The best places to live in Quebec in 2025 are Saint‑Bruno‑de‑Montarville, Westmount, Mont‑Royal, Saint‑Lambert, and Boucherville. These cities offer a combination of safety, quality schools, green spaces, and access to Montreal — making them ideal for families, professionals, and retirees.
Quebec is the largest Canadian province by land area, offering a vast range of lifestyle options — from quiet riverfront towns and vibrant suburbs to historic cities rich in French-Canadian culture. Whether you’re a young professional, retiree, or newcomer seeking better work-life balance, Quebec provides a wide selection of welcoming communities.
Montreal is Quebec’s economic and cultural hub, and most of the cities on this list are just a short drive or commute from it — giving residents the benefits of big-city life with the charm and safety of smaller towns. These cities consistently rank high in quality of life, access to healthcare, green space, affordability, and community spirit.
Here are five of the best places to live in Quebec in 2025.
1. Saint-Bruno-De-Montarville
This scenic Montreal suburb is located on the South Shore of the Saint Lawrence River and is one of Quebec’s most livable small cities. Situated at the foot of Mont Saint‑Bruno, it gives residents easy access to a national park, hiking trails, and a ski hill — perfect for nature lovers and active families.
Saint‑Bruno boasts high homeownership, excellent schools, and strong public services. It consistently receives high satisfaction ratings for safety, cleanliness, and quality of life. Many families are drawn to the peaceful residential vibe and proximity to Montreal’s job market.
- Population: ~27,000
- Average Household Income: ~$106,000
- Average Home Price (2025): $800,000 to $1.4 million
- Unemployment Rate: ~2.7%
- Crime Rate: ~1.5% (very low)
- Average Age: ~46
- Language: Primarily French (85%)
- Highlights: Great schools, nearby ski resorts, excellent for raising a family
2. Westmount
Westmount is a prestigious and historic neighbourhood located within Montreal’s city limits. Known for its stately mansions, English-speaking schools, manicured parks, and upscale shopping districts, it has long been associated with affluence and influence.
The city is ideal for professionals, diplomats, and families who value a refined urban environment with top-tier amenities. Its tree-lined streets and protected green spaces make it feel like a village within the city. However, its high cost of living may put it out of reach for some buyers.
- Population: ~21,200
- Average Household Income: ~$109,000
- Average Home Price (2025): Starting at $1 million; luxury homes reach $6 million+
- Unemployment Rate: ~4%
- Crime Rate: ~0.78% (extremely low)
- Demographics: Mostly professionals; average age ~46
- Language: ~70% English-speaking
- Highlights: Private clubs, top-ranked schools, elegant lifestyle, heritage homes
3. Mont-Royal
TMR is a master-planned community in the heart of the Island of Montreal. Known for its green boulevards and family-oriented layout, Mont-Royal blends convenience, tranquility, and luxury. It was originally designed as a “garden city” and still lives up to that name today.
Families here enjoy proximity to downtown, walkable streets, playgrounds, and excellent schools — both French and English. The real estate is competitive, but many consider it well worth the investment for long-term comfort and community.
- Population: ~21,960
- Average Household Income: ~$118,700
- Average Home Price (2025): $425,000 to $1.7 million
- Unemployment Rate: ~4%
- Crime Rate: ~0.78%
- Demographics: >50% families with children; ~70% married couples
- Language: Bilingual (French & English)
- Highlights: Transit access, parks, quiet atmosphere, strong civic services
4. Saint-Lambert
Saint‑Lambert sits just across the river from Montreal and offers a cozy, village-like setting with a strong sense of identity. It’s known for its heritage homes, leafy streets, vibrant cultural life, and riverside location.
The community is diverse, and many residents choose to stay long-term. The charming downtown area features local shops, cafés, and weekly markets, and there's a healthy mix of French and English speakers. Residents benefit from easy access to public transit and major highways.
