Best off campus housing for McMaster University students

McMaster University is located on the west side of Hamilton, Ontario. Residence is available and guaranteed for first-year students entering directly from high school with an average above 90%, but is not guaranteed for all applicants. Upper-year students typically need to find off-campus housing. Hamilton is considerably more affordable than Toronto, and the neighbourhoods surrounding McMaster have a well-established student rental market. This guide covers the best areas for McMaster students, how to search and apply for a rental, and how to stay safe.

For current average rent figures by unit type, see the Ontario Rent Report.

Types of Accommodation in Hamilton

Common rental types near McMaster include individual rooms in shared houses, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, detached houses, and condos. Shared accommodation is popular as a way to keep costs down. To find rooms in shared spaces, use the "Room" filter under Housing Type on liv.rent and the map view to see what is available near campus.

Getting Around Hamilton

Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) operates the city's bus network. Four routes stop at or near McMaster: the 1, 5, 15, and 51, running frequently during classroom hours. Many of the neighbourhoods closest to campus are also walkable or bikeable, making transit less essential for students who live nearby.

Best Neighbourhoods for McMaster Students

Westdale

Directly adjacent to McMaster's western boundary, Westdale is the most popular neighbourhood for students and one of the closest to campus. It is built around the Westdale Shopping District with independent shops, restaurants, cafes, and bookstores within easy walking distance. Housing includes a mix of apartment buildings and detached homes. The 1, 5, and 51 bus routes all stop nearby, and many students walk to campus. Cootes Paradise nature reserve borders the neighbourhood to the north. Estimated commute: five to 15 minutes.

Ainslie Wood

Bordering McMaster to the west and southwest and centred around Alexander Park, Ainslie Wood is a predominantly student neighbourhood where renters make up the majority of the population. Single detached homes with two or more bedrooms are the most common housing type, alongside newer apartment buildings. The 51 bus connects to campus in about ten minutes, and walking takes around 15 minutes. Coffee shops and pubs are nearby. Estimated commute: ten to 15 minutes.

Dundas

A small town immediately east of McMaster and technically separate from Hamilton, Dundas offers a quaint, community-oriented atmosphere with a picturesque main street, local dining, and independent shops. It is popular with students who prefer a quieter environment. The 5 bus connects to campus in about 20 minutes and the 10 in about 30. Driving takes five minutes along the highway. Housing includes a mix of detached homes, condos, and multi-unit buildings along the main street. Estimated commute: five to 30 minutes depending on transit or driving.

Strathcona

On the western edge of Hamilton's downtown, Strathcona is a historic neighbourhood known for its Victorian-era multi-bedroom homes, detached houses, and condo buildings. The 1, 5, 10, and 41 bus routes all pass by McMaster, and Hamilton Harbour is within walking distance. King Street runs through the neighbourhood with shops and services. The area is popular with students who want more of an urban feel at a somewhat longer commute. Estimated commute: 15 to 25 minutes by bus.

Kirkendall

East of Westdale and south of Strathcona, Kirkendall is a tight-knit neighbourhood set against the Niagara Escarpment with tree-lined streets, trails, boutiques, and independent cafes. Housing includes older houses, condos, and apartment buildings. It is further from campus than the other neighbourhoods on this list and requires a bus transfer to reach McMaster, but suits students who prioritise neighbourhood character and natural surroundings over commute length. Estimated commute: 25 to 30 minutes by bus.

Standing Out as an Applicant

Complete your liv.rent profile fully before applying. Upload proof of income or employment, verify your identity, and use the Renter Story section to give landlords context about your situation, particularly useful if you are a first-time renter or do not yet have a Canadian credit history. Pre-submitting your application before a viewing signals to the landlord that you are serious about the unit.

Applying as a Group

If you are renting with roommates, one person can apply as the primary applicant and add others as roommates, though most landlords will still want to screen each person individually. Alternatively, all group members can submit individual applications through liv.rent, each generating their own Trust Score for the landlord to review.

Securing a Rental Before Arriving in Canada

McMaster students who have not yet arrived in Hamilton or Canada can apply to listings on liv.rent from anywhere in the world. Once your profile is complete, you can indicate that you are a first-time renter and that you are renting from outside Canada, allowing landlords to assess your application accurately without requiring Canadian references.

Avoiding Rental Scams in Hamilton

Rental scams exist in Hamilton as in every Canadian city. Key red flags:

• Rent priced significantly below the neighbourhood average
• Requests for a cash deposit before a lease is signed or a property has been viewed
• Pressure to send money urgently
• Requests for your SIN or banking details before you are ready to sign
• Listings that do not provide a full street address

Renting from ID-verified landlords on liv.rent removes most of this risk. For more on staying safe, see our [guide to rental scams in Canada].

Find Off-Campus Housing Near McMaster University

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Hamilton. Use the map view and filters to find verified listings near the McMaster campus.