McGill Ghetto
MontréalIntroduction
With borders of Sherbrooke West to the south, St-Laurent Boulevard to the east, des Pins Avenue West to the north and University Street to the west, the McGill Ghetto – or Milton-Parc – is a neighbourhood situated between downtown Montreal and the Plateau Mont-Royal. Located right next to McGill University, this is a vibrant community where lots of students and more permanent residents live side-by-side.
Lifestyle
The McGill Ghetto is one of Montreal’s oldest neighbourhoods and has been inhabited since the end of the 18th century, when it was home to a number of wealthy families working downtown. As those families left for Westmount and Outremont in the 20th century, the neighbourhood’s population diversified; today it’s one of the city’s most densely populated. Its demographic and social profile is just as varied.
The Vibe
With its picturesque tree-lined streets, 20th-century buildings, Victorian houses and proximity to both Jeanne-Mance and Mont Royal parks, McGill Ghetto is without a doubt, a desirable place to live. Filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and boutiques of all kinds, it’s a bustling and attractive community that offers something for everyone.
Meet the Neighbours
According to the City of Montreal’s 2006 census figures, this neighbourhood has been a centre of immigration, with lots of foreign students setting up here to study at McGill; 41 per cent of residents list a language other than English or French as their mother tongue. Sixty-eight per cent of people living in the neighbourhood have a university degree, and that same proportion of the population is composed of singles.
In the Area
The McGill Ghetto is located a mere stone’s throw from McGill University, which accounts for its large student population. Just a few minutes by foot to downtown, the city’s health and transit systems are easily accessible here – as are government services, many of which are concentrated in the city's core. The mountain and Parc Jeanne-Mance are just as close, so outdoorsy types have plenty to keep them busy.
2.4 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
McGill Ghetto is an exceptionally walkable neighbourhood. Several metro stations are close by, including McGill and Place des Arts on the green line, as well as Sherbrooke on the orange line. The 80, 129, 55 and 31 buses are also easily accessible. For drivers, things are bit more complicated; access to highways and bridges is not easy.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Quality of life is undeniably high in the McGill Ghetto: the neighbourhood, located right next to all types of services, is home to a variety of little-known restaurants, boutiques, cafés and bars. That said, finding the balance between the lifestyles of students and other residents is sometimes difficult in terms of nighttime noise.
Dollars & Sense
As is inevitably the case with large student populations, the McGill Ghetto is a place where one can live fairly inexpensively. As one of Canada’s top neighbourhoods in terms of social housing, there are a number of affordable supermarkets nearby, including Super Marché Sakaris Segal’s. Cafés, bars and little neighbourhood shops offer up reasonable pricing, but there are also plenty of opportunities to splurge.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Kitsuné Espresso Bar
A small, lovely, unpretentious café on Prince-Arthur – you’ll quickly feel at home here, even if the espressos and cappuccinos are a huge improvement over what you’d make at home.
more infoCinéma du Parc
One of Montreal’s last surviving independent theatres, Cinéma du Parc is devoted to repertory films, documentaries and independent productions. Cinéma du Parc is an absolute must for all film-lovers in the area.
more infoPikolo Café
Finding an empty seat there during exam period may be no easy feat, but Pikolo is worth its weight in gold. The baristas masterfully prepare each drink in this friendly cafe.
more infoCinéma Excentris
Another moviegoers’ favourite, Cinéma Excentris is devoted to offering Montrealers programming that leans towards high-quality repertory and independent films by Quebec, Canadian and international directors. This is a great spot for a night out!
more infoLola Rosa
You don’t have to be a vegetarian to love Lola Rosa. A self-described "'non-vegetarians' favourite vegetarian restaurant,” this little bistro relies on the freshness of its ingredients in preparing high-quality, healthy vegetarian meals.
more infoPullman
With one of the city's most extensive and interesting wine menus, Pullman is one of Montrealers’ vino connoisseurs preferred stops. The ambiance, like the clientele, is distinguished.
more info