Montréal

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Your Next Home, in Montreal!

Are you looking for a home in Montreal? With experienced real estate brokers Pauline Chen and Félix Villeneuve, you can find the perfect property in this vibrant city. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in Montreal, we are here to guide you throughout your real estate journey. Montreal, with its unique style and diversity, offers an exceptional living environment for everyone!

Montreal, a Unique City in North America

Founded in 1642, established as a city in 1832, Montreal is the second most populous city in Canada after Toronto, and the largest Francophone city in North America.

Quebec’s metropolis rivals any major North American city!

Its ideal location along the St. Lawrence River and its waterway, easy access to Canadian and North American markets, bilingual character (most Montrealers are bilingual, and nearly a quarter are trilingual), and rich cultural heritage are just a few reasons that make Montreal such a unique city. Of course, buying property in Montreal allows you to benefit from all these advantages.

Montreal is divided into 19 boroughs, covering three-quarters of the Island of Montreal, home to more than 1.8 million residents. The greater Montreal metropolitan area, with over 4.1 million inhabitants, accounts for about half of Quebec's population.

From Hochelaga to Montreal

The first known name for the area where Montreal is located was Hochelaga, an Indigenous village at the foot of Mount Royal. In 1535, Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) landed on the island. By his estimate, more than 1,000 people lived there. However, by 1603, when Samuel de Champlain explored the St. Lawrence River, the village had vanished. The reason for its disappearance remains a mystery.

Historical depiction of Jacques Cartier's visit to Hochelaga

Sketch for “The Visit of Jacques Cartier to Hochelaga,” Oil on canvas by Eugene Hamel, painted in 1885-1886. Collection of the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Website: https://www.mnbaq.org/.

It was not until 1642 that a French name was given to an inhabited area here. At that time, the settlement was Ville-Marie, founded near the former Iroquois village of Hochelaga by about sixty pioneers, including the famous Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve (1612-1676) and Jeanne Mance (1606-1673).

Origin of Montreal’s Name

The origins of the names Hochelaga and Ville-Marie are relatively agreed upon, but the same cannot be said for the origin of the name Montreal. One hypothesis suggests that the name Montreal is a variant of Mont Real or Mont Royal. Another hypothesis refers to a contemporary of Jacques Cartier: Claude Pontbriant, known as de Montreal, son of Pierre de Pontbriant, Lord of Montreal in France. To settle the debate, in 1968, Mayor Jean Drapeau sent a letter to the owner of the Château de Montréal in Périgord, recognizing his patronymic claim to the city. However, many historians and geographers still dispute this decision.

The name Montreal gradually became the official term used in administrative documents by the late 17th century, eventually replacing Ville-Marie by the early 18th century. Montreal celebrated its 375th anniversary in 2017. (Sources: Wikipedia, City of Montreal, The Canadian Encyclopedia)

Why Live in Montreal?

Montreal is a fascinating and captivating city for many reasons. Whether it’s the warm neighborhoods, vibrant culture, or pleasant pace of life, the city attracts people from all walks of life. Many Montreal lovers, like Wendy, share what they adore about this unique metropolis. Here are some of the reasons they are so fond of this special city:

Les Feux Loto-Québec: an annual pyrotechnic art show that lights up the city’s sky every summer.
Respect and Safety: Montreal is a welcoming city where residents feel secure.
The Four Seasons: Although winter is long, Montrealers appreciate the seasonal changes, each bringing its activities.
A Large City with a Human Touch: Despite its size, Montreal retains a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Brunch Culture: Montreal is famous for its cafés and brunches, a must for food lovers.
Balanced Lifestyle: A perfect mix between the dynamism of a large city and the tranquility of its many parks and green spaces.
Flexible Store Hours: Stores are open late and on Sundays, making daily life easier.

(Source: homemilesaway.com)

A Cultural Hub: The BANQ

At the heart of Montreal, the Grande Bibliothèque (BANQ) serves as a meeting point for book lovers, researchers, and curious minds. With over 3.5 million documents, including 2.3 million books, the BANQ is a cultural treasure. This 33,000 square meter space offers various activities, including programs for children, newcomers, and even visually impaired individuals. It’s a true cultural hub where everyone can enjoy time well spent. Whether you’re looking for a home in Montreal or simply exploring its cultural wonders, the city has surprises waiting around every corner.

View of the Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal

The BANQ, one of Quebec’s most beautiful libraries, is another reason to find a home in Montreal!

Montreal, a City with many faces!

Montreal is also a city where simple living is cherished. Among the features that make it unique, you'll find:

Snowy winters and lively summers
Charming residential streets
Warm neighborhood life
Parks and green spaces accessible to all
The charm of Old Montreal and the Old Port
A wealth of restaurants and culinary events
The famous Chinatown district

Lac aux Castors: A Peaceful Haven in the Heart of Montreal

Nestled in the heights of Mont-Royal, Lac aux Castors is a favorite spot for Montreal families. Whether in summer or winter, the lake offers a range of activities. From sledding in the winter to picnics in the summer, the Pavilion at Lac aux Castors also rents equipment for those who wish to explore the trails or the lake. In winter, the lake turns into a natural ice rink, adding even more charm to this magical spot.

Lac aux Castors and homes for sale in Montreal

Five Reasons to Buy a Home in Montreal

For the Quality of Life

Montreal ranks fifth among the best cities in the world to live in 2020, according to InterNations’ annual rankings. Therefor, buying a property in Montreal allows you to enjoy this exceptional quality of life.

Three other Canadian cities are included in this ranking: Calgary (ranked 19th globally), Toronto (39th), and Vancouver (55th).

