During an expatriation, a lot of factors have to be taken into account in order to make this project go as smoothly as possible. First of all, we think of the destination city or the new job. But often, the new neighbourhood is also a crucial choice!
Fortunately, we did some research to give you an idea of the favourite neighbourhoods of French-speaking expatriates in Montreal. To do this, we surveyed a sample of 600 French people living in Montreal. This ranking reflects theopinion of French people in Montreal. For example, Westmount will not be included in this list because historically this neighbourhood is predominantly English-speaking.
If you would like to know more about housing prices in Montreal by neighbourhood, there is a full article dedicated to this topic.
Neighborhood of Montreal n˚1 - The Plateau Mont-Royal more commonly called: "The Plateau"
Located in the heart of Montreal between Jeanne-Mance and La Fontaine parks, Le Plateau is a prime location.
Originally, the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough was populated by an immense majority of workers, where agriculture and livestock farming were practiced. It's hard to imagine how the neighbourhood has metamorphosed into a place of culture and leisure.
Indeed, this neighborhood abounds in bars and nightclubs on Mont-Royal Avenue or on Saint-Denis Street that will delight the young (and not only). Its dynamic neighborhood life, its colorful houses, its green alleys are all charms that make families feel good. So close, but at the same time so far, from the stress of downtown.
It is clearly the district in vogue in recent years. In addition to its festive aspect, it is also a major economic centre (there are more than 6,700 businesses on the Plateau) with, for example, Ubisoft in Mile End.
On the gastronomic side, the Plateau has an institution in terms of poutine (a typically Quebecois dish based on Chips, brown sauce and cheese) which is La Banquise.
Montreal neighborhood n˚2 - Ville-Marie, the soul of Montreal's first neighborhood
Ville-Marie (formerly Montreal) was originally the place where the early French chose to establish a trading post before they realised the island's strategic military location.
Ville-Marie is a bustling place. In all seasons, it is a place for business, shopping, eating and entertainment. The downtown area is crossed by Sainte-Catherine StreetStreet, a central commercial artery with its shops shops, restaurants and bars and bars of all kinds. Numerous skyscrapers skyscrapers rub shoulders with period and Art Deco buildings. Regrouping the district of the museumsdistrict, the showsthe international district or even ChinatownThe city centre can also be discovered under cover, through the underground city that runs through it. The condos offer a high standard of living, often with a pool and gym in the building. Downtown Montreal is the most populated area in Canada! It includes the Jean-Drapeau Parkcomposed of the islands of Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame, which is home to the Biospherethe Gilles-Villeneuve racetrack and the Casino de Montréal.
In addition, the St. Lawrence River, Old Montreal, the Latin Quarter and the Village make up its already impressive landscape.
Montreal neighborhood n˚3 - Rosemont - La Petite Patrie, affectionately called "Montreal's family neighborhood."
The nickname "La Petite Patrie" comes from the Claude Jasmin soap opera that aired on Quebec screens between 1974 and 1975, evoking the happy memories of Montreal youth in the 1940s . This nickname was definitely adopted by the city in 1980.
Located in the heart of the metropolis, it offers a dynamic and safe living environment to its residents. With its rich industrial past, it is oriented towards sustainable development andinnovation. Neighbourhood life is flourishing and lively thanks to the development of several public squares, the maintenance of a hundred or sogreen spaces and a varied cultural offering.
At the beginning of the 19th century, successive waves of Italian immigrants to Quebec decided to settle in "La Petite Patrie" which later became known as " Little Italy". These migratory waves gave this neighborhood a very particular color with its cafés, its trattorias, its delicatessens and its sports and cultural events. It was during the economic crisis of 1929 that the Jean-Talon market was built, which is now the most important open-air market in North America.
Montreal neighborhood n˚4 - Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, a multifaceted Montreal neighborhood
The name "Hochelaga-Maisonneuve" comes from the Iroquois village of the same name and from the French governor who contributed to the birth of what would become Montreal.
This district is slightly out of the city centre (less than 10 km) but is still very well served by the green metro line.
It is a great place for family outings. The Biodome offers a great opportunity to spend a good time with various animals from different ecosystems in America. In addition, we must not forget the Planetarium where you can admire the stars.
As far as walks are concerned, the Botanical Gardens seem to be the perfect place for your Sunday walks in summer as well as in winter! Indeed, a large ice rink is set up during the first cold spells.
Montreal neighborhood n˚5 - Villeray: An urban village
This neighbourhood was named after Louis Touer de Villeray, a member of the Sovereign Council of New France from 1663.
With a large number of green alleys,green spaces and lively streets, Villeray (or Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension in its global name) is a true urban village. There is also a wide variety of businesses as well as the immense Jarry Park.
Villeray enjoys a strategic location that attracts many workers and students. Indeed, the blue and orange lines of the metro run through the neighbourhood, providing access to the east and west ends of the island as well as to downtown.
Long shunned by newcomers, this neighbourhood has become increasingly attractive in recent years. Not only because of its greenery, which makes the area more attractive, but also because of the development of Rue Jarry, which offers a wide variety of local products.
Although Montreal remains a very diverse place, it should be noted that Villeray is a particularly cosmopolitan area of Montreal with a wide variety of restaurants from all walks of life.
Some honorable mentions of the best neighborhood in Montreal
Verdun
The Verdun district attracts workers who do not wish to waste time in transportation without giving up their quality of life. The landscaped banks of the St. Lawrence River, green spaces, golf courses and parks make it a peaceful, relaxing and family-friendly environment for those who spend their day in the hustle and bustle of the downtown area, located just a few blocks away.
Côte-des-neiges
Bordered by chemin de la Reine-Marie to the south, rue Jean-Talon to the north, rue Decelles to the east and boulevard Décarie to the westCôte-des-Neiges is home to one of the city's jewels, Saint Joseph's Oratory. While more than 100 different ethnic communities this neighborhood is one of the most densely populated and diverse in Canada.
Outremont
With its proximity to Mount Royal, its many parks and its urban forest, Outremont is a green oasis in Montreal which, combined with an exceptional architectural heritage thanks to its famous mansions, gives it a unique character.
