Outremont’s shops, green spaces
An affluent, architecturally rich community with an extremely diverse population
Nestled at the foot of Mount Royal, Outremont is one of the most architecturally rich boroughs in the city of Montreal. The affluent community is well known for its prestigious heritage homes, winding roads, and mature green spaces.
With just 23,566 residents, it’s also renowned for its tight-knit, neighbourhood feeling.
“The quality of life in Outremont truly stands out,” said Marie CinqMars, borough mayor. “Residents love their community; they take care of it, and of one another.”
Add to that its many parks, green spaces, and cultural centres, and it’s no surprise that Outremont is considered by many to be an ideal place to raise a family.
“The services offered to young families and children in Outremont is essential to who we are as a community,” Cinq-Mars said.
This includes recreational and sporting activities organized by the borough, in addition to service outlets such as the local library and art gallery.
Opened in 1929, the Outremont Theatre is a cultural staple in the area, renowned for its historical significance well beyond the borders of Montreal. It’s a jewel in the community, appreciated and visited by residents of all ages.
The diversity among the population of Outremont is another one of its defining characteristics.
“The community is unique and special in the sense that it is one of the most diverse communities in the city,” said Saguy Elbaz, realestate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty Québec.
Residents love their community; they take care of it, and of one another. MAYOR MARIE CINQMARS
“There is an incredible mix of anglophones, francophones, and the Hasidic Jewish community that all contribute to this wonderful neighbourhood.”
It is not only the diverse population that makes the area so unique, but the variety of businesses operating there as well.
“You’ll find a great deal of trendy shops and boutiques, great bakeries, cafés and restaurants with beautiful terraces; in the summer, they’re always filled with people,” Saguy Elbaz said. “The area also offers wonderful landscaping, beautiful parks and is in walking distance to Mount Royal; the neighbourhood has a residential feeling, but also provides great services.”
In fact, with three streets known as Montreal landmarks — Laurier, Bernard, and Van Horne Aves. — Outremont leaves little to be desired from a commercial standpoint.
The community’s location close to the downtown core also means that residents benefit from the convenience of city living, while being cosily tucked away in their neighbourhood.
“Having direct access to Mount Royal is also a big draw for residents,” Mayor Cinq-Mars said.
“It adds to the beauty and prestige of the community, without question.”
The health of the real-estate market in Outremont is another strong feature. It has always been a sought-after place to live, and its interesting mix of properties means that there’s something for everyone in Outremont — whether you’re looking for a condo, or a marquee property.
That said, the area is best known for historic homes, such as the four-bedroom stone property on Maplewood Ave., listed for $3.25 million.
Originally constructed in 1944,
the home was fully renovated over the last few years.
A fully renovated eight-room townhouse on Terrasse les Hautvilliers, originally built in 1977, is on the market for $939,000.
“The area provides a classic Old World charm mixed with modern details,” Elbaz said. “Although many of the homes are old structures, the buildings have been upgraded to include more modern features.
“It’s common to see beautiful original woodwork throughout the homes, integrated with fully renovated kitchens and bathrooms. The result is a seamless mix of the old with the new, and that’s what makes it so desirable.”
In addition to these properties, a handful of recently built condo developments offer some more affordable options for buyers.
For instance, a two-bedroom condo on Bates Rd., built in 2003, is going for $635,000. And a threebedroom condo on Querbes Ave. is listed for $439,000.