Cool smaller town near Montreal w/easy access to city via train or subway??

Question

I'm from the USA (a smaller city in the plains actually) and have been offered a job in Montreal. I love everything about Montreal except for the cost. Also, while I enjoy most aspects of large cities (exciting nightlife, etc...) I prefer to be able to retreat at will to a nearby smaller town. So, does anyone know of a nice smaller town close to Montreal with easy access by Subway or Commuter Rail into the city? It would need to be g*y friendly (I know, 99.9% of Canada is quite g*y friendly, but I don't want to find myself in that .1% by accident) and either predominantly English speaking or French speaking but friendly to English speakers. Low crime and lower rents are also a huge plus.

Thanks!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Hudson, which is off the western tip of the island and accessible by train, very English, the kind of place where you'd spend your weekend antiquing, very low crime, gorgeous houses and condos.  Aside from that, the west island is predominately English, as far as g*y-friendly, it's pretty good.  Stick to the southern neighbourhoods like Dorval, Pointe Claire for better rents.  Both accessible by commuter train or bus.