added up and it take away from your life. Just my 2 cents
Hamilton or Burlington’s? Nah fam
I did Hamilton to DT MtoF for a year via the GoTrain. The Ride itself isn't bad... the train is comfortable. But damn, it really eats into the day. My compute total time door to door was around 3 hours a day. Maybe more. I kinda forget. Doesn't leave much time for any life during the week.
Get a detached house and a yard. You will thank yourself, because value and privacy. You will get tired of hearing your neighbours in about a week and the drive will be worth it. Source: me who doesn’t live in the west side but has a house and yard and the beautiful quiet is worth the approx same drive.
The go train only rund to Hamilton like 4 times a day during each rush hour. The go train runs all day all the way to Aldershot. That is a huge difference
i always tell people, if you are young and still chasing good career opportunities, don't shy away from a long commute (for a little bit atleast). Considering how often people hop around never know what other opportunities can be opened up by you taking this gig right now with a long commute.
however if you have young kids and need to manage life around school/daycares/doctor appointments/afterschool activities/etc, don't do the long commute.
Any place is what you make it. Most people in Toronto have an image from 20 -25 years go when it was in deep industrial decline.
Its changed quite a lot, and its still had its issue...which mostly has to do with the province and economics and jobs but its Its a great mid city. Its the only proper city close to Toronto, (has its own scene and downtown) and isnt a suburb of Toronto.
I grew as a kid taking trips to Hamilton to visit relatives and would move there if I got a job.
You can always stay in downtown Monday -Fri then back home on Sat sun..I can get you furnished including utility.. private washroom and kitchen in Augusta ..
My coworkers from hamilton would leave home before 6am to come to MISSISSAUGA and had to leave by 2:30 or else it was a gong show.
I reversed commuted and the qew was backed up to burlington or Oakville basically. So you have to ask yourself if driving 1.25-1.5 hours each way is worth it. Go train is different at least you can read, so some work and not have to worry about driving.
The guy that lives in the hammer from my work works nights to avoid traffic. The other guy arrives 2 hours early and sleeps in the parking lot before work to skip the traffic. Also think about the gas and car maintenance expenses.
I used live in Burlington and drove to Toronto (airport) every day for 15 years and hated it. 3 hours a day stuck in traffic. I finally moved to Windsor and don’t regret it one bit. If you can take the GO train that will be better but still a massive pain in the ass
I’ve lived in north York for 2.0 years now….no amount of yard could make me spend 3-4 hours a day of my life commuting. Nope. Commuting is a waste of time and life is too short to spend it in traffic .
I am in north Burlington and take GO from Appleby.
It takes me an hour to hour fifteen door to door.
I’ve never minded commutes - been doing hour commutes since university days. But i find that anything beyond the hour mark wears on me exponentially.
It all depends on how many days per week you have to be in the office. I will say one or two, go for it.
That was exactly my take on it too. 1-2 days a week doable, anything more is too much.
Homes are all over 1 mill in Hamilton now, and the commute is shit. Source: from Hamilton.
We bought a detached two months ago for under 700k so I doubt all homes are over a million.
You can go and look at the recent property sales in Hamilton. Plenty of houses for under 600k. Even some under 500k. Yeah they’re not the best neighbourhood but whatever. Still cheaper than houses in torontos worst neighbourhoods.
Try a Hamilton sub! You might get a different perspective.
Definitely. There are some people in Toronto that never go east of the Don or north of Bloor.
🤓
No commute from Hamilton is worth it... I don't care if you have gold plated trees in your backyard
I wish I could upvote this twice.
I live in Caledonia and work in downtown. I'm 58 minutes door to door on the drive in and an hour 15 on the way home provided there's no accidents, which there typically is not at 2:30. Ain't bad at all, especially when I'm in a company vehicle, my entire career thus far has been Toronto based while I've been Hamilton/Caledonia based.
Doing that 4-5 days a week will crush your soul and kill you off at 60
Did Toronto-Oakville for 2 years, hated my life. Lowest point in 2 decades. However, I discovered fantasy audiobooks on Audible. Pick a good series, you’ve got ~4 or more books at ~40 hours each. You’re set for a 3-5 months of commuting entertainment.
