Could anyone tell me which are the best places to live in the French side of Montreal?

Question

I am moving to Montreal in August and I want to learn and speak French, so I would like to stay in the French side of Montreal. I am looking for a 2-bedroom apartment near a metro station (I will be based at the U of Montreal), within 700-800 monthly rental. Where would be the best place to live?

Answer 1

Don't get me wrong but I have lived and worked in Montreal and visited friend there for the last 20 years and I have yet to find the french side, it is ALL french no matter were you go, there maybe a few more anglos there but in essence it is a french speaking city, and for a palce in the area your speaking of, your going to pay more, much more.

Check out the Journal de Montreal classified and see the rates going for apaprtments in the area, and July 1 is the biggest day of the year for moving as the leases all expire, so move before or after that and get a decent mover.

Answer 2

I would look around Cote-des-Neiges, which is where a large proportion of UdeM students tend to reside because of its proximity to campus. It's not a purely francophone area, however, given the large immigrant population. Outremont, which is more francophone and is also close to campus, is probably outside of your budget.

The Plateau has historically been quite francophone, but the invasion of McGill students in recent years has diluted that somewhat. Also, it's a fairly expensive area.

St-Henri is a gentrifying, historically working class area well-served by the metro and is still quite affordable (you could find a 2-bedroom in your price range in this area). It is also much more francophone than the other areas I mentioned. You might want to focus your search in this area.