“You can’t be serious! You’re really planning to raise your children on the island?”

So exclaims Sophia, my best friend, when I announce that my kids will not be growing up in the suburbs. She’s sitting in my living room, holding my baby, and challenging me … as usual.

“Life is way too stressful in the city!”

Well Sophia, I have news for you. Have you ever heard of LaSalle?

Nature in the city

Between you and me, choosing the neighbourhood where I want to settle with my little family is a priority. And just like almost everything else that is important in life, it’s really just a question of balance.

To begin with, LaSalle has its own appeal: the duplexes and triplexes lining the streets are charming, especially with their typical Montreal outdoor staircases from the sixties, giving the impression that you’re walking in the landscape from a postcard. It would be hard to find a better place to push a stroller.

What’s more, the neighbourhood is full of places to stretch your legs: parks with water games for the kids, pools, outdoor rinks (and indoor arenas for frozen parents), sports centres, community gardens … and of course there is Parc des Rapides with 30 acres of waterfront green space. Had you forgotten, my dear Sophia, that Montreal is an island after all? When you wander along the water’s edge, flirting with the herons, whether by foot or cross-country skis, there is no doubt that you are practically in the country, with all the benefits of peace and tranquility.

A city in nature

On the other hand, you don’t have to look far to find all the restaurants along Newman Blvd just waiting to welcome you when you don’t feel like dirtying your pots and pans – and the choice is practically endless. If you’re in the mood for doing some shopping next, you’ll want to try the variety of shops and boutiques on Dollard Ave, rain or shine. And if you’re looking for the millionth package of diapers or for a new suit for the office—whatever you need—just take a walk down the street and you’ll find yourself at Carrefour Angrignon.

No doubt about it: you’re in the city, with all the advantages of the city.

Besides all that, in LaSalle you find yourself surrounded by some of the little-known treasures of Montreal. So whether it’s the amazing Octogone library and its large youth section, or the historic Fleming windmill, you will come to discover, as I have, that you are in one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Montreal.

Like I said, it’s all about balance!

Living in LaSalle, in this quiet corner so close to the energy of downtown, gives new meaning to the term “quality of life.” So you can imagine, Sophia, why I want my children to grow up here.