Safe locations in Montreal, Quebec

[Bajan4Quebec]

Comment allez vous tous le monde?

I am a newbie to this forum.  I decided to join after I had read some of the most insightful comments that assisted me so far and perhaps to pose some questions of my own when the need arises.  I am from the Island of Barbados and I have secured David Cohen's firm in my migration process to represent me - not because I dont know english, or what forms to fill out; rather, I felt the representation will mitigate some of the stress associated with the migration process and its proven good so far.  I received my AOR in June 2011 after applying in May 2011.  The category im applying under is the QSW; I am fluent in English but a beginner in French at Alliance Francaise (currently enrolled to take the DELF A2 - for now).

nonetheless, I am at the stage of preparing ahead of time for any likely interview (no interview date is set yet but why wait until the last moment).  With that said I am putting together a dosier of where I intend to live in Quebec.  I know Montreal is diverse and this is why I am targeting this region.  But could anyone inform me of the following:

1) Safe communities in Montreal
2) Communities in Montreal where both English and French is spoken, so if I am stuck I could revert to English and be understood 
3) locations/names of schools where I could continue my French

Also, I plan to continue my PHd. schooling at Concordia or McGill University so I could be viewed as having Canadian education and upgrade to a better job as time progresses.

Thus, could anyone indicate living accomodations close to the said universities?

Thankyou (Merci et a bientot)

[lonelyinca]

1) Safe communities in Montreal
2) Communities in Montreal where both English and French is spoken, so if I am stuck I could revert to English and be understood 
3) locations/names of schools where I could continue my French

Also, I plan to continue my PHd. schooling at Concordia or McGill University so I could be viewed as having Canadian education and upgrade to a better job as time progresses.

Thus, could anyone indicate living accomodations close to the said universities?

Thankyou (Merci et a bientot)

1) Montreal in general is safe. The unsafe community which I would neccesarliy not avoid but people tend to give it a bad name is Montreal North (searh montreal north riot).. Other than that, anywhere on the island you will feel welcomed.

2) The more west of the island you go, more english speaking community you will find but most of us are bilingual so you will have no problem anywhere especially closer to the centre you are (downtown). North / North east is relatively more french speaking though.

3) I believe the government offers or recommends french courses held at UDM... Other than you can attend any adult centre/cegep/university and pay for french courses. I'd check out the government offerings first though.

Living near a university is a very tough choice for a student because these are in downtown and living expenses are high. Fortunately Montreal's transit system is really accessible by train, metro and bus.

[Bajan4Quebec]

 @  Lonelyinca

Je vous remerci pour l'information

[angeleye]

hey lonelyinca

I am planning to land in montreal in April this year, can you pls guide me how can i serach for affordable apartments?

angeleye

[lonelyinca]

Don't have much experience in looking for apartments but I would start first by where I would want to live... near downtown? near schools? metro? etc...

Depends where you're staying, look around the area first.. you can check local newspapers, including the gazette, metro..etc Don't forget to ask those you know, word of mouth is key.

[angeleye]

thank you my frd

[a]

thank you my frd

Hello there,

Hows ur federal process going??? I know egrace live in cote de neiges or something and one of the forum member got a sister living close to egrace and she said that its quite a good place and not so expensive.... Hope this help.

All the best for your new life there. Please do keep in touch.

A.

[angeleye]

Hello there,

Hows ur federal process going??? I know egrace live in cote de neiges or something and one of the forum member got a sister living close to egrace and she said that its quite a good place and not so expensive.... Hope this help.

All the best for your new life there. Please do keep in touch.

A.

hey thanks alot my frd. yes im waiting for passport request. had a contact wid egrace and caribgrl, they both are living in cote des neiges.

[a]

angel,

thats good to know... im sure you'll have it by first quarter of 2012.    also dont forget to keep us posted and keep in touch.  hope to see you there. congrats and good luck to all of us.

A.

[angeleye]

best of luck to you too buddy !

[a]

 @  angel

thanks much friend.  tc n gb


A.

[shekhawatmx]

you can live in furnished apartments in downtown for starting few months and then shift to place of ur choice.
most of south Asians live in PARK area and rentals are very low there,you can get 1 bedroom for 400 to 700 CAD including hydro but most of the buildings/blocks are old.

plz refer below link house hunt.
http://montreal.en.craigslist.ca/apa/

[sanusiremi]

 @   all landed seniors,
Please I need an apartment( a one bedroom) in cote des Negris for a few months (1 or 2). I have been repeatedly advised to search online, the ones I got are in the east side and the agents involved  advised me to go west-ward. Please can anyone help me out? A member of the forum in Montreal is actually helping in this regard (he is ready to help checkout any online choice i make) The problem is I found it difficult to make a choice. this is because, take for an example a building with 99 units (flats ) and a vacant one bed room is advertised, how do one check out who his to-be neighbors will be? (security wise) I strongly feel this matters a lot so that one does not pay for an apartment that one will be so scared to live in.   I need help please. I plan landing in early march please.

Thank you all