Short answer: Some of Montreal’s best neighbourhoods for families who rent are Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Villeray, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG), Verdun and Ahuntsic, thanks to parks, schools and metro access. Families usually look for a 5½ (three bedrooms). Outremont and Westmount are quieter but pricier, while the West Island offers more space with a longer commute.
Updated October 2026
Montreal is often praised for its mix of European charm, North American convenience, and family friendly atmosphere. But choosing where to rent as a family depends on many factors—budget, schools, transit, green space, safety, and lifestyle. Below are some of the top neighbourhoods in Montreal that consistently stand out as great choices for families, along with what each has to offer and trade-offs to keep in mind.
Key Criteria for Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods
Before diving into specific areas, here are what most families tend to look for when renting:
- Good schools (both English & French where relevant)
- Parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities
- Safe streets, low crime rate
- Reasonable commute / public transit access
- Family-oriented amenities (libraries, pools, shops, groceries)
- Affordability (rent for adequate space, not just location)
- Quiet / residential feel vs nightlife / busy traffic
Top Montréal Neighbourhoods for Families
Here are several Montréal neighbourhoods that balance those criteria well:
| Neighbourhood | What Makes It Good for Families | Possible Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie | Offers a strong blend of affordability and amenity-rich living. Lots of green space and parks; good access to public transit; vibrant but not overly noisy. Families love the community vibe, local shops, markets. sothebysrealty.ca+3Samcon+3Montreal Aparthotel+3 | Some areas are still gentrifying, so costs are creeping up. English services may be more limited in certain pockets. |
| Villeray | Great green spaces (e.g. Jarry Park), walkability, good transit lines. More affordable than the most central / upscale areas, especially for what you get. A strong neighbourhood spirit. HousingHawk+3sothebysrealty.ca+3Samcon+3 | May have fewer high-end amenities; in some blocks noise or density can be higher; newer rental supply may be limited. |
| Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) | Tree-lined streets, spacious parks, bilingual schools, good access to downtown and transit. Offers a village-like feel in parts (Monkland Village etc.). Ideal for families wanting calm but still connected. Samcon+1 | Parking can be tough; rent tends to be higher; in some parts finding larger units (3+ bedrooms) can be more challenging. |
| West Island (e.g. Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, Beaconsfield) | More suburban; often single-family homes or duplexes; excellent schools; plenty of parks; quieter atmosphere. Good if you don’t need to commute daily into downtown. Samcon+2Expat Exchange+2 | Transit connectivity is less robust (dependent more on driving or longer bus rides), and commuting downtown can be time-consuming; rents and prices may be higher for space. |
| Westmount | Prestigious, very safe; excellent schools; beautiful architecture; tranquil streets; plenty of services. Great choice if budget is less of a concern. sothebysrealty.ca+2Expat Exchange+2 | High cost; many properties are older and luxurious but expensive; less “youthful / trendy” than some other neighbourhoods. |
| Verdun | A good balance: more affordable with improving amenities; riverfront access; parks; walkable in many parts; increasingly popular with families. Montréal Déménage+2Montreal Aparthotel+2 | Some areas are still developing; depending on where exactly you are, you might have smaller units or older buildings; transit is good but commute times can vary. |
| Lachine, LaSalle | These give more of a suburban / quieter feel while still being part of the Island. Good for families that want space and peace. Schools and services are decent; often more house-like or townhouses. Montreal Aparthotel+1 | Further from downtown / core amenities; transit may be less frequent; you’ll need to plan travel time (for work, activities, etc.). |
What to Watch Out For / Trade-Offs
Even in great neighbourhoods, there are always trade-offs. Here are common ones:
- Rent vs space: Central / trendy areas give convenience, walkability, but often less space unless you pay more. If having 3+ bedrooms, private yard or large living area matters, you might need to compromise on location or pay more.
- Commute & transit: If one parent works downtown, factoring in time & cost of commute is crucial. Even good transit doesn’t always offset long distances.
- Language services: Quebec is French-dominant. While many services are bilingual, certain neighbourhoods have more English schools / services; that might matter depending on your family’s language preferences.
- Gentrification & cost creep: Areas that are becoming more popular tend to see rising rents. What is “affordable” today in some neighbourhoods may be noticeably more expensive in a few years.
- Noise, traffic, density: Proximity to main roads or nightlife districts can bring noise; older buildings may have less sound insulation. For families with young kids, this might be a consideration.
Tips for Finding the Right Rental
- Define a budget, including utilities, parking, transit costs.
- Prioritize: is it more important to have green space? Short commute? Top schools? More bedrooms?
- Visit in person (if possible) and at different times of day to feel safety, noise, traffic.
- Check school zones / daycare spots early—these fill up.
- Inspect the building: condition, amenities, maintenance history.
- Think ahead: how long you plan to stay; could the neighbourhood meet your evolving needs (more kids, school stages, etc.).
