Where in Montreal, Canada?

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fallenangel462

Where ever you end up moving in Montreal, please make sure that you have a legal way to immigrate here. If you show up at the border with plans to move, you will be turned away. You can research the various immigration routes at www.cic.gc.ca, but if you don't have family here that can sponsor you, or don't meet the requirements as a skilled worker, chances are you won't be able to immigrate here. You could also check into the Quebec-selected skilled worker program and see if you meet the requirements for that. If either you or your husband meet the requirements, you will be able to go through the process and both be allowed to come here, even if only one of you meets the requirements. The process is expensive and can take anywhere from 2-5 years, but its worth it!

As for a place to live, I would suggest the West Island or areas like Westmount or NDG. The West Island is easily accessible to downtown by car. NDG and Westmount are closer to the core of downtown and would allow you to use the metro to get to the downtown core. These areas are more English and you would have an easier time adjusting.

There are no "real" beaches in the Montreal area, in my opinion. I am from Florida and Montreal's idea of "beaches" are not what I am used to. It is most lakes and rivers shores that they have put sand down on. I really wouldn't swim in them though for fear of bacteria, at least in the lakes.

It is definitely cheaper to live in Montreal, than most cities in the US. Montreal has some of the cheapest rent in North America. House prices can be pretty steep, depending on the area you live in. If you use public transportation you should be fine as the cost of maintaining a car here, is VERY high. Gas is close to $6 a gallon US here right now, and it won't get cheaper. The cost of having a drivers licence in Quebec is also likely more expensive than you are used to, too. Mine costs me $58 a year, but thats only because I don't have any points against my licence. As far as groceries, cable, telephone, electricty, etc., it is pretty comparable to living in the US.

Good luck! Montreal is an amazing city and I know you'll enjoy living here!

Winter is over... yay!

You question is pretty vague:) Ok, first thing, in Montreal is pretty big, but it's on an island, so nowhere is very far from a "beach" (it isn't really a beach on the ocean though, I hope you now that).

As for the "is it more expensive"..well, it all depeds if you want to rent or buy, which part of town (If you have lots of money, a house in Beaconsfield is expensive, but it's a great neighborhood, english is often spoken there, in Pointe-Claire too) you're looking into. It also depends on where in the US you compare it too...

katzy

Condo then Nun's Island. Its right in Montreal but near the ports, no beach.
Houses maybe an area called NDG Notre Dame de Grace which is close to downtown but a little ways out. Cute older houses and I think the prices have gone up quite a bit.
The west part of the city is the english area. Dorval and Pt. Claire are burbs and near the airport but also near the river. Nice , cute houses and bike paths. Also marinas for boating.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux has some nice homes. too.

demaissoneuve

Given the info that you have provided:

Even though in Montreal, most people are comfortable speaking French, you probably want to stay in a more English oriented part of the city, at least for the start.

That is if you do not want to jump into this new culture. That is what I did when I moved there, and I am so grateful for that.

If you are going for my original suggestion, following areas would be nice:

Westmount
The Plateau
Around atwatter market
Nunn's Island

Julie C

The best place for you depends on so many things...I suggest this. Before coming get infos (books, Internet, blogs) touristic, but also rents ads, culture and history. Make connexions with people (with your relatives, friends, etc., there are a lot of Quebec's people in CA, maybe you know people who lived in Quebec or have family there).
Plan a visit to Montreal (a week or 2 at least). Visit the island and around, look for rent or buy in the newspaper, visit the parts of the city where you can afford the rental price.
Visit in the day, the evening and in the traffic time, so you'll know what's the atmosphere, trouble or quietness of a particular area. Eat in the retaurants around, go shop, look and listen to people.
See reactions when you ask for someting in English, some parts of the city are less bilingual, usually they try a lot to help you but you'll see if YOU like it or not.
Finally, I suggest that you take French courses, at least basic French notions, that will help you anywhere.
Hope this help :)

And about Miss S advice, many consider Ottawa one of the most boring city in Canada... You should visit and follow your own feelings :)
Also, usually French people can be rude to natives English speaking who didn't care to learn French even if they're in Quebec for years. But they usually are sympathic with people less snob trying to speak a little French. There are exceptions like anything, but I'd say that you will have 10 times more likely to get a positive answer talking English in Quebec than talling French in Ontario... I know, I tried it :)

Miss S

it's a bit more expensive, but you get a lot more benefits :)
I would visit a lot before you decide to move to Montreal.. it really is an acquired taste (the people there can be pretty rude, all of the time.. especially if you aren't French, and I find the businesses don't necessarily care about their customers at all the way I'm accustomed to.. another thing is that Quebec's infrastructure in general is a bloody nightmare, the city has a great spirit but it's ugly as sin to drive through etc..

I would strongly suggest you consider Ottawa, it's gorgeous and is only about an hour drive away from Montreal.. so you can enjoy Montreal at a safe distance :)

ciaom

try Mississauga. My sister-in-law lives there and when we were visiting her it seemed really nice. It's not too far from Toronto but not too close either.

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