West Islands montreal

[shahzadchowdhry]

Hi guys,
I just wanted to know where is the best place to stay in West islands in terms of metro, cheap housing (Max $ 700 per month with utilities), safety and close to amenities. Most important, where it is easy to find survival for bilingual or english speaking only.
Regards
Shahzad

 

[JGK]

The metro system doesn't travel out as far as what is commonly regarded as the West Island.

There are bus services that connect to metro stations and there is a commuter rail line from downtown that follows the southern edge of the island through Lachine, Dorval, Point Claire, Beaconsfield and St Anne de Bellvue.

I think you'll struggle to find accommodation at that price anywhere near the transport links. $700/ month was a "going rate" in some areas when I left the west island in 2007. By the way I was there for 6 years and managed to get by with very little french ability. However If you can learn your life will have so many more opportunities there.

 

[shahzadchowdhry]

Hi JSK,
Thanks alot for the information. I am thinking of looking for apartment in an anglophone area such as beaconsfied, kirkland or dorval before moving out somewhere else. I am hoping there are survival jobs in those areas where i can use only english at the beginning. I ve started to learn french.
Regards
Shahzad

 

[PommeDeRoute]

Hi,

I wouldn't worry about living in an all anglo area. I'm sure that you would get by with English only even in the most francophone areas of the city (Petite Patrie, East Side). The West Island is pretty far if you don't drive, especially places like Kirkland or Beaconsfield. While it is possible to take the train to some of these areas, it can get expensive.

If you are looking for anglo areas that are closer try:

NDG
Cote-des Neiges
Downtown
Lasalle

These places tend to be mixed with a high immigrant population. They are well served by the metro and there is lots of English spoken. As I say, though, don't worry about where you live even if you don't speak much French. The real trick will be trying to find a job with little French.

P.d.R.

 

[shahzadchowdhry]

Hi PommeDeRoute,
Thanks. I will try to research on the places u told me. Its always good to save as much money as u can especially for new immigrants in terms of housing or transport. As u said, the thing is to find a job with minimal french and I thought the wise option was west islands.
Regards
Shahzad

 

[shahzadchowdhry]

Hi PommeDeRoute,
I have searching about these two places u mentioned: NDG and Cote-des Neiges and I found them quite interesting and alot better in terms of amenities (But its only internet based search). R u living in Montreal. I will really appreciate if you can tell me more abt those places. anyone else staying in those areas, please contribute

Regards
Shahzad

 

[shahzadchowdhry]

Hello everyone,
I was just checking the rent of apartments in west islands. The apartments are more than expensive in west islands than those in CDN- NDG areas (especially near concordia uni). Initially, the area I was looking at was Gatineau-Hull. However, now I am leaning towards Montreal coz i heard there are more survival jobs there. But, now confused abt where in Montreal. I have seen there is 1 1/2 apartment starting at $500 in CDN where as in west islands starting at $700. My budget for rent is max $700. I would really appreciate if someone could tell me which area has better jobs opportunities, and also better for families.
Regards
Shahzad