Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Canada

Living in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce feels like a quieter slice of Montreal, but with enough English-speaking convenience to ease the transition for expats. The neighborhood is split into two distinct wards—Loyola to the west and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce to the east—each with its own vibe. Sherbrooke Street West is the main drag, lined with shops, cafes, and essentials, making it easy to settle in without needing to venture far.

NDG’s borders with Westmount and Côte-Saint-Luc add a touch of suburban calm, but don’t expect complete isolation. The area is still very much part of Montreal’s urban fabric, with the Saint-Jacques Escarpment framing the southern edge. One friction point: winter here is no joke, and navigating icy sidewalks can be a daily grind. For expats in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Canada, this is a solid pick if you want a balance of city access and neighborhood charm, but it’s not ideal if you’re allergic to snow.