Sample Ranking (Based on Lifestyle)
Here’s a quick match-up depending on different family priorities:
| If you value… | Best Neighbourhood(s) |
|---|---|
| Safety + Upscale schooling + Quiet | Westmount, Outremont |
| Green space + good transit + moderate cost | Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, NDG, Villeray |
| More space, suburban feel, family homes | West Island, LaSalle, Lachine |
| Walkability + amenities nearby (shops, cafes) | Verdun, Plateau / Mile End (for more urban feel) |
Conclusion
Montreal offers many great neighbourhoods for families to rent, each with its own mix of benefits. If you want the best balance of affordability + amenities, Rosemont, Villeray, and NDG often come up near the top. For more space and quieter life, West Island or Lachine are excellent. For prestige or top schools, Westmount is hard to beat if budget allows.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Neighbourhoods in Montreal
What is the best neighbourhood in Montreal for families?
There is no single best one, but Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Villeray, NDG and Verdun are popular with renting families. They offer parks, schools, metro access and a calm residential feel.
Is Rosemont good for families?
Yes. Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie has many parks, family-friendly streets and access to the orange and blue metro lines. Maisonneuve Park and the Botanical Garden are close by for weekends.
Is Villeray a good place to raise kids?
Yes, for many families. Villeray has Jarry Park, local markets and good metro access on the orange and blue lines. It is usually more affordable than the Plateau for a larger unit.
Is NDG good for families?
Yes. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce has tree-lined streets, big parks and both English and French schools. Monkland Village has shops and cafés. It suits families who want a bilingual, residential area.
Is Verdun family-friendly?
Yes. Verdun has a long riverside park, a beach, quiet streets and the green metro line to downtown. It has become popular with young families looking for value close to the centre.
Which Montreal neighbourhoods have the best English schools?
Families looking for English schools often choose NDG, Westmount, Côte-des-Neiges or the West Island. Eligibility for English public school in Quebec depends on rules under the Charter of the French language.
Can my children go to English school in Quebec?
Only if they meet the eligibility rules, usually linked to a parent’s schooling in English in Canada. Most children attend French public schools. Check the Government of Quebec’s rules before choosing a neighbourhood.
Is the Plateau-Mont-Royal good for families?
It can be. The Plateau has parks like La Fontaine and a lively feel, but larger units are in demand and rents run higher. See our Plateau-Mont-Royal apartments.
What size apartment does a family need in Montreal?
Most families with two kids look for a 5½, which has three bedrooms. A couple with one baby may manage in a 4½. Bigger units are easier to find outside the most central areas.
How much is a 5½ in Montreal?
It varies a lot by neighbourhood, building and what is included. A 5½ in Outremont or Westmount usually costs more than one in Ahuntsic or LaSalle. Check our Montreal rent report for current trends.
Which Montreal neighbourhoods are cheapest for families?
Areas like Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Saint-Michel, LaSalle, Montréal-Nord and parts of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve often give more space for the money. Prices vary by building, so compare current listings.
Is the West Island good for families?
Yes, if you do not mind a longer commute. Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Beaconsfield are more suburban, with larger homes, many English services and plenty of parks. A car or the REM helps a lot.
Is Outremont good for families?
Yes, Outremont is quiet, green and close to Université de Montréal, with good schools nearby. Rents are generally higher, and larger units can be hard to find, so start looking early.
Can a landlord refuse to rent to a family with kids?
No. The Quebec Charter of human rights and freedoms bans refusing a tenant because they have children. If it happens, you can file a complaint with the Commission des droits de la personne.
Can a landlord ask families for a deposit?
No. Quebec landlords cannot ask anyone for a security or damage deposit. Only the first month’s rent may be requested in advance. Learn more at tal.gouv.qc.ca.
Which Montreal areas have the best parks for kids?
Rosemont (Maisonneuve Park), Villeray (Jarry Park), the Plateau (La Fontaine Park), NDG (Girouard and Benny parks) and Verdun’s riverside are favourites. Most boroughs also run free splash pads in summer.
Are Montreal apartments with a yard common?
Fairly common in duplexes and triplexes, especially on the ground floor in Rosemont, Villeray and Verdun. Ask whether the yard is private or shared and who handles snow removal in winter.
Is it easy to find daycare in Montreal?
Subsidized daycare spots are in high demand and waiting lists can be long. Register early with the Quebec government’s daycare registry, ideally before you move, and look at options near home and work.
When should families start looking for an apartment?
Start three to four months before your move, especially for July 1st moving day. Large units go fast, and many families want to settle before the school year starts.
Do family apartments in Montreal include heating?
Some do, especially in older buildings. Many family-size units use electric heating billed by Hydro-Québec. In a 5½, winter bills can add up, so ask for past bills before you sign.
Is Montreal a safe city for families?
Montreal is generally considered safe for a city its size, and family neighbourhoods tend to be quiet. Visit at different times, walk to the nearest school and park, and talk to neighbours.
How do families get around Montreal without a car?
Many families rely on the STM metro and buses, BIXI bikes and walking. Young children can ride the STM for free; check current STM fares for age rules. Living near a metro station and a grocery store makes car-free life easier.
Should a family rent near a metro line?
If you commute downtown, yes. Living near the orange, green or blue line saves time and money. Rosemont, Villeray and Verdun offer family-size units within walking distance of a station.
Is moving to Montreal with kids a good idea?
For many families, yes: parks, free festivals and lower rents than Toronto or Vancouver. Read our guide to moving to Montreal and our rent budgeting tips before you start.
Where can families find rentals in Montreal?
Browse our Montreal apartments for rent and filter for 4½ and 5½ units. You can also contact our team with your preferred neighbourhoods and move-in date.