To live in Montreal...

[riguy]

Hi guys:

Maybe this is off topic, but I'm looking at a job relocation to Montreal. Now I know what the city has to offer in the way of sexual adventures, and I know that there are a lot of other great things about the city too! I'm french-canadian in heritage, had some college french, am looking for the urban (but safe) lifestyle--and an affordable one at that. But I'd appreciate some feedback from any expats or native Montrealers about things like:
What is considered a decent, middle class income? I make mid-high 40's US, but in the greater Boston area thats chump change. What would an equitable salary be up there (biotech, several years experience, supervisor level). And what kind of buying power does that give me after taxes, etc.?
Dual citizenship? Does that still exist?
Credit card/banking issues? 401K equivalent?

Thanks, any responses that can help me make a well informed decision will be appreciated!

 

[Red Paul]

Dual citizenship exists. I've met 2 Americans here in Montreal who became Canadian citizens while keeping their U.S. citizenship.

 

[chowhound]

dual citizens

I believe that Canada has always recognized dual citizens (or at least in my lifetime). The US, however, only recently (within the past 10 years or so) began recogonizing duals, as there was a time that any one who declared themselves a citizen of another country automatically lost their US citizenship. You should check with the state department for specific details. I recall that serving in a foreign military may still cause your US citizenship to evaporate... so there are probably some other restrictions of which you should be aware.

 

[riguy]

Hi everyone:

I'm picking up on thread I started a few months ago. At the time I was looking at moving to/working in Montreal. Well, now its official--I AM moving to Montreal!
It still seems a little unreal. When I visited in the past I always thought to myself what a fantastic city Montreal is and fantasized about living there (well, here). And I mean more than the obvious sexual delights to be had here. Who would have thought (not me) that I work in a field that is "in demand" in Quebec, and that the whole red-tape nightmare of immigration would be streamlined because of that.

I have lived in/around Seattle/Tacoma, Providence, grew up outside of Boston, but Montreal is the real deal as far as I'm concerned. Great culture, still relatively affordable, safer than any other city of the same size and population, gorgeous woman, close to Vermont (hey, I have friends there).

So now I need to deal with the reality of it all. Be carefull what you wish for and all that. First, I need to be disciplined with my finances and remember I'm not here for a weekend and able to blow hundred$$ on strippers, escorts and booze (not necessarily in that order). I think I'm going to focus more on the massage scene. Thanks to all the great info from everyone on that thread! I like the idea of an hour or so of pure relaxation and coddling by a cute girl with a happy ending.

When I was last in the city for my interview, I explored the city with a different focus, i.e, where I would want to live. (As opposed to "where is that strip club/massage place from the board?") The Plateau seemed pretty cool, but I know its expensive and not the easiest place to park a car. It reminded me a lot of the Back Bay in Boston. The area around Atwater Metro, foot of the Mt. seemed pretty nice, don't know about prices. I didn't get to NDG, but people and research seem to say that would be a good neighborhood, too. Any advice from the locals? Are there language barriers inherent to each neighborhood? Safety factors to consider? Price, of course is important. I want a decent place, but I don't want to spend a fortune either. Is $650-$750 per month reasonable (probably not for the Plateau) to live in/around downtown? I want the whole urban experience: subway/bike/walk the majority of time, grab a bite or drink at 2:00am, bar hop, have a decent apartment to bring a date back to.
Forgive me for rambling. I've learned a lot from the various posters on this great site over the months and appreciate everyone's depth of knowledge. I'm basicly thinking out loud and throwing things out there. Any advice or comments, don't hesitat to reply.

Thanks for bearing with me,

Riguy (but not for much longer)

 

[Happydan]

To live in a decent place downtown think of $900 - $1200 a month (It also depends on what you think is decent) for a 3 1/2 to 4 1/2. Ville st-laurent is a nice area not far from downtown and cheaper Snowdon is also more affordable

We also have a very good subway system so going downtown by subway may be a good idea. Also where are you working if it's on the west island, It would be crazy to live downtown.

 

[riguy]

"We also have a very good subway system so going downtown by subway may be a good idea. Also where are you working if it's on the west island, It would be crazy to live downtown."

Thanks HappyDan and everyone else;

I'm working in St. Laurent off of Decarie. Is that the "west island". When I interviewed it didn't seem too difficult to and from downtown.

Hey, I forgot to ask something before: Where is the best place to watch NFL football--CFL too, for that matter? And more importantly, what about football cards, pools, and other betting formats that make football season so special? In the past I've gone to a sports bar on St. Laurent the name of which escapes me at the moment (2nd floor, lots of TV's, decent food). I've been to Moes's, but that seems to be pre-hockey or wrestling stop before heading to the Belle Centre (and what the hell happened to cause the great and historic name Molson to disapear?).

Speaking of bars--at least I am-- has anyone been to a place called the St. Elizabeth? just off St. Catherine towards St. Denis. Some friends and I stumbled in one night last year and it was filled with the hottest collection of filles this side of L'Axe. Clothed, unfortunatley. Pretty cool place with the outdoor terrace and such. Walked past a bunch of places on St. Laurent that just seemed way too pretentious for my tastes. Good bar on St. Denis that brews Czech beer. Been to most bars on Crescent, last time up I popped into Biddles and really enjoyed myself. Nice, more mature crowd, good music, ok food. The Irish bar at the foot of University has always been a good time. I have just recently rediscovered my love of beer and am looking forward to trying some of the brewpubs I have been reading about.

 

[LDS]

The bar you mentioned is called Champs. And yes, IMO, it's the best place in town to watch football.

 

[ManAboutTown]

Montreal isn't a "big" city when compared to many others, the total travel time from any point on the island (except extreme easy and extreme west) to downtown is never much more than an hour by bus and metro, often less. St Laurent to downtown by car without traffic is 15-20 minutes, with traffic maybe 35-45 minutes. There are alot of apartments, condos, and houses in the area, and generally is a pretty safe place, and a reasonable drunken taxi ride home from downtown clubs!

MATt