This lakeside city near Toronto was named one of the 'best places to live' in Ontario

If you're on the hunt for a new home, you might want to check out listings in this Ontario city. With incredible attractions, stunning scenery and gorgeous lake views, it may just be your dream destination.

Real estate company RE/MAX recently posted their picks for the "best places to live in Ontario" on their blog. The list features five cities that RE/MAX believes to be the top destinations in Ontario's real estate market.

This thriving city near Toronto with beautiful waterfalls, a vibrant arts scene and natural attractions was named among the province's finest.

Hamilton, located just about an hour from Toronto, is worth checking out if you're in the market for a new home, according to RE/MAX.

Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, the city is known as "Steeltown" due to its manufacturing roots. It's also been dubbed the "Waterfall Capital of the World" and is home to over 100 cascades.

According to RE/MAX, Hamilton "has a strong sense of community," "small-town-like feel" and more affordable housing prices compared to other areas in the province.

The city offers lots of year-round attractions and things to do. You can enjoy endless restaurants, bars and cafes, wander along the waterfront and check out spots like the Royal Botanical Gardens and Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

It's also close to charming small towns such as Ancaster and Dundas.

There are tons of waterfall trails and stunning parks to explore in the area, including Spencer Gorge Conservation Area and Tiffany Falls.

Hamilton is connected by VIA Rail, GO Transit and bus services, making it a convenient destination for commuters.

Hamilton may not be the cheapest destination when it comes to housing prices, but RE/MAX adds that "there are plenty of options for homebuying in the growing Ontario city."

According to the Cornerstone Association of Realtors, the average cost of a residential property in Hamilton reached $821,512 in October 2024, a 5.3-per-cent increase from the same period in 2023.

If you're looking for something a little less pricey, statistics from the Real Estate Association indicate that you can get a semi-detached home for $710,350 and a townhouse for less than $675,032. If condo living is up your alley, the average price is below $483,202.

The other cities featured in RE/MAX's list of "best places to live in Ontario" are Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston and Waterloo.

If you're planning on moving, Hamilton is worth a look.