Best Neighborhoods for Families in Montreal

Montreal, is a vibrant, multicultural city that offers a unique blend of European charm and North American lifestyle. For expat families and digital nomads, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for families living in Montreal, considering factors such as safety, schools, green spaces, and family-friendly activities.

Notre-Dame-de-Grace (NDG)

NDG is a popular choice for families due to its safe streets, excellent schools, and abundant parks. Families enjoy visiting the NDG Park and Benny Library for recreational activities. The neighborhood is home to several good schools, sports fields, and playgrounds. The Monkland Village offers a variety of shops and restaurants, making it a great place to spend quality time.

Location: West of downtown Montreal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,500, and a 3-bedroom is around CAD 1,900. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 450,000, and a 3-bedroom house is around CAD 800,000.

International Schools: Kells Academy (Preschool to Grade 11, bilingual), Villa Sainte-Marcelline (Kindergarten to Secondary V, bilingual).

Where to Eat: Tuck Shop (comfort food), H4C Place St-Henri (Canadian cuisine), and Monkland Tavern (upscale pub fare).

Interesting History: NDG is home to the historic Girouard Park, which has been a central gathering place for residents since the early 20th century.

Parks: NDG Park, Loyola Park, and Trenholme Park are popular among families. NDG Park is the largest and most popular, offering numerous recreational facilities.

Outremont

Outremont is known for its beautiful architecture, parks, and excellent schools. Families can enjoy leisure time at Parc Outremont and explore the charming shops and cafes along Bernard Avenue. The neighborhood is home to some of the best schools in Montreal and offers easy access to cultural attractions.

Location: North of downtown Montreal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,800, and a 3-bedroom is around CAD 2,200. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 550,000, and a 3-bedroom house is around CAD 1,200,000.

International Schools: Stanstead College (Grade 7 to Grade 12, English), College International Marie de France (Preschool to Grade 12, bilingual).

Where to Eat: Les Enfants Terribles (French bistro), Geppetto (Italian), and Provisions 1268 (casual dining).

Interesting History: Outremont was once an independent city before being annexed to Montreal. It is home to the historic Outremont Theatre.

Parks: Parc Outremont, Parc Beaubien, and Parc Saint-Viateur are popular among families. Parc Outremont is the largest and offers numerous recreational facilities.

Plateau-Mont-Royal

The Plateau is a lively and colorful neighborhood known for its vibrant culture, beautiful parks, and excellent schools. Families can enjoy visits to La Fontaine Park and explore the charming shops and restaurants along Mont-Royal Avenue. The neighborhood is home to numerous playgrounds, sports fields, and cultural attractions.

Location: East of downtown Montreal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,600, and a 3-bedroom is around CAD 2,000. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 500,000, and a 3-bedroom house is around CAD 900,000.

International Schools: College Francais (Preschool to Grade 12, bilingual), Loyola High School (Grade 7 to Grade 11, English).

Where to Eat: L'Avenue (brunch), Ma Poule Mouillee (Portuguese), and Au Pied de Cochon (French Canadian).

Interesting History: The Plateau is home to the historic Schubert Theatre, which has been a cultural hub since the early 20th century.

Parks: La Fontaine Park, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park, and Parc Jeanne-Mance are popular among families. La Fontaine Park is the largest and offers numerous recreational facilities.

Westmount

Westmount is an upscale neighborhood known for its elegant homes, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. Families can enjoy leisure time at Westmount Park and explore the charming shops and cafes along Greene Avenue. The neighborhood is home to some of the best schools in Montreal and offers easy access to cultural attractions.

Location: West of downtown Montreal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 2,000, and a 3-bedroom is around CAD 2,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 600,000, and a 3-bedroom house is around CAD 1,500,000.

International Schools: The Study (Kindergarten to Grade 11, English), Lower Canada College (Kindergarten to Grade 12, English).

Where to Eat: Tavern on the Square (upscale pub fare), Green Spot (diner), and Maison Publique (French Canadian).

Interesting History: Westmount is home to the historic Westmount Library, which has been a cultural hub since the early 20th century.

