[raisethehammer]

haha...I don't find any of those areas attractive either. lol. what are you looking for? certain type of vibe or urban neighbourhoods or specific suburban-type areas??
Hamilton, keep in mind, is an old, large urban centre....provincial downloading has meant we've been stretched to the limit each year at budget time trying to take care of our own (and Toronto's) homeless and social needs.
we've actually improved snow removal and summertime garden/park maintanence in the past few years so things were worse 5,6 years ago.
Have you ever been to Westdale, Locke South, James North, Hess Village, West Harbour parks and Williams Coffee Pub, Ottawa St North, Concession St etc.... those are usually the places I tell newcomers to check out...gives you a good feel for the city and the unique culture here. Places like Meadowlands and Limeridge are everywhere (including London) so you can't get a good feel for the city based on that.
Go for a walk at Sam Lawrence Park along the Mountain Brow or check out the Dundas Peak hiking trail.