What are the best neighbourhoods in Montreal?
Montreal is a pleasant city to live in, both dynamic and warm. We told you earlier in our Top 10 reasons to live in Montreal : the warm welcome, art and gastronomy are at the heart of the city's neighborhoods. The question now is: what are the best neighborhoods in Montreal?
We've put together an overview of Montreal's main neighborhoods, with pictures, budget and descriptions, to help you choose your future neighborhood in Montreal as part of your expatriation . Our interactive map below, featuring Montreal's four metro lines (green, orange, blue and yellow), will make it easier for you to find your way around Montreal's neighborhoods.
Overview of Montreal's neighbourhoods
Montreal neighborhood: Plateau Mont-Royal (● on the map)
At the foot of Mont Royal, the Plateau overlooks downtown. It's the favorite neighborhood of the French, who settle here in large numbers. Prepare yourself for a warm, dynamic neighborhood life with all the charms of urban living. Green alleys, colorful houses, spiral staircases, local shops... You'll feel like you're in a big village!
ℹ️ This area is very popular with the French, and rents are quite high!
Metros: Mont-Royal, Sherbrooke and Laurier (south exit) - Line ORANGE
Average cost of housing: 3 ½ : 1600 $ // 5 ½ : 2300 $
Parks Lafontaine Park, Laurier Park, Jeanne Mance Park, Mount Royal Park.
Commercial and tourist streets: avenue Mont Royal, rue Saint-Denis, Boulevard Saint-Laurent (between Mont-Royal and avenue Duluth), avenue Laurier, avenue du Parc, rue Rachel, avenue Duluth.
Neighbourhood of Montreal : Le Mile-End ●
Mile End is the little Brooklyn of Montreal. Here, designer boutiques and local artisans flourish on every street corner, artists' studios are popping up everywhere and urban, festive and avant-garde culture is king. There are dozens of new addresses and small independent cafés mingle with institutions (Bagels de Fairmount and St-Viateur, Kem Coba ice cream parlour, Café Olimpico...). In this neighborhood, as on the Plateau, the life of a large village is reflected in its streets where all the inhabitants seem to know each other.
ℹ️ Although it is quite far from the subways (about a 15 to 25 minute walk from the nearest subway station), this neighborhood is well served by bus lines.
Subway : Laurier, Rosemont - Line ORANGE du Parc - Line BLUE LINE
Average housing cost: 3 ½: $1450 // 5 ½: $2100
Commercial and tourist streets: Boulevard Saint-Laurent (from Villeneuve to Van Horne), avenue du Parc, rue Fairmount, rue Saint-Viateur, avenue Bernard
Montreal neighborhood : Griffintown ●
Formerly an industrial district, Griffintown is today the famous landmark of modern, trendy condos with top-of-the-range services (rooftops with pools, barbecues, gyms, etc.) and superb views of downtown. Preferred by young, dynamic executives and childless couples, Griffintown is a fast-growing district with an ever-increasing number of trendy restaurants and bars.
ℹ️ If you are a family, however, this neighborhood may be less suitable: 10-20 minutes distance from the nearest subways, less green space, less friendly neighborhood life.
Metro: Bonaventure, Georges Vanier - Line ORANGE LINE
Average cost of accommodation: 3 ½: $1700 // 5 ½: $2500
Parks Park of Meubliers, Lachine Canal
Commercial and tourist streets: Notre-Dame Street West, William Street
Neighbourhood of Montreal : The South-West (Saint-Henri, Little Burgundy) ●
The Sud-Ouest offers an urban and friendly living environment, with fresh air along the Canal and proximity to downtown. A true neighbourhood life reigns here and the Atwater Market is a daily gathering of residents, local producers and tourists in search of gourmet flavours. The borough has been growing in recent years and offers a wide variety of housing: Victorian houses rub shoulders with working-class buildings, and former factories transformed into designer lofts are popping up all over the canal.
Subway: Lionel-Groulx - Line ORANGE and GREENLine
Average cost of accommodation: 3 ½: $1700 // 5 ½: $2100
ParksLachine Canal
Shopping and tourist streets: Notre-Dame Street West, Atwater Market
Montreal neighborhood : Verdun ●
Verdun is a quiet neighbourhood, a little out of the way but very accessible by public transport. It is ideal for young urban families who want community life, green spaces and good, affordable shopping.
Subway : Verdun GREENline
Average cost of housing: 3 ½: $1600 // 5 ½: $1900
Parks Angrignon Park
Shopping and tourist streets: Wellington Drive
Neighborhood of Montreal : Old Montreal●
Montreal's historic district has an air of Europe and New York through its beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets. Running along the St. Lawrence River, Old Montreal (and the Old Port) is a great place to stroll in all seasons and is very vibrant: many restaurants, bars and cafes are nestled in its charming streets.
ℹ️ Be careful though, it is a very touristy place and far from supermarkets and local shops.
Subway: Square-Victoria, Place d'Armes, Champ-de-Mars Line ORANGE
Average housing cost: 3 ½: $1700 // 5 ½: $2500
ParksOld Port : edge of the Old Port
Commercial and tourist streets: Notre-Dame Street, Saint-Paul Street
Montreal neighborhoods: Little Italy and Mile-Ex ●
Little Italy and Mile-Ex are two very similar neighborhoods: peacefulThey are a little further from downtown than Mile-End and the Plateau, but close to the metro. The proximity of the Jean-Talon market and the dynamic life that reigns around it makes it a place of shared cultures (you will find the best Italian and Indian restaurants in town, among others). In these neighborhoods too, the emphasis is on artistic and gustatory development Art galleries, restaurants, bars and surprising design cafés await you here.
