Conference kaosws::canada

876.0. "Relo to HAMILTON area -- assistance requested." by WMOIS::CARROLL_M () Mon Nov 28 1994 16:23

    Hello all -- I am looking for some information regarding the HAMILTON
    area and am hopefull that thru this notesfile you can provide me with
    some information.   Here's the scenario;  My brother has been offered
    a job with a company in Hamilton (Camco - they are somehow affiliated
    with GE). He and his wife will be making a visit this weekend (Friday
    -Sunday) to scope out the area.  They have two children (ages 1 & 3),
    who we will have the pleasure of babysitting this weekend.  Seriously
    it will be a pleasure since we only see them 2-3 times per year as
    they live in Bloomington, Indiana and we live in Leominster, Ma (40
    miles outside of Boston).
    
    Here's what they are looking for info on;
    
    1) Recommended places to live (preferably in a suburb of hamilton)
       Schools will be a concern, but since they have a few years it will
       not be THE determining factor.
    
    2) Thoughts on Buying vs Renting a home.  I am not sure if there are
       implications/complications for a US citizen.
    
    3) Places to see, Things to do, etc... in the Hamilton area and the
       suburbs (shopping; cultural; historic; etc...)
    
    4) General feeling towards US Citizens working/living in the area.
    
    5) Places to eat while they are there this weekend.
    
    6) Taxes (ouch) no matter where you live this tends to be a sore
    subject.  Property taxes and payroll are the two that come to mind.
    
    7) any misc thoughts that might not be covered above. (ie - what else
       should they be thinking about and asking questions on)
    
    Oh also, if anyone has any experience driving from the Mass/NH area to
    hamilton and can tell me how long it is that would be great.  They are
    flying, but part of my excitement is that it looks to be about a 7-9 hr
    drive for us to visit them versus 18-20 to Indy.
    
    Thanks....
    
    Mike C
    Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
     

    I was born in Hamilton. It's an odd one to tie down, it depends on how
    you look at it, it's veneer is one of a grimy industrial city (there
    are two large steel mills and a lot of other heavy industry centered
    around the Burlington Bay, that's what you see when you drive past
    Hamilton on the QEW) but the further you get away from the industrial
    core the nicer it gets. But it's also a university town and something
    of a bedroom community for the GTA. 
    
    Camco is in the west end of the city, a little away from the industial
    core not too far from the University (McMaster). Close suburbs are
    Dundas and Ancaster, both have nice, small town atmopheres, Ancaster is
    more affluent. The Niagra Escarpment runs though the middle of
    Hamilton, (they call it the mountain, tee hee) and the on top of the
    escarpment it's primarily residential and much nicer than below.
    
    Count on closer to 12 hours driving.
    
    Camco is right on the 403 highway so further commutes are a
    possibility.  

    I would live in Grimsby. I like it there, it would be worth the
    commute.

    Glenn

    I lived in Grimsby for 10 years, nice small town, like it a lot but the
    thought of driving every day across the Burlington Bay Skyway gives me
    the cold sweats (although I guess it's less horrible now that the bridge
    is doubled). I'd definitely recommend Grimsby if you were working in
    the East end or the industrial core but the west end is just too far. 

    Why not just drive up onto the escarpment and go that way?

    If one was coming from say Grassie or Kimbo that might work but from  
    the town proper you'd just be trading one headache (the skyway) for 
    another (longer regular trip with lots of city traffic).

    Oh one more thing if I might.  Can anyone recommend a nice hotel
    in the Hamilton area.  
    
    Thanks,
    Mike

    Also recommend Dundas or Ancaster ... definitely some nice properties
    in that area and a short commute to CAMCO.