Parks: Westmount Park, King George Park, and Westmount Summit are popular among families. Westmount Park is the largest and offers numerous recreational facilities.

Cote-des-Neiges

Cote-des-Neiges is a multicultural neighborhood known for its diversity, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. Families can enjoy leisure time at Kent Park and explore the charming shops and restaurants along Cote-des-Neiges Road. The neighborhood is home to numerous playgrounds, sports fields, and cultural attractions.

Location: Northwest of downtown Montreal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,400, and a 3-bedroom is around CAD 1,800. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 400,000, and a 3-bedroom house is around CAD 700,000.

International Schools: College Notre-Dame (Grade 7 to Grade 11, French), College Jean-de-Brebeuf (Grade 7 to Grade 12, French).

Where to Eat: Byblos (Lebanese), La Piazzetta (Italian), and Marche Jean-Brillant (market).

Interesting History: Cote-des-Neiges is home to the historic Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery, which is one of the largest cemeteries in Canada.

Parks: Kent Park, Nelson Mandela Park, and Trenholme Park are popular among families. Kent Park is the largest and offers numerous recreational facilities.

Verdun

Verdun is a waterfront neighborhood known for its beautiful parks, excellent schools, and vibrant culture. Families can enjoy leisure time at Arthur-Therrien Park and explore the charming shops and restaurants along Wellington Street. The neighborhood is home to numerous playgrounds, sports fields, and cultural attractions.

Location: Southwest of downtown Montreal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,500, and a 3-bedroom is around CAD 1,900. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 450,000, and a 3-bedroom house is around CAD 800,000.

International Schools: College Sainte-Anne (Grade 7 to Grade 12, French), College de Montreal (Grade 7 to Grade 12, French).

Where to Eat: Well (gastropub), Blackstrap BBQ (barbecue), and Wellington (upscale dining).

Interesting History: Verdun is home to the historic Verdun Auditorium, which has been a cultural hub since the early 20th century.

Parks: Arthur-Therrien Park, Verdun Beach, and Verdun Natatorium are popular among families. Arthur-Therrien Park is the largest and offers numerous recreational facilities.

Ville-Marie

Ville-Marie is the heart of Montreal, known for its vibrant culture, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. Families can enjoy leisure time at Mount Royal Park and explore the numerous museums, shops, and restaurants downtown. The neighborhood is home to numerous playgrounds, sports fields, and cultural attractions.

Location: Downtown Montreal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,800, and a 3-bedroom is around CAD 2,300. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 550,000, and a 3-bedroom house is around CAD 1,200,000.

International Schools: Alexander von Humboldt German International School (Preschool to Grade 12, German), College International Marie de France (Preschool to Grade 12, bilingual).

Where to Eat: Toque! (French Canadian), Joe Beef (steakhouse), and Bouillon Bilk (French bistro).

Interesting History: Ville-Marie is home to the historic Old Montreal, which is the site of the original city settlement.

Parks: Mount Royal Park, Square Victoria, and Place des Arts are popular among families. Mount Royal Park is the largest and offers numerous recreational facilities.

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its affordability, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. Families can enjoy leisure time at Morgan Park and explore the charming shops and restaurants along Ontario Street. The neighborhood is home to numerous playgrounds, sports fields, and cultural attractions.

Location: East of downtown Montreal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,200, and a 3-bedroom is around CAD 1,600. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 350,000, and a 3-bedroom house is around CAD 600,000.

International Schools: College de Maisonneuve (Grade 7 to Grade 12, French), Ecole secondaire Ecole Eulalie-Durocher (Grade 7 to Grade 11, French).

Where to Eat: Le Valois (French bistro), Monsieur B (burgers), and Restaurant Le Pegase (French Canadian).

Interesting History: Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is home to the historic Olympic Stadium, which was built for the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Parks: Morgan Park, Parc de la Promenade-Bellerive, and Parc Lalancette are popular among families. Morgan Park is the largest and offers numerous recreational facilities.

Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique blend of amenities, schools, and recreational opportunities for families. Whether you're looking for a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful parks, or excellent schools, Montreal has something to offer every family.