Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Montreal

Summary: If you're retiring in Montreal, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Montreal for retirees.

Montreal, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and high quality of life. For expats and retirees, Montreal offers a unique blend of European charm and modern conveniences. With an excellent healthcare system, abundant green spaces, and a thriving cultural scene, it's no wonder that Montreal is a popular choice for retirees. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for retirees to live in Montreal.

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal)

Old Montreal is the historic heart of the city, offering retirees a charming and picturesque environment. With its cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and lively waterfront, retirees can enjoy leisurely walks, visit museums like the Pointe-a-Calliere, or explore the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. The neighborhood is also home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

Location: Southeastern part of Montreal, along the St. Lawrence River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 2,000, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 2,800. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 500,000, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 750,000.

Healthcare: CLSC Vieux-Montreal is a local community health center providing various services.

Where to Eat: Enjoy French cuisine at Toque! or try classic Quebec dishes at L'Original.

Interesting History: Place Jacques-Cartier, the oldest public square in Montreal, is a must-visit.

Volunteer Organizations: The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History offers volunteer opportunities.

Parks: The Old Port (Vieux-Port) is the most popular green space in the area, offering beautiful views and numerous activities.

Plateau-Mont-Royal

The Plateau is known for its colorful houses, vibrant arts scene, and lively atmosphere. Retirees can enjoy numerous parks, community centers, and cultural events. The neighborhood is highly walkable, with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

Location: Central Montreal, northeast of downtown.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,500, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 2,200. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 450,000, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 650,000.

Healthcare: CLSC du Plateau-Mont-Royal offers various health services.

Where to Eat: Try Schwartz's Deli for classic Montreal smoked meat or L'Avenue for a unique dining experience.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to numerous historic churches and buildings, such as the Church of St. John the Baptist.

Volunteer Organizations: The Plateau Community Centre offers various volunteer opportunities.

Parks: Parc La Fontaine is the most popular park in the area, offering walking paths, two ponds, and cultural events.

Outremont

Outremont is an upscale neighborhood known for its elegant architecture, beautiful parks, and numerous cultural attractions. Retirees can enjoy visiting art galleries, attending concerts, or relaxing in one of the many green spaces.

Location: North of downtown Montreal, adjacent to Mount Royal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,800, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 2,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 550,000, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 800,000.

Healthcare: Jewish General Hospital is located in the neighborhood.

Where to Eat: Enjoy French bistro fare at Leméac or try Damas for Syrian cuisine.

Interesting History: Outremont was once an independent city, known for its affluent residents and elegant homes.

Volunteer Organizations: The Outremont Community Centre offers various volunteer opportunities.

Parks: Parc Outremont is a popular green space, featuring walking paths, a pond, and a bird sanctuary.

Westmount

Westmount is an affluent, English-speaking neighborhood known for its beautiful homes, numerous parks, and excellent services. Retirees can enjoy various activities, such as tennis, golf, and visiting the Westmount Public Library.

Location: West of downtown Montreal, on the western slope of Mount Royal.

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

Healthcare: The Royal Victoria Hospital is nearby.

Where to Eat: Try Tuck Shop for comfort food or Park for innovative Asian cuisine.

Interesting History: Westmount was once an independent city, known for its affluent residents and elegant homes.

Volunteer Organizations: The Westmount Public Library offers various volunteer opportunities.

Parks: Westmount Park is the most popular green space, featuring walking paths, sports facilities, and two conservatories.

Notre-Dame-de-Grace (NDG)

NDG is a family-friendly neighborhood known for its green spaces, community centers, and diverse population. Retirees can enjoy various activities, such as visiting the Benny Library, participating in community events, or exploring the numerous parks.

Location: West of downtown Montreal, adjacent to Westmount.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,400, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 2,000. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 350,000, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 550,000.

Healthcare: The Montreal Children's Hospital and the Montreal General Hospital are nearby.

Where to Eat: Try Monkland Tavern for classic pub fare or Tuck Shop for comfort food.

Interesting History: NDG was once an independent city, known for its diverse population and community spirit.

Volunteer Organizations: The NDG Community Council offers various volunteer opportunities.

Parks: NDG Park is a popular green space, featuring walking paths, sports facilities, and a cultural center.

Cote-des-Neiges

Cote-des-Neiges is a multicultural neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere, numerous shops, and restaurants. Retirees can enjoy visiting the Cote-des-Neiges Library, exploring the numerous parks, or participating in community events.

Location: Northwest of downtown Montreal, adjacent to Mount Royal.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,300, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 1,800. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 300,000, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 450,000.

Healthcare: The Jewish General Hospital is nearby.

Where to Eat: Try La Banquise for classic Quebec poutine or Marche Jean-Talon for fresh produce and multicultural flavors.

Interesting History: Cote-des-Neiges was once a farming village, known for its rich soil and agricultural production.

Volunteer Organizations: The Cote-des-Neiges Community Centre offers various volunteer opportunities.

Parks: Kent Park is a popular green space, featuring walking paths, sports facilities, and a community garden.

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is a working-class neighborhood known for its community spirit, numerous parks, and vibrant arts scene. Retirees can enjoy visiting the Maison de la culture Maisonneuve, exploring the numerous markets, or participating in community events.

Location: Southeastern part of Montreal, along the St. Lawrence River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,100, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 1,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 250,000, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 350,000.

Healthcare: The Santa Cabrini Hospital is nearby.

Where to Eat: Try Restaurant Au Pied de Cochon for classic Quebec cuisine or Marche Maisonneuve for fresh produce and local flavors.

Interesting History: Hochelaga-Maisonneuve was once an independent city, known for its industrial past and working-class roots.

Volunteer Organizations: The Maison de la culture Maisonneuve offers various volunteer opportunities.

Parks: Parc Morgan is a popular green space, featuring walking paths, sports facilities, and a community garden.

Verdun

Verdun is a waterfront neighborhood known for its beautiful promenade, numerous parks, and vibrant community. Retirees can enjoy leisurely walks along the water, visiting the Maison de la culture de Verdun, or participating in various cultural events.

Location: Southwestern part of Montreal, along the St. Lawrence River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1,500, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 2,200. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom condo is around CAD 400,000, and a 3-bedroom around CAD 600,000.

Healthcare: The Verdun Hospital is located in the neighborhood.

Where to Eat: Try Restaurant Su for innovative Asian cuisine or Wellington for classic pub fare.

Interesting History: Verdun was once an independent city, known for its waterfront and industrial past.

Volunteer Organizations: The Maison de la culture de Verdun offers various volunteer opportunities.

Parks: Parc Arthur-Therrien is a popular green space, featuring walking paths, sports facilities, and beautiful views of the river.

Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique blend of culture, history, and amenities, making Montreal an excellent choice for retirees looking to enjoy a high quality of life in a vibrant and engaging city.