The traditional cradle of the anglophone community in Quebec, Westmount has what it takes to seduce expats: proximity to downtown, charming residences on the heights of Mount Royal, luxury boutiques, and prestigious schools. However, it requires a certain level of affluence as Westmount is on the list of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Canada.

Situated, as its name suggests, on the western flank of Mount Royal, Westmount is independent of the city of Montreal despite being surround by it. The inhabitants of Westmount cultivate the English exception. The language, origins, attitudes, architecture, urbanism, and even the lawns (!) reflect the Anglo-Saxon culture.

More or less homogenous, the population of Westmount is well-off and educated, and generally shares traditional values. For example, many parents choose to give their children a private education despite the exceptional quality of the public schools there.

Naturally, what makes Westmount special is its stock of real estate. In Lower Westmount, more dense luxury apartments and well-aligned small houses remain (relatively) affordable. On the other hand, prices and quality rises as one climbs the hill. Sumptuous villas and manors offer themselves to (or hide from in some cases) the eyes of the curious who come to walk around Westmount just to admire the luxury and splendour of its houses.

My day in Westmount: tea with a commanding view of downtown, instructions to the hired help, and a shopping spree.

• Density of 5,000 inhabitants/km²: Westmount cultivates its chic residential side.
• Rapid access downtown via city bus. In the heights, it’s more difficult to live without a car.
• The life of the neighbourhood is in Lower Westmount around Sherbrooke and Greene streets: pretty boutiques and delicatessens.
• The luxury boutiques of the Golden Square Mile and the Museum District are close by.
• Direct access to Mount Royal Park and to the McGill University Health Centre.

My home in Westmount is without a doubt among the most expensive properties in Quebec!

• To buy, it’s difficult to find anything less expensive than two millions… To rent, count on a minimum of $2800 per month for an apartment of 1-2 bedrooms and around $5500 for a house with 3 bedrooms and parking.
• 41% single family homes, townhouses, or manors in the heights. A lot of options in wealthy apartment buildings with 5 floors or more. Grey stone architecture gives Westmount an English flair…
• 67% of buildings constructed before 1960. There is a large disparity in the level of renovation. You can find both charming apartments with historical prestige, and splendid houses designed by ultra-modern architects in Westmount.

My neighbours in Westmount: executives, professionals, titans of finance, well-off anglophone families.

• 63% of the population has a university education, and 38% of inhabitants earn more than $150,000 per year. Westmount is a very privileged environment.
• With 28% immigrants, above all Americans, Westmount is average for Montreal. 69% of inhabitants are self-described anglophones.
• 45% of families are couples with children. A family-friendly neighbourhood without a doubt!

My children in Westmount: excellent public schools and a plethora of private options without any compromise on the quality of life!

• A dozen private schools, coed or not, bilingual or not, religious or not, enough to satisfy the most discerning parents!
• 1 francophone public school and 2 anglophone public schools.
• Bilingual daycares and stimulating preschools.
• Beautiful parks and a ton of cultural and sporting activities are available for the entire family.