Elite. Upper Class. Exclusive.
Does a neighbourhood with these distinctions appeal to you?
Most or every city has a neighbourhood (or two) that represent success. One of those in GTA West is Mineola or Ancaster in Hamilton.
WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT MINEOLA
Described as one of the “ultimate ‘move-up’ neighbourhoods just west of Toronto, Mineola is a tranquil, picturesque community in the south end of Mississauga. Average home prices can be up to 63% higher here than in the rest of Mississauga. Some consider the area to be part of Port Credit.
Mineola is a lush part of southern Ontario with agricultural roots. However, by the 1960’s, the QEW highway, new subdivisions, and GO train service arrived. These changes transformed the area into a residential enclave.
An affluent community, Mineola boasts some of the best public school rankings in the area – a major draw for many families.
You will find some truly spectacular homes on oversized lots here. There is a beautiful blend of new custom builds, stately older homes, and sharp urban townhouses on the tree-lined streets. Pride of ownership is on full display, and residents who make Mineola home tend to make deep roots – some that last for generations.
Practically speaking, this area is convenient for its access to highways (connecting to Toronto) and proximity to Port Credit’s shops, restaurants, and recreation options.
One of the criteria for many home buyers with unlimited budgets is to be close to water. On this front, Mineola is rich: Cooksville Creek and the Credit River both run through and drain into Lake Ontario, whose shores are walking distance from anywhere in the neighbourhood.
WHAT HAMILTON OFFERS: ANCASTER
For native Hamiltonians, Ancaster represents much of what Mineola embodies to Mississaugans. It is a neighbourhood set apart, and the barrier to entry is a higher-than-average family income.
There is stature attached to an Ancaster address – one that attracts white collar professionals and financially successful entrepreneurs. Buyers are willing to pay a premium to move to the area. Options here include large, sprawling properties in Old Ancaster, newer construction in Meadowlands on smaller lots, and luxurious townhouse developments that are becoming a very popular option for busy professionals.
Like Mineola, Ancaster has an agricultural history. To celebrate its roots, the Ancaster Agricultural Society holds an annual fair at the Fairgrounds located on 62 acres at the corner of Garner and Southcote Roads. More local pride is showcased in Ancaster Village. Quaint shops, a seasonal farmer’s market, and tours of historical buildings offer a glimpse of bygone times before industry and six-lane highways and modern construction took over.
For all its changes, one thing is constant through the ages: The breathtaking natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment on which Ancaster grew up. The Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area connects to the Chedoke Rail Trail or toward Tiffany Falls, and each area offers dazzling views of preserved natural elements. Ancaster’s waterfalls are its answer to Mineola’s river, creek, and lakefront. As part of Hamilton, the City of Waterfalls, Ancaster is home to many: Sherman Falls, Ancaster Heights Falls, Canterbury Falls, Shaver Falls, Washboard Falls, and Mills Falls – to name a few. A number of these falls are on private land, but the owners graciously allow access to view their majestic allure.
More than a few families have stretched their budget to ensure that their children could qualify to attend Ancaster High School, an International Baccalaureate School of distinction.
COMPARING THE COST
The cost of living in Ancaster is well above that of the original City of Hamilton. However, it is still affordable when compared to Mineola. The average sold price of a Mineola home as of December, 2020 is $2.1 million.
In Ancaster, the average detached home with three or four bedrooms ranged from $893,000-1,200,000.
Are you considering a move to take advantage of the equity in your prime Mineola property? You will be pleasantly surprised at the value you can expect in this very similar neighbourhood!
For a little more about Ancaster neighbourhoods, click here.
If you would like more information about Ancaster’s real estate options, we would love to be of help! Let us know what we can do for you.