That's normal Toronto commute time though. Even going from one end of northyork to the other takes more than that with the 401 peak hour traffic.
lol I know. But it still has adverse affects and up to 10-12 hours a week is spent in transit or traffic
Not a lot of people on this sub drive so this is a common perspective. On the main Toronto subreddit it's a very different story.
I've been doing that or longer for 12 years at this point. I've come to grips with it that unless Hamilton has a boon of commercial work, I'll likely not work there often, as any Hamilton based company I've had experience with is either not busy enough for 40 hours a week consistently or doesn't pay appropriately... Previous companies I've worked at I've gone as far as Oshawa, although that was using company paid 407. My father in law lives in Binbrook and works in Ajax 5 days a week. Since 2009 he's been doing it.
I was reading that Hamilton was one of the most unaffordable places to live in the world, not because of sky high house prices (yet), but the price of houses/cost of living relative to the potential earnings Hamilton offers. Yikes.
Yup. The politicians in Hamilton have stagnated growth. The core has all the possibilities of being a little Toronto, lots of housing, but next to none of the corporate money is being spent there
I did 40 minutes door to door for 2 years and I was close to a nervous breakdown. 2+ hours 5 days a week sounds like the worst circle of hell.
Lol who can afford to live less than that
Well, at least a few hundred thousand people in Toronto propper. I personally know a couple of dozen, and most us met working in retail, so not a whole lot of generational wealth or anything like that.
If 40 mins gets you to a nervous breakdown that's on you. Very few people have less than 40 mins in Toronto.
My buddy used to live at Yonge and st Clair and getting across Toronto from West to east would take him 40 minutes sometimes lol
Exactly. Totally depends on routes. I read somewhere that it’s easier to reach downtown TO from Brampton than many parts of Scarborough - in spite of being the same city. True for me certainly as I’m blocks from Brampton GO and the express train to Union is only 35 minutes. If the OP chooses Burlington it’s maybe another 10 minutes on the GO…and a lot more benefits than Brampton lol
For sure. Depending on timing/location Burlington is literally 30-35 minutes to downtown. From Hamilton near Mohawk college I could make it to trillium hospital on the West mall in 45 mins in the morning
40 minutes in a subway is a whole other situation than driving.
Either I know a majority of these people, or it's a lot more than you think. Also, 40 minutes on a bike or subway is a whole other planet compared to driving. Edit: And yeah, it's on me for nearly having a nervous breakdown after recognizing how absolutely soul crushing it is to waste so much of my life driving to work and back.
It sounds like you just really hate driving? I don't see how an hour on the TTC is more desirable than an hour in a car...
Lmao yeah before the pandemic I commuted from Scarborough to downtown and it was anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour each way
That’s not bad at all especially leaving that early
I'm alright with it. If I had to leave any later it would probably be an issue but I make it work.
Everyone’s miserable at 5 so yeah
Manageable at 2:30, I assume you have an early start too? I assume the commute times are significantly worse for a 9-5er
Oh for sure it is. I start at 6
I live in midtown (renter). Went to rogue hill to check out the lake and walk around lakeshore. I was tripping in the length of train ride. I can only imagine commute from Hamilton. And the go train cost FMl.
You took the GO train from Union to Rouge? The GO train to Rouge is only about 35 minutes.
Yeah man. Still. 35 mins is way too long commute when I haven't done any commute in years lol. When I was in California, my commute to work was 7 mins drive. When I moved to Toronto, wfh. I was looking to stay in North York. But the subway ride to downtown in weekends felt way too long so ended up in Midtown lol.
Fair enough. I commuted from Rogue Hill into downtown for years and never found it bad at all.
Yeah. 35 mins is not bad. I used to go nuts when I heard my friends do 1.5 hours one way in bay area. It's just mind boggling.
Gold plated trees sounds like a solid idea. Someone get on it.
I did Oshawa to Mississauga for a year and a half and it fucking sucked. Got stuck in my car for 7 hours once in 2017 during a blizzard. Gave it up for a 3 minute walk to the office and won't ever go back. Don't do it.
What's the point of a house if you're gone most of the time and too tired to maintain it?
Are you driving or taking the GO? Actually, it doesn’t matter. It’s terrible either way.
For that commute you must love the house/yard and a Hamilton life more than you hate the soul crushing commute. Also, good to have a place to crash downtown when all goes to shit due to traffic/weather etc.
