Methodology

To devise our list of Montreal’s best neighbourhoods, we took into account information relating to housing costs, schools, park access, public transportation and safety, as well as amenities like shopping and restaurants. To get data, we relied on websites such as Zolo, Zumper, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), local real estate sites, and community websites.

1. Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie

Key features: Family friendly, lots of greenspace, home to the city’s largest open-air market

Median house price: $880,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,800

This charming area (two small districts that sit side by side) is one of the best neighbourhoods in Montreal. A successful mix of old and new, as well as urban and rural characteristics, it’s a culturally diverse borough with tons to offer residents. It’s best known as the home of the animated Jean-Talon Market, one of the largest open-air markets in North America. It’s safe, has top-rated schools, an enviable amount of greenspace and offers good access to public transportation, which makes the area popular with families. It also boasts the largest park in the city, Maisonneuve Park, which also forms part of the Montreal Botanical Garden.The community is close and active in a variety of laudable initiatives, including the City of Montreal’s Éco-Quartier environmental program to make neighbourhoods more green and environmentally friendly.

2. Verdun

Key features: Home to the “World’s coolest street”, pedestrian-only area in summer, one of Montreal’s best beaches

Average house price: $977,472

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,600

This working class suburb has been undergoing a revitalization over the last few years to become one of Montreal's hottest ‘burbs. In 2022, Time Out declared Verdun’s Rue Wellington as the world’s coolest street. Promenade Wellington is a pedestrian-heavy area (it becomes pedestrian-only from June to mid-September, yearly) that’s a little over a kilometre long and can proudly lay claim to some of the city’s best restaurants, coffee shops, breweries and bakeries. If that weren’t enough to solidify its reputation as one of Montreal’s best neighbourhoods, Verdun also has a lovely beach along the St. Lawrence River that’s open every summer. The beach, several parks and good schools make it ideal for families. Located on Montreal’s subway line, residents also have access to public transportation.

3. Downtown Montreal

Key features: Lots of nightlife, hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, mostly condos and apartments

Average house price: $450,000 for a condo, single-family homes sell on average for at least $1 million

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,900

In Montreal, downtown (also known as Ville Marie) is where the action is. While the area appears to be made up predominantly of condos, lofts and apartments, residents have incredible access to the city’s best restaurants, entertainment venues, bars, local boutiques, museums and festival venues. There are plenty of walkable areas and bike lanes, and public transportation is also a breeze thanks to multiple subways and bus stops. Vibrant and seemingly never at rest (even in the depths of the city’s incredibly cold winters), as the cultural and social hub of the city there’s always something going on downtown. In the winter you can also take advantage of Montreal's underground city to shop and eat without having to deal with the elements. The area also encompasses several university and college campuses, and is also part of Montreal’s famed Golden Square Mile, filled with amazing architecture, art galleries and museums. With an abundance of condos and apartments, nightlife, great transportation options and urban amenities, Downtown Montreal is among the best neighbourhoods in Montreal for young professionals.

4. Villeray

Key features: Large park, variety of housing, plenty of amenities

Median house price: $635,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,550

Northwest of downtown lies one of the best neighbourhoods in Montreal for families. Filled with a variety of housing options, great schools and access to public transportation (there are three metro stops within its borders), this borough has become one of Montreal’s most sought-after addresses. The community is tightly knit due in part to a large selection of local shops, restaurants, grocery stores and bakeries where you’ll likely run into a neighbour or two while out doing your errands. It’s also home to Montreal’s Little Italy, so Italian food lovers are in for a treat. There’s no shortage of parks in the area, with the 36-hectare Parc Jarry being the most popular thanks to its large pond, tennis stadium, hockey rink, swimming pool, sport fields and playground.

5. Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

Key features: Home to Montreal’s Olympic District, lots for kids and families to do, affordable housing

Average house price: $700,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,200

Sitting snugly on the southeast end of the city lies the up-and-coming (and some would say, already arrived) neighbourhood of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve — HoMa to those in the know. The area is especially appealing to those with energetic kids. It's home to Montreal’s Olympic District, a verdant, vast space filled with the Olympic Park and the Olympic Stadium, as well as the Esplanade and a sports centre. The Olympic District abuts the massive Maisonneuve Park (the city’s largest greenspace) which houses the Biodome, an Insectarium, the city’s Botanical Garden and more. The area also boasts affordable housing, good schools and an engaging community vibe.

6. Plateau Mont-Royal

Key features: Wide range of home prices, architecturally rich, bohemian vibe

Average house price: $1 million

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,505

Located on the eastern side of Montreal’s famous mountain, Mount Royal, and northeast of downtown, this borough is considered one of Montreal’s most iconic and architecturally rich areas. Filled with historic homes that date back to the 19th century, it’s incredibly photogenic. Despite gentrification and a growing increase in home prices, the neighbourhood retains its bohemian, artistic sensibility and appeals to those looking for a laid-back vibe and eye-catching older homes. Rue Saint-Denis is one of the city’s primary arteries, and is constantly buzzing with shoppers and diners taking advantage of the street’s many cafes, nightclubs and stores. Mount Royal Park is the area’s year-round go-to greenspace with lots of walking pathways, picnic areas, a lake and biking and skiing trails.

7. Outremont

Key features: Upscale, good public transportation, lovely Victorian homes

Average median house price: $1,985,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,600

This upscale suburban community to the north of Mount Royal has no shortage of shops, restaurants and cafes all within easy walking distance (which is not surprising given that Outremont is not only one of Montreal's best neighbourhoods, but also among its smallest). Prized for its elegant Victorian houses and stately new builds, as well as mature tree-lined avenues, it has some of Montreal’s most expensive real estate. Plenty of parks, reputable schools and good public transport add to the area's assets.

8. Westmount

Key features: Large lots and big, elegant homes, top schools and arguably Montreal's most prestigious address

Average median house price: $1,985,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,600

One of the most prestigious and expensive addresses in Montreal is Westmount, on the western slopes of majestic Mount Royal. If you’re into large lots with elegant mansions and tree-lined boulevards, you’ll be right at home in this upscale spot that’s home to some of the city’s most powerful corporate and political leaders. Large parks, top-ranked private schools and a low crime rate add to the attraction.

9. Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Key features: Large, friendly, culturally rich

Average house price: $1,150,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,800

These two smaller areas (Côte-des-Neiges and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce) combine to form one of the city’s largest neighbourhoods. Vibrant, diverse and culturally rich, this welcoming community lies west of Mont Royal. Home to tourist attraction Saint Joseph’s Oratory, the area also has lots of parks and good schools. There are also several university campuses, creating a youthful ambiance. Convenient Metro access ensures smooth travel across the city.

10. Anjou

Key features: Affordable, quiet, family friendly

Average house price: $500,000 to $600,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,400

This working-class neighbourhood may not have the amenities of an area closer to the downtown core, but it consistently ranks high for safety, family friendly ambiance and affordability. In the eastern side of the city, it’s a quiet, community-minded place, ideal for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city.