Spring blossoms in Montreal - The blooming season delights flower lovers. It’s the time to get outdoors and reconnect with nature, as the streets, parks, and gardens finally showcase their colors. Source : www.mtl.org

“Montreal surpasses other Canadian cities in several areas: it ranks as the best Canadian city for work-life balance (10th globally), cost of living (11th), and finance and housing (8th),” reads a statement from InterNations.

(Sources: La Presse: Montreal, 4th Best North American City for Quality of Life, Journal de Montréal: Léger Poll: Quebec Cities with the Best Quality of Life, TVA Nouvelles: Montreal, 5th Best City for Expats, Le Devoir: Healthier Living in Cities)

For Its Exceptional Location and Efficient Transport Network

Montreal's highway network allows quick access to key cities in Quebec and beautiful regions like the Lower Laurentians, Lanaudière, Laval, Suroît, and Montérégie. You can use highways 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 117, and 132. Plus, the US border is just an hour away, offering even more adventures.

On the public transport front, the Montreal metro and soon the REM make commuting without a car hassle-free. The Montreal Transit Corporation (STM) is the primary mobility service provider in Greater Montreal, with four metro lines and 68 stations served by 189 bus lines (20 of which operate at night). The network also connects to the Longueuil and Laval transit systems, making it easy to travel across the island or reach suburbs like Saint-Hilaire, Beloeil, Longueuil, Brossard, Blainville, Mirabel, and Saint-Jérôme.

Montreal metro system for public transport

Montreal’s metro system is the busiest in Canada, and the third busiest in North America, after New York and Mexico City. Visit: https://www.stm.info/en

For Its Cultural Life

Montreal hosts over 380 festivals annually, making it one of the cultural hubs of North America. The downtown area alone boasts more than 180 performance venues, 65 museums, and 270 cinemas. Despite closures during the pandemic, in 2021, Montreal brought back in-person shows and live-streaming events. Living in Montreal gets you closer to all this excitement.

The Place des Arts reopened on October 8, 2021, welcoming audiences back at full capacity, respecting public health guidelines. For instance, Québec Issime celebrated its 25th anniversary with its latest production, 12 Voices, One Piano. On stage, two generations of performers came together to relive pieces from the wide repertoire of Québec Issime shows. Visit: www.quebecissime.net

For Its Uncompromising Activities

In 2021, the website Sors-tu.ca listed over 1,300 events and more than 6,000 performances in Montreal. Venues like Café Campus, Cabaret Lion d'Or, Montreal Casino, and the Corona Theatre resumed their “show must go on” spirit through both live and online performances.

For Its Academic Excellence

Montreal consistently ranks among the best student cities in the world. In 2013, The Economist named it the top destination globally for studying abroad. Every year, about 35,000 international students choose this dynamic city. If you're looking for a home in Montreal, you’ll have access to renowned academic institutions like Université de Montréal and UQAM. This rich and diverse educational network makes Montreal an ideal choice for families with children in school.

Université de Montréal (UdeM) is the only Francophone university in Canada to rank among the top 100 universities globally. It is also among the top five French-speaking universities worldwide. UdeM has 13 faculties, two major affiliated schools—HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal—and around thirty affiliated health institutions. Click here to access UdeM website!

According to the 2017 QS Best Student Cities ranking, Montreal was the best city in the world to study. In 2019, it was ranked first in North America and sixth globally among the best student cities. Montreal also ranks second among North American cities for the number of university students per capita. In 2011, more than 60% of Montreal’s population held a certificate, diploma, or post-secondary education degree.

Montreal is home to about 260 primary schools, 75 secondary schools, 26 adult education centers, and 37 specialized schools, managed by five school boards—three Francophone and two Anglophone. The city has four universities, seven higher education institutions, and 17 CEGEPs offering courses in French and five in English. In addition to public institutions, Montreal boasts nine private colleges and two vocational training centers.

A property in Montreal, a Great Long-term Investment

Affordable prices, quality of life, easy access to parks, and proximity to major highways, along with beautiful homes, are just some of the reasons to buy property in Montreal. The real estate market in Montreal has been very attractive in recent years. For example, between 2020 and 2021, the sale price of single-family homes increased by nearly 19%, benefiting many property owners! In comparison, the average sale price of homes and condominiums in Greater Toronto rose by 19.3% in October from the same period the previous year, reaching nearly $1.16 million.

Top Attractions in Montreal According to Trip Advisor

Mont Royal
Old Montreal
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
Montreal Botanical Garden
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Barbie Expo
Jean-Talon Market
Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Old Port of Montreal
Atwater Market

Mont Royal Park has dozens of trails and points of interest around the mountain. Whether you're a walker, Sunday jogger, or driver, did you know there are four lookout points on Mont Royal? The Popular : Kondiaronk Lookout offers a stunning view of the downtown skyscrapers stretching to the Monteregian Hills. The Quick: Camillien-Houde Lookout offers a view of the east of the city and the Olympic Stadium. The English : Summit Circle Lookout overlooks the western part of downtown and Westmount. And finally, The Hidden : Outremont Lookout offers a clear view of the northern part of the city.

(Source : www.journalmetro.com

Top Restaurants According to Time Out

Dining at restaurants is one of the greatest pleasures in Montreal, according to Time Out. However, with so many choices, finding the right one can be challenging: Montreal has more restaurants per capita than any other Canadian city—only New York surpasses it in North America. You'll surely find a restaurant to your liking near your Montreal home!

Joe Beef

Au Pied de Cochon

Le Mousso

Maison Publique

Hélicoptère

Bouillon

Bilk

Ile Flottante

Find the complete list of Montreal’s 71 best restaurants for unforgettable meals according to Time Out: www.timeout.com