Moving to Montreal
Last updated on Apr 22, 2023
Summary: Expatriates are drawn to Montreal, Canada for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and unique blend of French and English. Montreal is known for its lively nightlife, world-class restaurants, and beautiful architecture. The city is also home to a number of universities and colleges, making it an attractive destination for students and professionals alike. Before moving to Montreal, it is important to be aware of the city's cold winters and the need to be able to speak both French and English. Additionally, it is important to research the cost of living in Montreal, as it is higher than many other Canadian cities.
What do I need to know before moving to Montreal?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Montreal, they said:
"Before moving to Montreal, expats should be aware of the city's four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are hot and humid. Expats should also be aware of the city's two official languages, French and English, and the fact that most locals are bilingual. It is also important to note that Montreal is a very diverse city, with a large immigrant population. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Montreal, which is generally higher than in other Canadian cities. Finally, expats should be aware of the city's vibrant culture, with a wide range of festivals, events, and activities to enjoy," explained one expat living in Montreal, Canada.
"The most important thing is to ask advice from someone independent of the real estate sector. Real estate agents have a huge interest in selling you houses in the area they work and are rarely independent. Locals tend to be biased toward their own neighborhoods. The best advice will come from a relocation agent who is not tied to realtor who can show you all the good neighborhoods for a day, or ask other expats. TAKE YOUR TIME! Act in haste repent at leisure," said one expat in Montreal.
How do I find a place to live in Montreal?
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Montreal?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Montreal?
- What is the average cost of housing in Montreal?
- How do I meet people in Montreal?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Montreal?
- What should I pack when moving to Montreal?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Montreal?
- Will I be able to find a job in Montreal?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Montreal?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Montreal?
- What is the social scene like in Montreal?
- What advice to expats in Montreal have about housing?
- What are medical services in Montreal like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Montreal?
- Is the cost of living in Montreal high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Montreal?
- Why do people move to Montreal?