Best Neighborhoods for Families in Montreal

Montreal, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and historical significance, is also a fantastic place for expats and digital nomads with families to call home. With its diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique perks and amenities, finding the perfect spot to settle down can be an exciting adventure. Whether you're looking for tranquility, proximity to green spaces, or excellent schools, Montreal has a neighborhood that fits the bill. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Montreal for families to live, each with its own charm and conveniences.

Westmount

Westmount is synonymous with elegance and a family-friendly atmosphere. This affluent neighborhood boasts well-maintained parks, such as Westmount Park, which is a hub for families to enjoy playgrounds, sports fields, and a library. The area is known for its excellent schools, including the prestigious Westmount High School, making it a top choice for families prioritizing education. On weekends, families can explore the Westmount Conservatory or take part in community events at the Westmount Recreation Centre.

Location: Enclave southwest of downtown Montreal

Real Estate: Higher-end market with a mix of historic homes and modern apartments

International Schools: Selwyn House School (boys, K-11, English), The Study (girls, K-11, English)

Where to Eat: Enjoy family-friendly dining at restaurants like Park Restaurant for upscale cuisine or Bistro on The Avenue for a casual setting.

Interesting History: Visit the historic Greene Avenue, where you can find shops housed in early 20th-century buildings.

Parks: Westmount Park is the most popular, featuring a large pond, playgrounds, and sports facilities.

Outremont

Outremont is a picturesque neighborhood with a European flair, known for its tree-lined streets and spacious parks. It's a great place for families, offering a peaceful environment and several top-rated schools, including the French-language Lycée International de Montréal. Families can spend quality time at Outremont Park or enjoy the seasonal public pool. The area is also home to cultural venues like the Outremont Theatre, which hosts family-friendly performances.

Location: North of Mount Royal, close to the city center

Real Estate: Mix of luxurious single-family homes and charming apartments

International Schools: Lycée International de Montréal (French, K-12)

Where to Eat: Savor the tastes of local cafes and bistros, such as Café Souvenir for brunch or Les Fillettes for a French-inspired dinner.

Interesting History: The neighborhood's name, Outremont, means "beyond the mountain," referring to its location past Mount Royal.

Parks: Outremont Park is a favorite among residents, with its playgrounds and ample green space.

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal

Le Plateau-Mont-Royal is a vibrant and bohemian neighborhood that's perfect for families who enjoy a lively cultural scene. With numerous parks, such as La Fontaine Park, families have access to green spaces, playgrounds, and outdoor activities. The area is also known for its artistic murals, trendy shops, and a wide variety of restaurants. Schools here are well-regarded, including the bilingual French-English elementary school, École L'Envolée.

Location: Northeast of downtown Montreal, encompassing the Plateau and Mile End

Real Estate: Mix of historic row houses and modern condos

International Schools: École L'Envolée (French-English, K-6)

Where to Eat: Indulge in the culinary delights of St-Viateur Bagel for a classic Montreal bagel or La Panthère Verte for eco-friendly vegetarian options.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is known for its artistic community, with famous residents like Leonard Cohen having called it home.

Parks: La Fontaine Park is the centerpiece, featuring a large pond, outdoor theater, and sports facilities.

Notre-Dame-de-Grace (NDG)

Notre-Dame-de-Grace, commonly known as NDG, is a diverse and family-oriented neighborhood. It's home to numerous parks, including the expansive NDG Park, which offers sports fields, playgrounds, and a community center. The area has a strong sense of community, with various family events and activities throughout the year. Schools in NDG are well-regarded, and the neighborhood is known for its inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere.

Location: West of downtown Montreal

Real Estate: Varied housing options from affordable apartments to detached homes

International Schools: Villa Maria (French and English, 7-11), Lower Canada College (English, K-12)

Where to Eat: Families can enjoy a range of dining options, from the comfort food at Cosmos to the authentic Italian cuisine at Prima Luna.