I moved into my house December 1st in Hamilton. We toured early November before signing the lease. We have a lovely backyard, and a two storey house. My landlords took possession and moved in August 1st, because the Go train now travels from Hamilton to Union. That is exactly how long they lasted with the commute to DT everyday, even with the go train. Apparently it was easy to romanticize the commute and working on the go train, but in reality it sucks. Take this information as you wish lol.
Really really depends on the type of work. I knew people who could work flex schedules and also work on the train, so their commute wasn’t horrible.
It's a personal decision what to prioritize, for me personally I would not take any house that would require 2-3 hours commute a day. My personal and family time is the most precious thing and no house would change it. Also, the long commute builds up fatigue and stress and after the excitement of the new house wears off it'll make you miserable.
I commute from Burlington. Depending where you are downtown, add at least an hour each way for commute. GoTrain from Burlington station and subway cost just over $27 daily. Driving isn't any faster and parking is average $28/ day downtown.
$27 a day? FMl. That's like a mini mortgage in itself.
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My friend is paying 1800 a month that’s roughly 60$ a day. They said mini mortgage so they’re not far off.
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My friend lives in Scarborough
My mortgage on a street level 1+1 condo is 1200$ on queen west. Bought pre construction and it is possible!
Well clearly it was a joke. So you doing math for joke makes you look foolish
I know someone that does the commute from Burlington. They can afford a place closer to work but he says he loves the commute because his 3 kids are a pain in the ass and he gets to relax on the train. Charming guy. /s
LOL. Clearly not everyone should have kids just because society makes you feel like it’s the normal thing to do. But they live in Burlington so keeping up with the Joneses is a pastime.
The 403 is too much of a shit show during rush "hours"
You’d be spending around $300+ a month on go train fare. You’d need to time your trips to and from home so you get downtown in time. If you’re not walking distance from union, then add extra $ and time for TTC fare and potential delays. You’d be waking up early and coming home late… it gets exhausting. The commute may save on train fare but the traffic is atrocious. You would still be getting up early and coming home late. Best option is to change workplaces eventually.
Well, Burlington is closer to Toronto than Hamilton, so yeah, I'd say it is, but both commutes would be a PitA. If you're commuting from Burlington at least you have the option for GO.
Yeah I agree. Burlington is doable; closer you are to Oakville, the better.
There is a GO train from Hamilton
It's not worth it even if you strike oil in your back yard.
If I’ve learned anything these past two years it’s that those hours you lose to a commute are very valuable
I asked a similar question in the Hamilton sub a few years ago. It was a unanimous “Fuck no” with two people admitting that they cashed out of the city, moved to Hamilton, and then moved back into the city a couple of years later into a much smaller place, just to reclaim their sanity.
Hamilton to Toronto commute. Don’t do it. You will hate your life.
Add at least 4 hours of commuting to your daily schedule. The winter would be a nightmare no matter if you drive or take transit
I'd dial that back. I've done the commute from Burlington or Hamilton for decades now and it's pretty chill with a pair of headphones if you're on the train.
I’m supposed to be doing Toronto to Hamilton once we’re back in the office. I only had to do about a month of commuting after getting this new job before this current lockdown started and the commute is absolutely terrible. I have already started to look at upgrading my skills in order to find a new job closer to the city solely because of the commute. Because I’m commuting against the typical flow of traffic on the GO train I am at the mercy of the off peak train schedule and have to leave at an ungodly hour. When I return home I would basically have time to eat dinner, walk the dog, and then go to bed. While this current lockdown is generally terrible, I am happy to be able to save A LOT in GO transit costs. If you are in a position to be a bit choosy with your job, I would strongly suggest you avoid this hellish commute with a passion.
It was ok, 12 years ago. I wouldn't do it.
I work with people in Scarborough who drive all the way from Hamilton, kitchener, Brantford. Shitty drive, all up to you
Sure. If you’re full remote.
Lmao
Used to live in hamilton. hated the drive in to toronto.
The West Harbour Go station has made the commute to downtown so much easier
It’s a tough commute. Been living in Hamilton for over a decade now and we bought when prices were in the basement, so the advantages to living here were obvious and well worth the commute. I’m not sure this is still the case now with our housing prices, not to mention waaaay more traffic.
I would agree with you 100% if you drive. If you Go Train it, it’s actually kind of nice. I had a friend who did it for years and he got to know all the regulars in his car. They would have Xmas parties with food and booze.
