What is so Montréal?

[DenisZim]

Montreal has a distinct quality to it. I think it's because I've lived here all my life.. it's a medium size city that tourists keep reducing to the old port, yet it's really easy to discover new neighborhoods which all have their unique flavor.

The fact that it's an island is interesting in itself. We don't live near a large lake or the ocean, but it's nice to be surrounded by water. We do have some nice parks and I think what's really interesting about them is their atmosphere rather than their beauty.

We have many festivals and they are easily accessible. Lots of cool venues and things to do.

I do want to leave Montreal one day but I'm glad I'm here instead of, say, Ottawa....

"I think it's because I've lived here all my life"
This explains everything.
For me Montreal is great universities and career development.
For what you mentioned (Good music, fashionable people, amazing Street art, a nice restaurant scene, night life.) Europe offers the best from each one. Why I wrote this, because without a contrast, everything exists in isolation, making evaluation impossible. This is a respectful comment.

 

[urquell]

"I think it's because I've lived here all my life"
This explains everything.
For me Montreal is great universities and career development.
For what you mentioned (Good music, fashionable people, amazing Street art, a nice restaurant scene, night life.) Europe offers the best from each one. Why I wrote this, because without a contrast, everything exists in isolation, making evaluation impossible. This is a respectful comment.

This also requires context. Music is not a city trait, as it's generally accepted (with some exceptions but I don't think that's what we're talking about here), so probably shouldn't be added in either. Also, Europe is not a city. If you wish to compare then use apples and oranges and compare city to city, and say which city offers the best of each (fashion/restaurants/nightlife/street art etc). I suspect you'll also find that you need to contextualize some cultural barriers in the discussion if you wish to do that kind of comparison, because I'm pretty sure that once you step away from just Europe and Montreal that there are going to be a lot of asians, latins and africans who disagree with your stance on Europe because of cultural preferences, especially with regards to music. You should probably pick cities which as a whole better represent those things as a package. While you might be correct you're bound to get some pushback from loyal Montrealers! lol

I was born and raided in Montreal but have lived in a number of different places and am now back here. I wouldn't qualify Montreal as the best in any single category that has been mentioned, but taken as a whole it used to be a very vibrant city with good representation in all of those areas. I no longer think that's as much the case as in the past given the deterioration of much of the infrastructure and cultural life here, but still, there are worse places to be.

 

[DenisZim]

This also requires context. Music is not a city trait, as it's generally accepted (with some exceptions but I don't think that's what we're talking about here), so probably shouldn't be added in either. Also, Europe is not a city. If you wish to compare then use apples and oranges and compare city to city, and say which city offers the best of each (fashion/restaurants/nightlife/street art etc). I suspect you'll also find that you need to contextualize some cultural barriers in the discussion if you wish to do that kind of comparison, because I'm pretty sure that once you step away from just Europe and Montreal that there are going to be a lot of asians, latins and africans who disagree with your stance on Europe because of cultural preferences, especially with regards to music. You should probably pick cities which as a whole better represent those things as a package. While you might be correct you're bound to get some pushback from loyal Montrealers! lol

I was born and raided in Montreal but have lived in a number of different places and am now back here. I wouldn't qualify Montreal as the best in any single category that has been mentioned, but taken as a whole it used to be a very vibrant city with good representation in all of those areas. I no longer think that's as much the case as in the past given the deterioration of much of the infrastructure and cultural life here, but still, there are worse places to be.

1970 my father was 20 years old. At that time, he was working in Montreal on a ship that ran cruises along the Saint Lawrence River. He was responsible for guest relations because he spoke both French and English (however, he was from Europe, not Canada). He was engaged, but on the day before the wedding, he got scared and returned to Europe so that his parents wouldn’t be targeted. After that, between 1976 and 1980, he had the opportunity to visit most cities in Europe and Australia. Years later, in his own words, Montreal remained one of the most beautiful cities for him back then.
Unfortunately, nowadays, under the pressure of a specific immigration policy, the beautiful and romantic Montreal is just a faint memory. To compare cities, here is a short list of favorite places in Europe that include all these components — Florence, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Rovinj. I had the opportunity to audit some of the most brilliant minds and what they created in Montreal. I met wonderful people in Montreal, and as I write this, I feel rather sad about what is happening in modern-day Montreal.
Yes, with my hand on my heart, I admit that when I hear the words beach, museum, or food, I imagine completely different things. Look at Andalusia — a whole region that is a museum. Look at Positano, which is home to some of the most exquisite restaurants in the world, offering a world-class culinary experience overlooking the Amalfi Coast. The sad truth is that more and more high-quality people are leaving Montreal and Canada. A stone always weighs heavy in its own place, so you are right for yourself.

 

[Fradi]

I still think Montreal is an amazing city to live in and to raise a family.
It is by far the best in Canada.

Having said that if I didn’t have all my children and grandchildren living here I would move to Central Europe, either Budapest or Vienna, maybe even Prague. Living conditions in Budapest are 30-40% less expensive.

Life in these cities is more lively, many more cultural events and you can visit different countries and cultures within a couple of hours drive.
Flights are dirt cheap you can get a return flight between Rome and Budapest for under $100 CDN. Driving is an easy option also, although I wouldn’t want to drive the streets of Positano as an example.

 

[Lunaseraphim]

Yeah I'd rather live somewhere else but this isn't the point of this thread lol

 

[S.S neo]

Waiting for the bus, Waiting for the bus, Waiting for the bus ... oh it’s coming ... damn it’s full can’t hop up ... Waiting for the bus, Waiting for the bus, Waiting for the bus. ..

 

[LeDodo]

Waiting for the bus, Waiting for the bus, Waiting for the bus ... oh it’s coming ... damn it’s full can’t hop up ... Waiting for the bus, Waiting for the bus, Waiting for the bus. ..

You can turn it into a nursery song: the wait for the bus is long long long, long long long, the wait for the bus is long long long, so damn long

 

[Halloween Mike]

As someone who lived his life in a small town in the "Eastern Township"/Estrie its crazy how Montreal look foreign ...lol

Even 15 years ago it baffled me.

Lol

For us Montreal looks like we kinda stepping in a different Country. ... Yes i can still use french but its not "uncomun" if i go somewhere that they don't speak it.

And its not just that. If you grown up in my town it feels like these movies you seen ... All is simple. No worries. Almost everyone knowns everyone.

Then you get to Montreal and .

Wahhooouu you in for a culture shock almost as hard as getting to Japan...

 

[LeDodo]

As someone who lived his life in a small town in the "Eastern Township"/Estrie its crazy how Montreal look foreign ...lol

Even 15 years ago it baffled me.

Lol

For us Montreal looks like we kinda stepping in a different Country. ... Yes i can still use french but its not "uncomun" if i go somewhere that they don't speak it.

And its not just that. If you grown up in my town it feels like these movies you seen ... All is simple. No worries. Almost everyone knowns everyone.

Then you get to Montreal and .

Wahhooouu you in for a culture shock almost as hard as getting to Japan...

It's funny what you are saying because I have friends living in NYC but like not in Manhattan/in the island. When they say they go to the island it sounds like a trip to another country too!
But for me I don't make a difference lol