Interesting History: The neighborhood's name, Notre-Dame-de-Grace, is derived from the Catholic parish established in the 19th century.

Parks: NDG Park is a local favorite, offering a variety of recreational activities for all ages.

Ahuntsic-Cartierville

Ahuntsic-Cartierville is a neighborhood that offers a suburban feel within the city. It's known for its family-friendly environment, with numerous schools and CEGEPs, including Collège Ahuntsic. The area is dotted with parks, such as Parc-nature de l'Île-de-la-Visitation, which provides families with opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation. The neighborhood also hosts various cultural festivals, adding to its community spirit.

Location: North of Montreal's city center

Real Estate: Affordable housing with a mix of single-family homes and apartments

International Schools: Not applicable

Where to Eat: Local eateries like Bistro Le Ste-Cath offer a cozy atmosphere, while Sushi Sama is great for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.

Interesting History: The historic Sault-au-Récollet district within Ahuntsic-Cartierville is one of the oldest settlements in Montreal.

Parks: Parc-nature de l'Île-de-la-Visitation is a highlight, featuring walking trails and historical sites.

Pointe-Claire

Pointe-Claire, located on the Island of Montreal, is a suburban neighborhood that's ideal for families seeking a quieter lifestyle. It offers excellent recreational facilities, including the Pointe-Claire Aquatic Centre and numerous parks like Terra-Cotta Natural Park. The area is known for its good schools, community-oriented atmosphere, and the Pointe-Claire Village, which has a charming array of shops and restaurants. The neighborhood also boasts a rich history, with several heritage buildings and the Pointe-Claire Windmill.

Location: West Island of Montreal

Real Estate: Primarily single-family homes with some condos and townhouses

International Schools: Not applicable

Where to Eat: The Village offers quaint cafes like Le Den and family-friendly dining at The Keg Steakhouse.

Interesting History: The Pointe-Claire Windmill, dating back to 1710, is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Parks: Terra-Cotta Natural Park is a local gem, providing a serene environment for family outings.

TMR (Town of Mount Royal)

The Town of Mount Royal, or TMR, is a planned community that's known for its green spaces and high quality of life. It's a great place for families, with numerous parks, such as Connaught Park, and a strong emphasis on community activities. TMR is also home to some of the city's best schools, both public and private. The neighborhood's layout encourages walking and cycling, making it a healthy environment for raising children.

Location: Central Montreal, north of Mount Royal

Real Estate: Mix of stately homes and modern condos

International Schools: St. Clement's School (English, K-6), Académie St-Clément (French, K-6)

Where to Eat: Enjoy a family meal at Le Manoir for classic pub fare or Pizzaiolle for artisanal pizzas.

Interesting History: TMR was one of North America's earliest planned communities, designed by Frederick Todd in the early 20th century.

Parks: Connaught Park is a central spot for sports and leisure, with a playground and picnic areas.

Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie

Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie is a dynamic neighborhood with a strong sense of community, making it a great choice for families. It features numerous parks, including the expansive Maisonneuve Park, community gardens, and family-oriented activities. The area is also known for its local markets, such as the Marché Jean-Talon, where families can shop for fresh produce. Schools in the area are diverse, offering various educational programs to suit different needs.

Location: East of downtown Montreal

Real Estate: Affordable housing with a mix of duplexes, triplexes, and single-family homes

International Schools: Not applicable

Where to Eat: Sample the neighborhood's diverse culinary scene, from the Italian specialties at Bottega Pizzeria to the comfort food at Ma Poule Mouillée.

Interesting History: The area's Little Italy district is a cultural hub with a rich history of Italian immigration to Montreal.

Parks: Maisonneuve Park is a favorite for its vast open spaces, botanical garden, and Insectarium.

Montreal's neighborhoods each offer their own unique advantages for expat and digital nomad families. From the upscale tranquility of Westmount to the cultural vibrancy of Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, there's a perfect community for every family to thrive in this diverse and welcoming city.