- Population: ~30,000
- Cost of Living: ~16% below Canadian average
- Demographics: Many older adults and families; average age ~50
- Language: Bilingual, with a strong Anglophone heritage
- Home Prices (2025): Ranges from $425,000 (condos) to $3.8 million+ (riverfront homes)
- Highlights: Walkable streets, access to Montreal, community events, historic charm
5. Boucherville
Just 18 km from downtown Montreal, Boucherville offers residents a peaceful, suburban lifestyle with all the amenities of a modern city. It's ideal for families, retirees, and professionals who want more space without sacrificing proximity to employment centres.
Boucherville is well-planned, with great schools, low crime, and a large industrial park that supports local jobs. The city is also environmentally conscious and offers lots of outdoor options like biking trails, waterfront parks, and nature reserves.
- Population: ~43,000
- Average Home Price (2025): $600,000–$750,000
- Employment: ~23,000 jobs in local industrial zone
- Homeownership Rate: >87%
- Crime Rate: Very low
- Lifestyle: Calm, family-focused, environmentally active
- Highlights: Affordable housing, job opportunities, proximity to downtown Montreal
Why These Cities Stand Out in 2025
- Safety: Quebec City (incl. Lévis and surroundings), Sherbrooke, Saguenay, and Lévis frequently rank among Canada’s safest municipalities — all with lower-than-average crime severity indices.
- Affordability: Lévis, Sherbrooke, Boucherville, Saguenay and Sainte‑Julie offer lower entry prices compared to Montreal and Toronto markets.
- Quality of Life: Quebec City metro (Quebec + Lévis), Sherbrooke, Laval, Sainte‑Julie, and Rouyn‑Noranda dominate national well‑being and life‑satisfaction rankings.
- Proximity & Commute: Suburbs like Saint‑Bruno, Saint‑Lambert, Westmount, and Boucherville offer Metro or commuter rail access into Montreal, often within a 30–45 minute ride.
- Demographics: Many feature established family communities, strong schools, and generational stability, with rising appeal for newcomers and retirees alike.
FAQs About Living in Quebec
Looking for answers before moving to Quebec? These frequently asked questions cover safety, cost of living, language, and more — everything you need to decide which city fits your lifestyle in 2025.
Lévis, Saint‑Bruno‑de‑Montarville, and Saguenay are consistently ranked among the safest cities in Quebec based on low crime severity indexes and strong community policing.
Boucherville and Saint‑Lambert are top retirement picks for their quiet neighbourhoods, healthcare access, and proximity to Montreal.
Lévis and Saguenay often offer the lowest living costs, including lower housing and utility prices compared to southern urban centres.
Yes, Westmount is one of the most expensive places to live in Quebec, with home prices starting at $1 million and climbing well beyond.
Absolutely. TMR is known for its excellent schools, safe environment, and family-oriented community design.
Yes, but it’s easier in areas like Westmount, Saint‑Lambert, and parts of Montreal. However, learning French is essential for integration and employment.
Saint‑Bruno‑de‑Montarville, Boucherville, and Mont‑Royal are top suburban choices for families and professionals.
Quebec City offers a slower pace, historic charm, and lower cost of living, but Montreal is more cosmopolitan and diverse.
Montreal, Brossard, and Laval are top destinations for immigrants due to multicultural communities and newcomer services.
Yes, Boucherville is just a short 30-minute drive or bus ride from downtown Montreal, making it ideal for daily commuters.
No Question: The Best Cities to Live in Quebec
Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, or lifestyle, the cities in this list represent the best that Quebec has to offer. From luxurious Westmount to laid-back Boucherville, each location offers something unique — be it affordability, green space, heritage charm, or access to high-quality education and healthcare.
What they all share is a strong sense of community and an excellent standard of living.
If you’re moving to Quebec, be sure to check out our mortgage comparison page. Insurdinary can help you find the best rate when you buy your new home in one of our great Quebec neighbourhoods.