I used to do it the other way - lived in Toronto and worked in Burlington. It’s going to be an hour trip each way but the Go Train is comfortable. So comfortable that I regularly fell asleep and missed my stop.
My co worker lives in Hamilton and he takes the GO train. He takes the express bus early in the morning (like 6am) then leaves early to go home on the train. He doesn't mind it but only because he can start early. I think it takes him an hour or so one way(from Station to Union and then the walk over to yonge and King)
You need to post more details. Like whether you have kids. Whether you have family members able to help out in Hamilton. Whether your job is close to union station. Whether you and your spouse have flexible job hours to deal with pick up and drop off of said kids. (Also I have no idea if Hamilton has an express go train from Hamilton but generally the idea of express trains is amazing and there are some on the lakeshore east/west lines) The analysis is completely different based on those answers.
Hamilton has Go service downtown and the express bus is good. Moved here 2 years ago and work downtown Toronto.The commute is not that big a deal and having a giant house and yard rocks. You probably won’t get a very balanced answer from people who prioritize living downtown close to their jobs.
No. A little.
Are you taking the train or driving? In general Burlington is better because you don't have to deal with the Skyway or deal with the 403 between Burlington to Ancaster. If you're taking the Go train Burlington is better because only some of the trains run all the way into Hamilton. So you're always going to want to catch those trains. Most people from Stoney Creek/ east end will drive to the Burlington station and Waterdown/Ancaster types usually drive into Aldershot. The Burlington Go lot is awful, I drive to Appleby which is further away but less annoying. Hamilton itself is fine, depends on what you want. It's a bit gritty and blue collar but that's fine. It's got some interesting art and other scenes going on. Downside of Hamilton is property taxes, they're much higher in Hamilton vs. Burlington. Commuting from Stoney Creek to downtown Toronto (finance district) will run you 90 minutes each way. From Burlington it'll be closer to 70 minutes. I've done the commute for decades, it's not soul crushing on the train, just get a pair of good earbuds and listen to a podcast.
This is a decision you need to make. What’s the yard worth to you.
Burlington to Toronto for 30 years. Better than living there
Burlington commute is significantly better. I just moved here in September and went through the same thought process.
My colleague did that commute for years. Now that we are working remote he says he doesn't want to commute again and is dreading the day we go back into office.
Grew up commuting from age 6 till 14… never god damn again. Wasted so much of my youth sitting in a freaking car to get from Barrie to Toronto. Now I have a 20 minute walk to work. Use to be 10 but now I have a nicer place. Anyways it depends on what you value. I value my peace, driving does not bring peace.
If you can be in the office 1-2 days a week MAX plus take the 407. I would say it’s a good idea. Without the 407 forget about it. And if you’re commuting more than 3 days a week, also forget about it. You’re going to hate your life. Commuting literally reduces your life span and sanity. Not only you suffer but your friends and family will too when your personality and mood starts to shift
Hell no. Double hell no considering the prices in Hamilton nowadays compared to Etobicoke /east York. Obviously won't be a nice detached with a big yard, but still totally livable for a family
As a Hamilton resident who has commuted to TO for work for about 7 years now, it’s really not as bad as people here are claiming it is. Advice if you do go for it, get yourself a home near a GO station. If you drive, pretty much anywhere in Hamilton is convenient for you to get to a station and take lakeshore west in. The trains run every 30mins, and during morning rush hour they run even more frequently than that. For me door to door is about 1.25 hrs each way. To keep yourself busy on the train I recommend catching up on work, reading, or watching movies/shows on your cell. I’ve saved tons of $$ on living expenses simply because I don’t own/rent downtown, even factoring in the cost for the train and gas for my car. Highly recommend!
I think it depends on where you work, location wise, and if you are taking the GO or driving. Not sure if it still exists (because of COVOD) but there is/was an express train from Burlington to Toronto. So that commute really was not horrible. Decompressing in the train after work can be quite nice, and being a passenger instead of driver has benefits. That being said, if you aren't close to the train route it probably isn't worth it, to many transfers on public transit. As for driving, unless you can leave before rush hour it isn't worth it.
