French is widely spoken in Montreal
In Montreal, French is widely spoken. In fact, seventy percent of workers primarily use French at their workplace in Montreal. Speaking French facilitates easier integration into the local community and fosters connections with native Montrealers.
Moreover, proficiency in French opens up a wider range of job opportunities, as many positions in Montreal require bilingualism. Embracing the language also allows residents to fully immerse themselves in Montreal’s rich Francophone culture, including literature, music, film, and cuisine. Additionally, speaking French facilitates everyday communication, from interactions with government agencies to business dealings and service providers.
The economy is diverse, with technology, aerospace, and culture playing significant role
Montreal’s economy is diverse, with technology, aerospace, and culture playing significant roles. It is a major technology hub in Canada, hosting numerous startups, research institutions, and tech companies such as Ubisoft, CGI, and Shopify. Montreal is also a global leader in the aerospace industry, which provides employment opportunities and drives innovation, with companies like Bombardier and CAE headquartered in the city.
Additionally, Montreal has a vibrant cultural scene with a strong presence in film, music, and the arts. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, from illuminated winter festivals featuring art, gastronomy, and outdoor activities during the summer, to global beats and circus acts, contributing to its cultural and economic vitality.
Montreal has a strong sports culture
Montreal has a strong sports culture, hosting major leagues, the Olympics, and urban sports festivals. While its professional sports scene may not be as big as some US cities, Montreal’s sports culture is strong. With over 350 sports clubs, it provides opportunities for tens of thousands to engage in various sporting disciplines. This commitment to sports goes beyond entertainment; it promotes healthier lifestyles, social bonds, and a more cohesive community.
Home to iconic teams like the Montreal Canadiens (NHL), the CF Montréal (MLS), Montreal Alouettes (CFL) and events like the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal’s vibrant sports culture brings communities together, fosters pride, and contributes to its lively atmosphere. If you’re moving from the US to Montreal, get ready to be part of a city where sports are a big part of everyday life.
Conseil Sport Montreal (May 2023)
Montreal summers are quite humid
Montreal experiences high humidity during the summer due to its geographical location and proximity to bodies of water like the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. Warm air passing over these bodies of water collects moisture, leading to increased humidity in the region.
Additionally, Montreal’s position in northeastern North America allows warm, moist air masses from the Gulf of Mexico to reach the area, further increasing the humidity during the summer months. This combination of warm temperatures and high humidity levels can make summers feel hot and sticky. The average daily high temperature during the summer months ranges from 68°F to 79°F, with July being the hottest month.
Montreal is very culturally diverse
Montreal is exceptionally culturally diverse due to its rich history of immigration and status as a major urban center. The city has drawn visitors from all over the world throughout the years, creating a rich tapestry of languages, customs, and cultural origins. The population of Montreal has been greatly enhanced by past waves of immigration from Europe, as well as by current waves from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
The official languages of the city are French and English, which adds to its bilingualism and cultural variety. Additionally, Montreal’s numerous cultural events and festivals, like the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Montreal World Film Festival, showcase the city’s multiculturalism. Overall, Montreal’s cultural diversity creates a dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere that is central to its identity.
Montreal has the highest student population in North America
With approximately 185,000 students, including 25,000 international students from 150 countries, Montreal has one of the highest student populations in North America. With 1,040,985 international students in Canada at all levels of study in 2023, Canada remains a top destination for education, with Quebec attracting 12% of this number.
Known for its bilingualism, with around 60% of residents being bilingual, Montreal offers a unique advantage for language learners. Its education system integrates language learning into the curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in both French and English.
Montreal Org (Apr 2024) & CBIE (Apr 2024)
Montreal has high provincial taxes
Montreal, which is part of the province of Quebec, has some of the highest provincial taxes in North America. Montreal 2024 tax bills may rise more than promised from the sales tax of 14.975%, and if you are earning more than $119,910, the income tax rate as of 2023 is 25.75%. These taxes fund extensive social programs, infrastructure, and public services.
Additionally, Quebec’s commitment to bilingualism requires extra funding for language preservation and promotion. While high taxes may be a downside, they also contribute to a higher quality of life for residents, providing access to excellent public services.
Revenue Quebec Income Tax (2023), RCC (2024) & The Gazette (Oct 2023)
Conclusion
Moving to Montreal from the US can be a rewarding experience for those who are open to embracing a new culture and way of life. It is a special chance to experience cultural diversity, a thriving arts scene, and a high standard of living. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your preferences before making the move.
To learn more about the paperwork required, check out this article, 7 Things to know and do before moving from the U.S. to Canada.
Are you planning to move, soon? Check the best long-distance movers in Montreal.
