« Montreal may be great for going out, but it’s not a good place to settle down.” Really? I have news for you. You want to live in the city, raise your kids, and enjoy the nightlife without going broke? It can be done!

Take a spin around Côte-des-Neiges and you’ll see what I mean. Yes, there is life on the blue line, and it’s a pretty good life at that. This little known area of the city has everything to attract new parents, young professionals, students and newly arrived families.

All in the family

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Today, more than 164,000 people have laid claim to this neighbourhood, including families, university students and a wide variety of cultural communities. Merged with Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, this is the sector with the highest number of families with children in Montreal. It has residential flavour, affordable housing, and the presence of top-quality schools … it almost makes one want to give up the single life and settle down.

This neighbourhood offers all the activities you will need to keep your children happy during summer holidays: 32 parks, public swimming pools and water games. In the winter, you can take advantage of the many skating rinks and activities available in Mont Royal Park. If you’re looking for a romantic evening of skating, or just a chance to see the little ones fall on their behinds, it’s worth the outing.

Diversity 'r' us

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For those whose life is more « coffee and books » than « bottles and diapers, » remember that Université de Montréal, HEC Montréal and the Polytechnique are all in Côte-des-Neiges. You will also find what you need to satisfy your thirst for culture and outings. You can finish off a musical evening at the Maison de la culture or a museum visit with a glass of wine. From sushi to Caribbean cuisine, by way of a good Irish beer, there is no lack of choice. But Côte-des-Neiges multi-culturalism is in no way limited to its dining opportunities. The communities that are established here hail from all five continents and live together harmoniously. You only have to step out of your door to meet up with some fascinating people.

Even though there are so many of us in Côte-des-Neiges, doesn’t mean we are tripping over each other. Community spirit is everywhere, and the landscape, whether it’s the magnificent view of Mont Royal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory or friendly faces, is as attractive as the affordable housing. Living in a residential neighbourhood right next door to our suit-and-tie colleagues downtown and our hipster friends on the Plateau is just about ideal.

So whether you’re a stroller-pusher or a Moka-sipper, give the Blue line a try, and come visit the big Côte-des-Neiges family. It’s easy. No excuses. We’ll be waiting.