Purchase Montreal Real Estate

Located southwest in the Province of Quebec, Montreal is the second largest city in Canada and the largest in Quebec. Montreal boasts a laid-back charm and a European flavour not found in other Canadian cities. It is home to thousands of artists, poets, playwrights, writers, filmmakers and various other creative types who flourish amid the city's bistro-lined streets and who draw inspiration from the culturally diverse and open-minded exchanges that are nurtured in the bosoms of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods.

Key Features of Montreal Real Estate

wonderful European flare
Old world charm
French "joie de vivre"
ethnically diverse
home of internationally renowned summer festivals
a major port city
rich in history and culture
lots to see and do
thriving business sectors

Demographics of Montreal

The actual city of Montreal is home to roughly 1.6 million people. However, the Greater Montreal Area averages about 6 million people, including those new immigrants recently relocating to Canada.

Lifestyle in Montreal

Montreal has traditionally been known as a place where people work to live instead of the other way around. This city of festivals is home to the celebrated Festival International de Jazz de Montreal which brings together talented musicians from across the globe for a ten day musical bonanza. The highly popular Just For Laughs Festival is another major draw for the city as dozens of the world's funniest comics congregate to give the city a healthy dose of laughter. The International Fireworks Festival lights up the sky while numerous other festivals and events round out a chock-full summer season. Aside from the organized activities, Montreal is home to some of the best strolling around. From the quaintly cobbled streets of Old Montreal to the trendy strip of hip boutiques and restos on the Main, Montreal has something for everyone. Then when the city is covered by snow the fun continues with great skiing available just 45 minutes north of Montreal or skating, sliding or trekking at any one of the numerous outdoor rinks and facilities across the city.

Economy of Montreal

Montreal has a healthy business sector. Although most of the traditional businesses are slowly being replaced by new industries the city is well represented in several sectors including aerospace, electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, printed goods, software engineering, telecommunications, textile and apparel manufacturing, finance, higher education and research and development. Montreal also has a thriving entertainment industry that is responsible for some of the highest grossing Canadian films and television programming in the country. It also has one of the biggest gaming industries in the country.

Transportation in Montreal

Getting around Montreal is fairly easy. A well-developed public transportation system includes buses, trains and metros (underground trains) that can take you to anywhere you want to go in the city or in the outlying regions. As well, the city is well-served by bike paths that criss-cross the town.

History of Montreal

The land where Montreal is now located was occupied by native tribes for two thousand years before the arrival of the Europeans. It was in 1535 that Jacques Cartier first claimed the land for the French. The actual city was founded in 1642 and officially incorporated in 1832. The opening of the Lachine Canal was a big boon to the city as was the Victoria Bridge which established Montreal as a major railway hub. Montreal quickly surpassed Quebec City as the financial and economic capital of Canada. By 1860 it was the largest city in British North America and became both the economic and cultural centre of Canada. In fact, Montreal was the capital of the country from 1844-1849 until a mob burnt down the Parliament building. When the population of the city exceeded one million people, the city's mayor, Jean Drapeau instituted major plans for improving and expanding the city. He also brought the world's fair to the city in the form of Expo 67 and brought the 1976 Summer Olympic Games - two events that solidified Montreal's reputation as an international city. From the mid-70's onward Montreal saw a decline in its population as radical political and social shifts protecting the French-language culture caused many businesses to leave town. Things began to improve in the 1990's when new businesses began once again choosing Montreal as their head office. Today, Montreal continues its economic growth and prosperity and is considered one of the best places to live in Canada.

Property Market - Buy a house in Montreal

Along with the other major cities in Canada, Montreal is also enjoying a property boom. Although housing in Montreal has always been relatively inexpensive when compared to other cities in Canada, the market is slowly catching up with the national average. Homes for sale in Montreal have been hitting record prices. However, those considering a move to Montreal for their move to Canada can take heart in knowing that despite the gains that housing prices have made in the last few years, homes for sale in Montreal are still far more affordable than they are in other parts of the country. Consult an agent for buying home in Cananda.

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