Subways: Jean Talon - ORANGEline and BLUE, De Castelnau, Parc - BLUE line
Average housing cost: 3 ½: $1500 // 5 ½: $2100
Parks Little Italy Park
Commercial and tourist streets: Avenue du Parc, Avenue Jean Talon, Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Rue Dante
Montreal neighborhoods: Downtown, Ville-Marie ●
It is the business centre of Montreal. Here, shopping centres and companies have taken up residence and the area is divided between flats and offices. It is nonetheless very lively and busy, but you won't find the conviviality of some other neighbourhoods.
Subway: Peel, Concordia - GREEN line
Average cost of housing: 3 ½: $1700 // 5 ½: $2500
Parks Dorchester Square, Canada Place
Commercial and tourist streets: Rue sainte-Catherine
Neighbourhood of Montreal : Le Village ●
Montreal's gay district, this part of the city is very lively, colorful and full of restaurants and bars. In the summer, St. Catherine Street is entirely pedestrianized in the neighborhood.
Metro: Saint-Laurent, Beaudry - GREEN line
Average housing cost: 3 ½: $1600 // 5 ½: $2400
Commercial and tourist streets: Rue sainte-Catherine
Montreal neighborhood: Quartier des Spectacles ●
Cultural heart of the city, this district is animated by many festivals and animations throughout the year. Many bars and restaurants are located around the Place des Festivals, enough to delight your stomach between two concerts. Very central, the Quartier des Spectacles is suitable for young professionals and couples wishing to have a rhythmic and dynamic daily life.
Metro: Place des Arts - GREEN line
Average housing cost: 3 ½: $1800 // 5 ½: $2500
Commercial and tourist streets: Sainte-Catherine Street, Place des Festivals
Montreal neighborhood : Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve●
This popular neighbourhood is now in full development. Its proximity to the city centre has made it an asset and it is now popular with young families who want to live in a warm and community atmosphere.
Metro: Préfontaine, Joliette, Pie IX, Viau - GREEN line
Average cost of housing: 3 ½: $1300 // 5 ½: $1800
Parks: Lalancette Park, Morgan Park
Shopping and tourist streets: Ontario Street East
Montreal neighborhood: McGill Milton-Parc ●
Located just a stone's throw from the prestigious McGill University, this neighbourhood is very popular with students and offers a wide range of festive and affordable restaurants and bars. The campus atmosphere is around every corner, with the University spread out in many buildings around the main campus. The houses and buildings have beautiful historic architecture and the area is still very central, halfway between the Plateau and the city centre.
Metro: McGill - GREEN line
Average housing cost: 3 ½: $1600 // 5 ½: $2300
Parks Mount Royal Park
Shopping and tourist streets: Sherbrooke Street
Montreal neighborhood: Westmount ●
This residential city is very upscale and predominantly English-speaking. Westmount is ideal for families, with prestigious schools and numerous parks.
Subways: None - only buses
Average cost of housing: > $2,000
Parks Westmount Park, Summit Woods, King George Park
Commercial and tourist streets: Sherbrooke Street, Sainte-Catherine Street
Montreal neighborhood : Outremont●
Outremont is an affluent residential neighbourhood with beautiful homes and many parks. It is a very family-oriented neighbourhood with many schools. Outremont is also home to the largest Hasidic Jewish community in North America, after New York.
Subway: Outremont - BLUE line
Average cost of housing: 3 ½: $1500 // 5 ½: $2000
Parks Joyce Park, Outremont Park, Pratt Park
Shopping and tourist streets: Van Horne Avenue, Bernard Avenue
Montreal neighborhood: Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie ●
Rosemont has an impressive number of urban villages. The Masson Promenade, the Angus sector, the Cité-Jardin, and the Molson Park area are all areas with distinct personalities and lively living environments. In the heart of these villages, a vast choice of properties is available.
Metro : Rosemont - ORANGE line
Average housing cost: 3 ½: $1500 // 5 ½: $1900
Parks Beaubien Park, Père-Marquette Park, Molson Park
Commercial and tourist streets: Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Beaubien Street
Montreal neighborhood: Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension ●
The borough of Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension is a real jewel of greenery. Its streets lined with large trees and its green spaces maintain a unique neighbourhood life. Its commercial streets are at the heart of true urban villages. They are animated by people of all origins who take great pleasure in living together.
ℹ️ A little out of thecity centre, this area is still accessible by public transport .
Subways : Fabre - BLUE line, Jean Talon - ORANGE and BLUE line , Jarry - ORANGE line
Average cost of housing: 3 ½: $1500 // 5 ½: $1900
Parks Beaubien Park, Père-Marquette Park, Molson Park
Commercial and tourist streets: Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Beaubien Street
Choosing your neighbourhood in Montreal: our advice
The first thing to keep in mind when looking for accommodation in Montreal is the distance to a subway station. In winter, being located less than 10 minutes from a metro station is a considerable asset and a guarantee of keeping your mood and energy up.
If you are a parent, be sure to check the ratings of schools in Montreal neighbourhoods as well. In the public sector, the choice of your child's future school will depend on the neighbourhood in which you live. You can visit the website of the Montreal School Board to find the schools in your neighbourhood. You can also consult the Fraser Institute's ranking to compare schools.
Consult our article "Living in Montreal: tips and tricks for expatriates" for more information on finding accommodation in Montreal as part of your expatriation.
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