Could I Live Here: The Montréal Edition

Every few years, my friends and I pack our bags, leave our respective cities, and meet for a much-needed girls’ trip. This time, we chose Montréal—Canada’s cultural capital, a city brimming with European charm and North American energy. Six of us, including twins I’ve known since birth, reunited for a long weekend of food, fashion, and a taste of what life could be like in this beautiful city. With an election looming in the U.S. and all sorts of questions about the future, the real question on my mind was: Could I live in Montréal?

First Impressions

Montréal hit me with a laid-back yet luxe vibe. Its architecture—a mix of historic and modern—captures a certain je ne sais quoi. We stayed downtown, which was convenient for getting to iconic areas like Old Montreal, Mile End, and the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood. That last one is Montreal’s answer to Williamsburg. We made pit stops at boutiques like Jennifer Glasgow for local, grown-up flair. We also popped into Holt Renfrew Ogilvy for an indulgent makeup spree. 

The city felt vibrant yet easygoing. People were friendly, bilingual, and always willing to help us navigate. We didn’t even have to stress about an agenda; Montréal is made for wandering and stumbling upon charming spots. Think of it as a blend of Parisian cafés and New York’s energy without the rush. Though we stayed downtown, the William Gray in Old Montreal gets top marks for artful design and a cool scene. The Ritz Carlton is exceptionally luxurious and stately and features afternoon tea and a posh spa.

The Montréal Food Scene: A Feast for the Senses

Montréal’s food was a highlight. Our girls’ lunch at Mandy’s, known for its giant salads, was casual, delicious, and very pink. The restaurant scene is thriving, and there are endless fabulous options. We ate delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Ayla. We also indulged in French bistro classics at Estelle, where our meal felt like a celebration, with great people-watching to boot.

If you are more of a natural wonder type, Montréal doesn’t disappoint. Mount Royal is a mountain in the city of Montréal, immediately west of Downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The city’s name is thought to be derived from the mountain’s name, and the views from here are stellar. 

And let’s not forget the bagels. The city’s long-standing rivalry between Fairmount and St-Viateur bagels had us debating. I’ll admit though, the sesame bagel from Fairmount hooked me. They say Montréal bagels are smaller and sweeter than New York’s, and, honestly, I may be converted.

Living Here: The Pros

Montréal’s cultural richness makes it easy to imagine life here. With world-class museums like the McCord Museum and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal and a thriving art scene (hello Leonard Cohen’s hometown), there’s never a shortage of things to do. The city is also a year-round destination for events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs. In Old Montreal, the beautiful Basilica Notre Dame is spectacular and rivals the great churches of Europe.

Housing is still relatively affordable compared to Toronto and Vancouver. Moreover, the strong Francophone presence means you’d pick up French without even trying. Also, Montréal feels like a city that’s always on—there’s a palpable energy in the streets, from the cafés to the markets to the late-night cinq à sept (the equivalent of happy hours). Life here feels like it’s both for living and enjoying in that European way foreign to an American New Yorker like moi. In fact, it is more aligned with how I want to live my life in the future. The Westmount neighborhood, known for its gorgeous old mansions, tree-lined streets, and convenient proximity to downtown, blends historic charm and modern luxury. It reminded me of Paris in the best of ways.

Bonus: Shopping

As hinted at earlier, Montréal is a fantastic shopping town. St. Laurent Boulevard is packed with high-end, designer finds and more affordable options as well. Annex Vintage, a chic boutique in the heart of Mile End, is a must-visit. A sister store to Citizen Vintage and Empire Exchange, it offers a lovely mix of vintage clothing and local designer pieces. I also fell hard for ça va de soi. This is an extraordinary local knitwear purveyor, whose elegant and elevated sweaters epitomize minimalist chic. If you love supporting local talent, Montreal is your spot. But suppose your tastes run more designer, and you’re looking for the latest Bottega bag. In that case, Ssense is a fantastic concept store in Old Montreal. There, you can select anything from their fabulous online store to see in-person and visit with or without an appointment. 

Montréal’s creativity doesn’t end with shopping. Since launching their accessories label, Want Les Essentiels, in 2006, Montreal twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart have gained international recognition. From chic utilitarian bags to minimal shoes, their brand reflects Montréal’s influence. It’s no wonder Montréal was named a UNESCO City of Design, a nod to its support for emerging designers and creative talent. Montréal’s cool, creative energy is hard to resist if you’re young—or simply young at heart.

Living Here: The Cons

Despite its European charm and design chops, Montréal isn’t without its downsides. Winters can be brutal, with temperatures that make New York winters seem mild. To brave the cold, there are 20 miles of pedestrian tunnels under the city’s core that connect transit stations to stores, offices, theaters, and more. While Montréal might resemble a mall more than a city in some ways, these innovations do create a textured, multi-use, walkable space particularly useful in the city’s famously cold winters. And while housing is affordable, taxes are high. For those of us coming from the U.S., this could be a bit of a shock to the system. The crime rate has also slightly increased, especially in property-related incidents, although the city remains relatively safe.

According to Discourse Magazine, Montréal boosts an excellent quality of life but struggles with productivity, partly due to its low university graduation rates—only about 36.5% of residents hold a degree. While the city is known for exemplary public transit and clean air, its economic output and incomes lag behind other major North American cities. The tech and science sectors are growing, which is promising, but there’s still work to improve overall productivity.

While most locals speak English, there’s a strong push for French proficiency and language barriers may pose a challenge. But if you’re open to learning, it could be a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Major Con: Healthcare

Worse than the weather and language barrier is the healthcare. According to a 2023 article published in the Montreal Gazette, “By every major indicator—from emergency-room overcrowding to record-high surgical wait times and the lack of available spaces in nursing homes—Quebec’s health-care system is now arguably the worst it’s ever been.” From oncology patients waiting for surgery to understaffed hospitals post-pandemic, healthcare could be an area of concern for those who want to grow older here.

Healthcare in Montréal is mainly covered by the public Quebec Health Insurance Plan (RAMQ), which offers essential services like doctor visits and hospital stays at no direct cost. However, services such as dental, vision, and prescription drugs aren’t covered, so private insurance may be required. Private insurance premiums range from $80 to $150 monthly for individuals. Out-of-pocket costs for uninsured individuals can be substantial, especially for specialist care and emergency services. Overall, healthcare in Montréal is still more affordable than in cities like Toronto and Vancouver and cheaper than in the U.S.

As far as public transportation is concerned, this city takes its beauty rest. Unlike New York, the Metro is not open all night, though buses do run, and there are plenty of Ubers and taxis. Traffic is a beast, so be prepared to spend some time in your transport of choice. The city is also bike-friendly (but, then again, biking in the winter is not ideal).

The Verdict

So, could I live here? The short answer is…oui! Montréal, with its European flair, art-filled streets, and welcoming locals, has won my heart. It strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and spontaneity, making it a city where life feels well-lived. Sure, winters may be a challenge, but the city’s charm, overall affordability, and cultural richness more than make up for it. Add in the food, festivals, and unique finds like Annex Vintage and Want Les Essentiels, and I’m already thinking about how to make this northern escape more permanent. The girls’ trip was unforgettable, but the idea of staying? Even more tempting.