Moving to Montreal – Where should I live? – 2024

• Crime Rate: 27.97 crimes per 1,000 people
• Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,534
• Average cost of buying a property: $807,500

Verdun has an impressively low crime rate of 27.97 crimes per 1000 people given its population of 107 564. This area offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces, making it an ideal place to live and work. 

Located in the southeastern part of the island, Verdun has something for everyone. It even has a beach known as Plage Urbaine de Verdun – which is very rare in Montreal. If you have a furry friend, Verdun has over 39 km of paths and cycle paths with over 10 km of pedestrian walk paths located near the local river. As for driving, Verdun is connected to the rest of Montreal through access to highways 15 and 20. 

Its other amenities include Wellington Street where in the summer you can enjoy the famous Verdun Jazz Fest with live music and food that is offered to everyone! This is one of the reasons why we consider it on the list. 

SPVM (2023), Centris (Nov 2024) & Zumper (Nov 2024)

• Crime Rate: 29.44 crimes per 1,000 people
• Average 1-bedroom apartment: $1,542
• Average home price: $705,750

Rosemont, which has a crime rate of 29.44 crimes per 1000 people, is located in the centre east of the city with a population of 112 909 residents. This area includes two different public schools along with three public libraries that are operated by the Montreal Public Library’s Network. 

Getting around the city is not a hassle in Rosemont, thanks to the STM. Rosemont is surrounded by the orange and blue lines including Metro Rosemont, Beaubien, Pie-IX, L’Assomption and Jean Talon, to name a few. Alternatively, if you will be driving in Rosemont, be sure to read parking signs and pay your parking meter on time as parking tickets can range from $60 and up!

Rosemont is the perfect blend of businesses, residence and green space. You will find the iconic Montreal Botanical Garden, near the Olympic Park, filled with flowers, plants and insects where people are often seen walking or running on their down time. 

If you are not interested in flowers, it is worth visiting Montreal’s Little Italy where you can expect to find authentic Italian gelato, pizza, coffee shops, boutiques and small businesses. Just a few blocks away is located the Jean Talon Market where fresh produce and baked goods can be bought. 

SPVM (2023), Centris (Nov 2024) & Zumper (Nov 2024)

• Crime rate: 32.10 crimes per 1000 people
• Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,503
• Average cost of buying a property: $553,750

LaSalle offers a mix of small-town charm, modern amenities, and exceptional schools, making it an ideal choice for families with children. The neighborhood motto appears on the coat of arms, “He pushes away obstacles, he casts aside difficulties”. 

With a population of 82 064, LaSalle promotes a strong sense of community. You can expect to find 1 library, 1 large park known as Parc des Rapides and more than 40 neighborhood parks, 2 arenas, 5 outdoor ice rinks, 10 tennis courts, 1 hospital centre, to name a few. It is worth noting LaSalle is also known for its higher education institution known as Cégep Angré-Laurendeau. LaSalle is also an affordable neighborhood amongst our list of 7 neighborhoods. As for safety, it has a reported crime rate of 32.10 crimes per 1000 people. 

SPVM (2023), Centris (Nov 2024) & Zumper (Nov 2024)

• Crime Rate: 40.60 crimes per 1,000 people
• Average 1-bedroom apartment: $2,225
• Average home price: $1,300,325

From the green parks and single family homes, Kirkland is an ideal spot for young couples looking to start a family. The neighborhood is filled with natural surroundings like the Kirkland Park and Meades Park where young ones can play any sport of their choosing. 

Locals not only love how peaceful the neighborhood is but also how close it is to the Montreal International Airport (YUL) — by car it is a 15 minute drive and by public transport, 48 minutes. Residents over 65 years old represent the largest age group of Kirkland with many senior homes available like the Chartwell Manoir. 

For safety, it is indeed a safe neighborhood, with a crime rate of 40.60 crimes per 1,000 people.

With a population of 19 413, it is to be noted that Kirkland is one of the neighborhoods of Montreal where English is spoken more commonly over French. Despite its small population, this neighborhood offers a secure and inviting place to call home, making it an excellent choice for those seeking safety and peace.

SPVM (2023), Royal LePage® (Nov 2024) & Centris (April 2024)

• Crime rate: 40.63 crimes per 1000 people 
• Average 1-bedroom apartment: 484,500
• Average home price: $1,224

Anjou is located to the east of Montreal near two major highways known as the 40 and 25. In this neighborhood, you will find 18 parks and green spaces, 7 outdoor ice rinks, 14 tennis courts, 2 libraries, 5 outdoor swimming pools, 2 arenas, 3 community centers and 6 baseball and softball fields, to name a few. You can also enjoy the neighborhood’s local market where fresh produce can be purchased at the Marché Les Halles D’Anjou. 

Anjou is an enormous school sector with 10 schools ranging from kindergarten through college. The largest park in Anjou is known as the Haut-Anjou district near rue Jarry Est, west of Boulevard Métropolitain. Here you will find a mix of shops, residential streets and senior homes. 

You can expect to find a mix of residential buildings ranging from apartments, condominiums, town houses, senior homes and family homes making it one of the best neighborhoods to live in Montreal. 

SPVM (2023), Centris (Nov 2024) & Centris (April 2024)

• Crime rate: 41.77 crimes per 1000 people
• Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,493
• Average cost of buying a property: $532,000

Lachine offers its residents a range of heritage sites due to its long standing history, as well as, peaceful parks, sports facilities and education institutions. Lachine benefits from its location and accessibility to two major train stations and three highways known as the 20, 13 and the 138.

If you are looking for a neighborhood of close proximity to all of Montreal, Lachine is perfect for you. It is a 5 minute drive to Montreal International Airport (YUL), a 19 minute drive to downtown Montreal and extremely close proximity to l’échangeur turcot, which joins all the major highways of Montreal. 

Most of the residents in Lachine are growing families with children, with a growing population of 45 743. Residents love spending time by the water at Vieux-Lachine or Old Lachine with its historical buildings and performance halls. You can find all the commercial shops on Notre-Dame street where the Lachine Market is located. 

SPVM (2023), Centris (Nov 2024) & Zumper (Nov 2024)

• Crime rate: 43.99 crimes per 1,000 people
• Average 1-bedroom apartment: $1,505
• Average home price: $1,384,500

Outremont is known to be a crowd pleaser due to its reputation as a European sophistication. It is considered a major tourist attraction due to its buildings that date back to the 17th century. The town’s riverbank has been converted into a port which offers maritime facilities.

This neighborhood ranks as one of the best neighborhoods in Montreal, with a total crime rate of 43.99 per 1,000 people. This makes it an inviting choice for those seeking both urban vibrancy and a secure environment. Locals have said that Outremont is a quieter neighbourhood among all of the Montreal boroughs but that is what adds to its charm. 

If you are looking for some down time over the weekend, Outremont is located next to the Mile-End and the Plateau Mont Royal, where you can find amazing brunch spots like Fabergé, support small businesses or go to Bar Waverly for a cocktail. Due to all its history and exquisite architecture, rent and housing can be rather expensive. 

SPVM (2023), Centris (Nov 2024) & Zumper (Nov 2024)