Montreal melds European attitude with a North American spirit for a living experience unlike anywhere else in the world. The city of Montreal is located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and was established in 1642, making it one of Canada’s oldest cities. Montreal is the largest Francophone city in the world (after Paris) and contains a population of 3.6 million. But is Montreal a good place to live? This guide contains everything you need to know about moving to Montreal.
Despite its strong French roots, Montreal is an international city, with 120 distinct ethnic communities represented in its population. Montreal is full of activities for its residents to enjoy year-round and it’s an easy city to navigate, thanks to an underground pedestrian system and reliable public transit.
The best neighbourhoods in Montreal
Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End
The Plateau is considered by many to be the epitome of Montreal. This vibrant and expansive neighbourhood north of downtown is where it all began – from spiral staircases to the city’s infamous bagels to the rise of international rock group Arcade Fire. The Plateau, particularly the Mile End neighbourhood, is renowned for its residential charm and vibrant nightlife. During the day, children can be found enjoying themselves in the local parks, while friends engage in lively discussions about politics at the neighbourhood cafés. As night falls, neighbourhood restaurants and bars fill up with people seeking entertainment and good company.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, also known as HoMa to locals, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a primarily French-speaking, working-class neighbourhood. It continues to evolve and embrace diversity while maintaining its authentic and unpretentious charm. The streets are a blend of history and modernity, with converted warehouses and factories standing alongside impressive churches and a charming public market. HoMa is vibrant community with inviting streets and a plethora of local cafés and businesses creating a welcoming and family-friendly neighbourhood.
Verdun
Verdun is located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and contains over four kilometres of landscaped paths, perfect for biking and walking. Verdun Beach is an ideal summer spot for kayaking and swimming. Residents of the neighbourhood can also take advantage of Wellington Street, which is full of trendy restaurants and independent shops. Wellington is closed to vehicles in the summer, making it a popular destination for strolling and sight-seeing.
Quartier des Spectacles
For new residents to Montreal seeking to be at the centre of the action, the festival neighbourhood in Montreal is the place. Montrealers enjoy both free and paid events under the lights at the Montreal Jazz festivals, which is located here. Le Central is a food court that offers a wide variety of independent restaurants worth checking out. The Latin Quarter’s Saint-Denis Street is home to a wide variety of eateries and watering holes, and the area also contains several infamous live venue spots, such as Foufones Électriques.
Saint-Henri & Little Burgundy/Griffintown
Just a short time ago, Saint-Henri was mostly a working-class neighbourhood that stretched along the southwest edge of the city along the Lachine Canal, which is almost 200 years old. However, this area has become a hotspot in the past five years or so, drawing in high-end eateries and nightlife venues. Atwater Market, brimming with delicious local cheeses and veggies, is just a few feet away, making it the ideal spot for a DIY picnic by the canal.
Montreal’s largest employers
Montreal’s economy is diverse with several notable companies maintaining headquarters in the city. Montrealers can find careers in aerospace, technology, finance, telecommunications, as well as the private and public sectors.
Air Canada
As Canada’s flag carrier airline, Air Canada is headquartered in Montreal and is likely one of the city’s largest employers.
CGI Inc.
A global IT and business consulting services firm, CGI is based in Montreal and employs over 77,500 consultants and professionals worldwide.
Bombardier
Although it has undergone restructuring in recent years, Bombardier remains a significant aerospace company based in Montreal.
Bell Canada
As part of BCE Inc., Bell Canada is a major telecommunications company headquartered in Montreal.
National Bank of Canada
One of Canada’s major banks, it is headquartered in Montreal.
Hydro-Québec
The public utility company responsible for electricity generation and distribution in Quebec is based in Montreal.
Metro Inc.
A major food and pharmacy retailer with over 950 stores.
The best things to do in Montreal
Explore Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
This historic neighbourhood features charming cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica.
Visit Mont-Royal Park
This scenic urban park offers hiking trails, panoramic city views, and recreational activities. It’s a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking beautiful vistas of Montreal.
Tour the Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique)
One of the world’s largest botanical gardens, it features diverse plant species, themed gardens, and greenhouses.
Experience the Old Port (Vieux-Port)
This area along the St. Lawrence River has been transformed into a recreational space with cycling and walking paths, picnic areas, and various attractions.
Visit Notre-Dame Basilica
This stunning 19th-century gothic revival church is known for its intricate interior design and stained-glass windows.
Explore the Underground City
This vast network of interconnected shopping malls, metro stations, and office buildings offers a unique urban experience, especially useful during harsh weather.
Browse Jean-Talon Market
One of North America’s largest public markets, it’s a great place to experience local culture and sample fresh produce and regional specialties.
Visit museums
The city offers several world-class museums, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology and History.
Stroll through The Plateau
This trendy neighbourhood is known for its vibrant atmosphere, boutiques, cafes, and street art, offering a taste of Montreal’s French culture.
Visit Saint Joseph’s Oratory
This impressive basilica is the largest church in Canada and offers beautiful views of the city.
Ready to move to Montreal? Here’s a list of new-home communities in the city
Genny – Maisons & Condos
Location: 15442 Boulevard Gouin Ouest, Montreal, QC
Starting price: $450,000
Home types: Condos and single-familyu
Genny – Maisons & Condos by Le Groupe Devlan currently in preconstruction and is scheduled for completion in 2026. Available units start from $450,000. Genny – Maisons & Condos have two to three bedrooms, depending on the model.
Galdin – Phase 3
Location: 38 Rue Square-Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier, Montreal, QC
Starting price: $484,900
Home types: Condos and townhomes
Galdin – Phase 3 is a new condo and townhouse community by Groupe Quorum and Le Solano currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2025. Available units range in price from $484,900 to $1,009,900. Sizes range from 557 to 2,172 square feet.
Mansfield
Location: at 1228 Rue Mansfield, Montreal, QC
Starting price: $405,900
Home type: Condo
Mansfield is a new condo community by Brivia Group and TianQing Group currently under construction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2026. Available units range in price from $405,900 to over $1,019,900. Mansfield has a total of 226 units. Sizes range from 334 to 992 square feet.
Auguste & Louis Condominiums – Phase 2
Location: 1150 Boulevard René-Lévesque Est, Montreal, QC
Starting price: $399,500
Home type: Condo
Auguste & Louis Condominiums – Phase 2 is a new condo community by Devimco Immobilier currently under construction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2025. Available units range in price from $399,500 to over $466,400. Auguste & Louis Condominiums – Phase 2 has a total of 253 units. Sizes range from 312 to 896 square feet.
Città – Phase 3
Location: Boulevard Viau & Boulevard Robert, Montréal, QC
Starting price: $290,000
Home type: Condo
Citta – Phase 3 is a new condo community by MACH and Construgep currently under construction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2025. Available units range in price from $290,000 to $480,000. Città – Phase 3 has a total of 162 units. Sizes range from 565 to 1,159 square feet.
