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Where to Live in Montréal: A Guide for MPP Students

A practical guide for Max Bell students to choose a neighbourhood and settle into life in Montréal.

Starting your journey at the Max Bell School of Public Policy is more than just enrolling in a world-class program. It is also about finding your place in one of North America’s most dynamic and diverse cities. Montréal, Canada’s second largest city, is home to six universities and consistently ranks as theÌýÌýin Canada and North America. Known for its affordability, cultural richness, and vibrant student life, Montréal is an ideal place to live and learn.Ìý

WhetherÌýyou’reÌýan incoming student or already in the city and considering a move, this guide will help you navigate the neighbourhoods, housing options, and public transportation system available to you as a MPP student.Ìý

Getting AroundÌý

Montréal’s Société de transport de Montréal () provides a reliable and affordable way to get around, with four major lines (Green, Orange, Blue, and Yellow) connecting the city. As a ³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµ student you are eligible for aÌýreduced-fare OPUS cardÌý(through Minerva) providing discounts on monthly student transit passes. The city also has an excellent bike lane network and public bike-sharing system calledÌý.Ìý

The ³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµ metro station isÌýlocatedÌýright near campus on theÌýGreenÌýline, making it convenient to commute from many different neighbourhoods.ÌýÌý

While Montréal's public transit system isÌýgenerally reliableÌýyear-round, the winter season can occasionally affect bus service during snowfall days.ÌýStudents who live within walking distance of a metro station may find their commute more predictable, especially during colder months. When choosing where to live, proximity to the metro can be important, even if it means a slightly longer walk or marginally higher rent.Ìý

Finding the Right Neighbourhood

Montréal is made up of 19 boroughs, eachÌýcontainingÌýdistinct communities that reflect the city’s multicultural character. Many Max Bell students choose to live in a variety of neighbourhoods across the city, depending on their lifestyle, budget, and proximity to ³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµ.Ìý

Beyond location and affordability, Montréal's neighbourhoods are often defined byÌýa strong senseÌýof local community. BuildingÌýrelatioshipswith neighbours and local shopÌýowners andÌývisiting community spaces can make a meaningful difference in howÌýquickly you feel settled in the city.ÌýÌý

Downtown (Ville-Marie)

Living downtown puts you at the centreÌýof student life and within walking distance of ³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµâ€™s downtown campusÌý

  • Metro: Green and Orange linesÌý

  • Neighbourhoods: Old Port, Quartier des Spectacles,ÌýGriffintown, Shaughnessy Village, Chinatown, Milton ParkÌý

  • Atmosphere: Multilingual, lively, urbanÌý

  • Benefits: Close to campus, near arts and entertainment, walkableÌý

  • Things to Consider: Fewer grocery stores, smaller apartmentsÌý

  • Notable Spots: Art installation, museums, ³ÉÈËVRÊÓÆµ downtown campusÌý

Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile EndÌý

This area is a favourite among students, artists, and young professionalsÌý

  • Metro: Orange lineÌý

  • Atmosphere: Trendy, pedestrian and bike-friendlyÌý

  • Benefits: Green spaces, diverse nightlife, charming older buildingsÌý

  • Notable Spots:Ìý,ÌýÌý(famousÌýfor poutine)Ìý

Southwest: Westmount, Saint-Henri, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG), VerdunÌý

These neighbourhoods are more residential and attract students who prefer a quieter, more scenic lifestyleÌý

  • Metro: Green and Orange lineÌý

  • Atmosphere: Mostly anglophone, relaxed, family-friendlyÌý

  • Benefits: Access to the Lachine Canal, Marché Atwater, large parks, and cozy cafesÌý

  • Notable Spots:Ìý,ÌýÌý

Northwest: Mile End, Little Italy, Outremont, Park ExtensionÌý

These areas are rich in culture and known for amazing foodÌý

  • Metro: Blue lineÌý

  • Atmosphere: Diverse, community-orientedÌý

  • Benefits: International cuisines, specialty grocers, cultural diversityÌý

  • Notable spots:Ìý, South Asian and Greek eateriesÌý

Northeast:ÌýVilleray, Saint-Michel, Petite-Patrie, Little ItalyÌý

Located further north, these neighbourhoods are more residential and offer a calm living spaceÌý

  • Metro: Orange and Blue lineÌý

  • Atmosphere: Quiet, friendly, affordableÌý

  • Benefits: Proximity to Jean Talon Market, great cafes,Ìýgood valueÌý

  • Notable Spots:Ìý, community spacesÌý

East: Rosemont, Hochelaga, MaisonneuveÌý

These traditionally Francophone neighbourhoods are becoming increasingly popular among studentsÌý

  • Metro: Green lineÌý

  • Atmosphere: Artistic, residentialÌý

  • Benefits: Lower rent, access to green spaces and cultural sitesÌý

  • Notable Spots:Ìý,Ìý,ÌýÌý

The Village and Latin QuarterÌý

This vibrant area is ideal for students who enjoy festivals, events, and a lively social sceneÌý

  • Metro: Green and Orange lineÌý

  • Atmosphere: Multilingual, inclusive, energeticÌý

  • Benefits: Summer street closures, Pride Parade, vibrant nightlifeÌý

  • Notable Spots:Ìý,ÌýÌý

The everyday interactions you have in corner cafés to depanneurs to nearby parks and public libraries can help you feel connected and supported, especially in your first few months in Montréal. Take some time to explore some neighbourhoods and engage with the people who are there as they too can enrich your experience well beyond the classroom.

Your experience at the Max Bell School will be shaped not only by what you learn in the classroom but also by the community you build outside of it. Choosing the right place to live can makeÌýa big differenceÌýin your comfort and connection to Montréal. Whether you prefer the bustling heart of downtown or the charm of the Plateau, Montréal has something for everyone. Embrace the culture, explore new neighbourhoods, and make the most of everything this incredible city has to offer.Ìý

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