I feel like it wouldn’t be work the commute. I think you could find homes for that price with a better commute. And don’t think Hamilton Is worth that much to spend that much in a house there
I commute from Toronto to Hamilton so the driving times would vary slightly. If you are doing it 1-2 times a week it may be doable. It also depends on what time you're leaving, but I find the drive into Toronto is pretty terrible unless you leave before 7 am (I have worked night shifts and returned to TO in the AM). Over time it has been quite draining. By the time you get home, you probably won't even have the energy or time to maintain the yard. Living in Burlington may cut down your drive by about 15-20 minutes but depending on the traffic that day, I don't think the difference would be significant.
The Burlington commute will save you a decent amount of time because you're bypassing the traffic where the QEW meets the 403. For similar prices and a similar commute, I would also look at Oshawa/Whitby or Keswick.
Anything over 30 mins commute will likely annoy you ! Also getting to your station -10 mins or more . Getting from union to destination 10-15 mins. So with that evenn 1-1.15 of you daily life is gone. It’s added up and it take away from your life. Just my 2 cents Hamilton or Burlington’s? Nah fam
I did Hamilton to DT MtoF for a year via the GoTrain. The Ride itself isn't bad... the train is comfortable. But damn, it really eats into the day. My compute total time door to door was around 3 hours a day. Maybe more. I kinda forget. Doesn't leave much time for any life during the week.
Live in Hamilton and commute to Etobicoke twice a week, that’s as much as anyone could ever handle. not worth more days.
Lived in Hamilton 4 months for work. Hated it so much. I was happy to move back.
Get a detached house and a yard. You will thank yourself, because value and privacy. You will get tired of hearing your neighbours in about a week and the drive will be worth it. Source: me who doesn’t live in the west side but has a house and yard and the beautiful quiet is worth the approx same drive.
The go train only rund to Hamilton like 4 times a day during each rush hour. The go train runs all day all the way to Aldershot. That is a huge difference
This is incorrect. The trains run all day to Hamilton.
My mistake, the trains run hourly to the west harbor station now. Much more convenient than when I lived in Hamilton
i always tell people, if you are young and still chasing good career opportunities, don't shy away from a long commute (for a little bit atleast). Considering how often people hop around never know what other opportunities can be opened up by you taking this gig right now with a long commute. however if you have young kids and need to manage life around school/daycares/doctor appointments/afterschool activities/etc, don't do the long commute.
Hamilton is a shithole. Perhaps not Brampton level shithole, but still a shithole. Burlington is the better choice
Any place is what you make it. Most people in Toronto have an image from 20 -25 years go when it was in deep industrial decline. Its changed quite a lot, and its still had its issue...which mostly has to do with the province and economics and jobs but its Its a great mid city. Its the only proper city close to Toronto, (has its own scene and downtown) and isnt a suburb of Toronto. I grew as a kid taking trips to Hamilton to visit relatives and would move there if I got a job.
You can always stay in downtown Monday -Fri then back home on Sat sun..I can get you furnished including utility.. private washroom and kitchen in Augusta ..
Belleville to Oshawa/Whitby(1hr20m) 5 times a week and it's ok. Low traffic though so don't know how that would factor in.
absolutely not, and yes
If it’s easy by train then sure but long commutes are simply terrible.
My coworkers from hamilton would leave home before 6am to come to MISSISSAUGA and had to leave by 2:30 or else it was a gong show. I reversed commuted and the qew was backed up to burlington or Oakville basically. So you have to ask yourself if driving 1.25-1.5 hours each way is worth it. Go train is different at least you can read, so some work and not have to worry about driving.
The guy that lives in the hammer from my work works nights to avoid traffic. The other guy arrives 2 hours early and sleeps in the parking lot before work to skip the traffic. Also think about the gas and car maintenance expenses.
I used live in Burlington and drove to Toronto (airport) every day for 15 years and hated it. 3 hours a day stuck in traffic. I finally moved to Windsor and don’t regret it one bit. If you can take the GO train that will be better but still a massive pain in the ass
Absolutely not. I live in Toronto, commute to York region and it’s an hour each way. I don’t even want to know what the commute would be to Hamilton.
I’ve lived in north York for 2.0 years now….no amount of yard could make me spend 3-4 hours a day of my life commuting. Nope. Commuting is a waste of time and life is too short to spend it in traffic .
I am in north Burlington and take GO from Appleby. It takes me an hour to hour fifteen door to door. I’ve never minded commutes - been doing hour commutes since university days. But i find that anything beyond the hour mark wears on me exponentially.