The Best Neighborhoods to Live in Montreal

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Montreal is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a variety of neighborhoods to live in. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or a family, there’s a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle and budget. Montreal’s neighborhoods are known for their unique character, architecture, and amenities.

When it comes to finding the best neighborhoods to live in Montreal, it can be overwhelming to choose from the many options available. However, with a little research and knowledge of the city, you can find a neighborhood that meets your needs and preferences. From the trendy Mile End to the family-friendly Westmount, Montreal has something for everyone.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best neighborhoods to live in Montreal based on factors such as safety, affordability, accessibility, and amenities.

Downtown Montreal

Downtown Montreal is the central business district of the city and a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is a popular neighborhood for young professionals and students due to its proximity to major universities and businesses. The area is bustling with activity, and there is always something to do or see.

Old Montreal

Old Montreal is a historic district located in the southern part of Downtown Montreal. It is home to many of the city’s oldest buildings, including the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Bonsecours Market. The area is known for its cobblestone streets, European-style architecture, and charming cafes and restaurants. It is a popular tourist destination and a great place to explore on foot.

Quartier des Spectacles

The Quartier des Spectacles is a cultural district located in the eastern part of Downtown Montreal. It is home to many of the city’s major cultural institutions, including the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art and the Place des Arts. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs located within walking distance of each other. It is a great place to catch a show or attend a festival.

Overall, Downtown Montreal is a great neighborhood for those who want to be in the center of the action. With its mix of history, culture, and modern amenities, it offers something for everyone.

Plateau Mont-Royal

One of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Montreal is Plateau Mont-Royal. This trendy area is known for its colorful row houses, Paris-like vibe, and a plethora of fun activities. It encompasses several areas with very different moods, such as Mile End and Le Plateau.

Mile End

Mile End is a hipster paradise, with a mix of old-school Jewish delis, vintage shops, and trendy cafes. It’s a great place for foodies, with a wide range of restaurants offering everything from bagels to vegan cuisine. It’s also a hub for artists and musicians, with many galleries and music venues.

Le Plateau

Le Plateau is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Montreal, with a vibrant nightlife scene and a variety of activities to suit all tastes. Visitors can hike up Mount Royal for stunning views of the city, relax in cozy cafes, or explore the many shops and restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to many parks and green spaces, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, Plateau Mont-Royal is a great place to live for those who love a lively and creative atmosphere. It’s a hub for artists, musicians, and foodies, with plenty of activities to keep residents entertained.

Outremont

Outremont is a predominantly French-speaking neighborhood in Montreal known for its upscale shops, restaurants, and stately Victorian homes. It is considered one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Montreal, and with its many parks, including Outremont Park and access to the northern slope of Mount Royal, there is no shortage of green space in the area.

Outremont is home to a diverse population, including many families with young children. The area is known for its excellent schools, including Outremont High School, which consistently ranks among the top high schools in Quebec.

Residents of Outremont enjoy a high quality of life, with easy access to public transportation, including the Outremont Metro station, which provides direct access to downtown Montreal. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of cultural institutions, including the Outremont Theatre and the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal.

Overall, Outremont is an excellent choice for those looking for a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and a high quality of life.

Westmount

Westmount is an affluent neighborhood located in the heart of Montreal. It is known for its beautiful parks, green spaces, and stunning Victorian and neo-Tudor homes. The residents of Westmount are among the wealthiest in Canada, and it is a popular area for families.

One of the main attractions of Westmount is its urban forestry, which has earned it the nickname “La Ville Jardin” or “The Garden City.” The neighborhood is home to several parks, including Westmount Park, which features a public pool, tennis courts, and a playground. Other notable parks in the area include King George Park and Summit Woods.

Westmount is also known for its excellent schools. The neighborhood is home to several public and private schools, including Westmount High School, which is one of the top-ranked high schools in Quebec. The area is also home to several prestigious universities, including McGill University and Concordia University.

Real estate in Westmount is some of the most expensive in Montreal. The area is known for its beautiful historic homes and well-maintained streets. According to BARNES Québec, the average price of a home in Westmount is around $2 million CAD. However, there are also several apartments available for rent in the area, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 CAD per month.

Saint-Lambert

Saint-Lambert is a small city located on the south shore of Montreal. It is known for its beautiful residential neighborhoods, excellent schools, and parks. The city has a population of around 22,000 people and is considered one of the best places to live in the Greater Montreal Area.

One of the advantages of living in Saint-Lambert is its proximity to Montreal. It is only a 10-minute drive to downtown Montreal, making it an ideal location for those who work in the city but prefer to live in a quieter area. The city is also well-connected by public transportation, with several bus routes and a train station that connects to downtown Montreal.

Saint-Lambert is also known for its excellent schools. The city has several public and private schools, including some of the best-ranked schools in the province. The city also has a strong sense of community, with several community events and activities throughout the year.

Finally, Saint-Lambert is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The city has several parks and green spaces, including the beautiful Parc de la Voie Maritime, which offers stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River. The city also has several bike paths and walking trails, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors.

Verdun

Verdun is a neighborhood in Montreal that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is located in the southwestern part of the city and is bordered by the St. Lawrence River to the south and the Lachine Canal to the north.

One of the main draws of Verdun is its abundance of green space. It is home to several parks, including the popular Parc des Rapides, which offers stunning views of the river and is a great spot for picnics and walks. The neighborhood also has a beautiful waterfront with a beach and bike path, making it a great place for outdoor activities.

Verdun is known for its strong community spirit and has a lively local culture. The main street, Wellington, is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and is a hub of activity in the neighborhood. The area has a mix of old and new buildings, giving it a unique character.

In recent years, Verdun has undergone significant development, with new housing and commercial projects popping up throughout the neighborhood. This has led to an influx of young professionals and families moving to the area.

Overall, Verdun is a great neighborhood for those who want to be close to the city center but still have access to plenty of green space and a strong community vibe.

Conclusion

Montreal offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, a quiet retreat, or a family-friendly community, there is a neighborhood in Montreal that will fit your needs.

For those who enjoy a vibrant and colorful neighborhood, Plateau Mont-Royal is a great option. With its iconic row houses and Parisian vibe, this area offers plenty of fun activities, from hiking up Mount Royal to exploring the many shops, bars, and restaurants.

If you prefer a more tranquil setting, Laval and Longueuil are perfect for expats who value tranquility but still want to be within a cosmopolitan area. These suburbs offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Montreal.

For those who want to be in the heart of the action, Ville Marie is effectively downtown Montreal, including the central business district and main commercial streets. This area also includes Mount Royal Park, as well as two islands located between the Island of Montreal and the South Shore, namely Saint Helen’s Island and Île Notre Dame.

Other great neighborhoods in Montreal include Westmount, Lachine, and Lasalle. Each neighborhood has its own unique charm, and expats are sure to find a neighborhood that suits their needs and lifestyle.

Overall, Montreal is a great place to live, with plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. Expats are sure to find a neighborhood that fits their needs, whether they’re looking for a lively atmosphere, a peaceful retreat, or a family-friendly community.