Hamilton is one of the best cities in Canada to buy real estate this year, according to MoneySense Magazine.

"Often overshadowed by Toronto to the east and Niagara Falls to the west, Hamilton is a city primed to explode. While prices have certainly appreciated over the last decade, there are still deals to be found in this city with Steeltown roots," the magazine says.

"Now the blue-collar city is experiencing a renaissance. Journalists from across North America consider it a bit of an artists' hub (the Juno Award-winning band Arkells being a prime example of local talent), while house-hunters see the city as an affordable place to own a single-family home, yet still get to and from work with a manageable commute."

Hamilton was listed seventh in a list of 35 Canadian cities. The article said the average house price in Hamilton is $587,300 and said the average annual return on investment over the past five years has been 8 per cent.

For renters, it says rent has gone up 25.6 per cent over the past five years.

Windsor led the list followed by Guelph, Brantford, Victoria, St. Catharines/Niagara and London. Toronto ranked 22nd.

The magazine also argued that the best places to buy in Hamilton are downtown. "Nine of the top 10 Hamilton neighbourhoods in this year's Where to Buy in Real Estate report are downtown. In part, this reflects the demographics and needs of current home buyers — younger professionals who prioritize walking, biking and transit access above a two-car garage."

In the listing, Corktown came first followed by Stinson, Beasley, Hamilton Centre and Crown Point East.