Where Should I Live When I Move to Montreal?
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Montreal has a lot of interesting neighbourhoods with different attractions and points of interest. It can be very difficult to choose where to stay in a city that has so much to offer. If you’re looking for a condo in Montreal but are not sure which neighbourhood best fits your needs and lifestyle, here’s an article that will help you.
Key Highlights
- There are countless neighbourhoods in Montreal with a lot to offer which can make it hard to choose the right one.
- The median price of houses in some neighbourhoods is much higher than in other neighbourhoods. You need to do your research and choose wisely.
- If you don’t want to spend too much money but still want the perks of being close to good restaurants, cafes and shops, there’s a lot of good options for you.
Best Neighbourhoods to Live In Montreal
Old Port of Montreal
The Old Port of Montreal was the site of the original City of Montreal, which dates to the 17th century. The picturesque, pedestrian streets and river banks teem with tourists, especially in summer, as they amble between souvenir shops and the many beautiful old buildings, including the almost 200 year-old Notre-Dame Basilica.
Popular neighbourhood for the historical site and the beauty of the neighbourhood. There’s a lot of activities going on in that area of Montreal.
- Median home price: $996,902
- Median household income: $315,788
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Cost of living is 6% higher than national average
Old Montreal
Of all the Montreal neighbourhoods, Old Montreal is more suited to young professionals than families. The city center is only a short walk away, and the orange Metro line runs through Old Montreal, making anywhere in Montreal easily accessible.
Popular neighbourhood for its architecture and his culture.
- Median home price: $620,116
- Median household income: $93,047
- Cost of living is 10% less than national average
Downtown Montreal
The busy downtown area brings together shoppers, office workers and students from McGill and Concordia Universities. Buying a condo in downtown Montreal is a very popular investment for young professionals.
Popular neighbourhood for its nightlife, his shops and his museum.
- Median home price: $528,225
- Median household income: $61,108
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Cost of living is 18% less than national average
Plateau Mont-Royal
This charming Montreal neighbourhood, located directly northeast of downtown, is home to the largest number of artists per capita in Canada, creating a unique living environment. Popular neighbourhood for boutique shops, BYOB restaurants, bars, cafes and parks.
- Median home price: $899,840
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Median household income: $109,540
Mile End District
If you’re looking at Montreal neighbourhoods and want an eclectic, multicultural fix, Mile End is the way to go. It’s filled with vintage shops, cool cafes, and trendy photo opportunities. If you’re a lover of all things old or quirky, this is the place for you! Popular neighbourhood for some of the best food on the continent, with the best bagels and countless restaurants dotted around the neighbourhood.
- Median home price: $524,351
- Median household income: $56,430
- Cost of living is 14% less than national average
Cote-des-Neiges / Mont-Royal
With over 100 ethnic communities from all over the world, Côte-des-Neiges is one of the few Montreal neighbourhoods where neither French nor English is the majority language. Saint Joseph’s Oratory, situated on the western side of Mount Royal, dominates the skyline and is the main tourist attraction.
Popular neighbourhood for Saint Joseph’s Oratory which is situated on the western side of Mount Royal, it dominates the skyline and is the main tourist attraction.
- Median home price: $550,723
- Median household income: $39,223
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Cost of living is 13% less than national average
Little Burgundy
Located along the Lachine Canal, Little Burgundy is a vibrant neighbourhood that welcomes families and active youth. The path along the canal is popular with joggers and cyclists, and leads to the Art Deco-style Atwater Market, where fresh produce, cheese and meat are sold.This European styled area is trendy and is home to a number of antique stores.
Popular neighbourhood for the numbers of high end restaurants and cafes.
- Median home price: $468,720
- Median household income: $50,082
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Cost of living is 17% less than national average
Rosemont Petite-Patrie
La Petite-Patrie is home to hundreds of small boutiques, perfect to attain that local-small-town feel. In addition to the hipster style, there are also Latin influences in the restaurants that are sure to spice up every meal.
Popular neighbourhood for being one of the best neighbourhoods to rent in Montreal.
Ville Marie
As the center of Canada’s second-largest city, Ville Marie is a bustling, cosmopolitan area with internationally-renowned universities and corporate headquarters. Many of Montreal’s most famous attractions are situated in Ville-Marie. With its 92,686 residents, downtown Montreal is one of the most densely populated areas in North America. More than half a million people pass through every day: students, merchants, tourists, professionals and families.
Popular neighbourhood for its central business district and main commercial streets.
- Median home price: $170,054
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Median household income: $49,728
Griffintown
This neighbourhood of Montreal is located just a few minutes’ walk to St-Catherine Street and the commercial areas surrounding it. Lots of condos for sale in Griffintown offer a unique lifestyle in the Montreal area.
Popular neighbourhood for becoming a haven for foodies, with some of the world’s top international chefs having established restaurants in and around Notre-Dame Street.
- Median home price: $380,824
- Median household income: $77,620
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Cost of living is 20% less than national average
The Village
Originally identified as one of the more working-class Montreal neighbourhoods, the Village became increasingly gentrified as more gay-friendly businesses moved into the area. Village residents come from all walks of life and an array of sexual orientations.
Popular neighbourhood for its pubs, restaurants, and other entertainment options.
- Median home price: $392,853
- Median household income: $43,536
- Cost of living is 20% less than national average
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are a couple of questions that are common to people moving to Montreal but don’t quite know the city. Here’s a couple of frequently asked questions that could help you prepare before you move.
How much do you need to live comfortably in Montreal?
A single person needs to make an annual income ranging between $24,000 and $32,000 to live comfortably in Montreal. Of course, it all depends on your lifestyle and expectations but the cost of living in Montreal is still good compared to all the other big cities in Canada.
What is the safest Neighbourhood in Montreal?
A lot of neighbourhoods are safe in Montreal. If you’re looking for the safest, here is the top tree: Plateau Mont-Royal, Outremont, and Westmount.
Where do expats live in Montreal?
There are a lot of expat communities all around Montreal but the most popular neighbourhood for expats are Outremont, Plateau Mont-Royal and Rosemont-Petite-Patrie.
Final Thoughts
If you are moving to Montreal, it can be overwhelming to choose the right neighbourhood. Every neighbourhood has something to offer, whether you’re looking for a hot spot with shops, restaurants, cafe and or whether you’re looking for a more peaceful place to raise a family.
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