🎯 Thinking of buying in the suburbs?
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Estimate a property →The Montreal exodus continues in 2026. According to the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ), approximately 24,000 residents leave Montreal for surrounding suburbs every year. The main driver? More affordable single-family homes, larger lots, and a better quality of life for families. Here's a complete guide to the best suburban destinations and their real estate prices.
🏙️ Why 24,000 Residents Leave Montreal Each Year
ISQ data confirms a sustained trend: Montreal loses thousands of residents annually to surrounding municipalities. The reasons are both financial and lifestyle-driven.
1. 💰 Affordability — Montreal single-family median: $625K. Suburbs offer $100-150K savings
2. 🏠 Space — Larger lots, backyards, garages — features rare in Montreal
3. 👦 Family life — Quieter streets, better schools per-capita, safer neighbourhoods
4. 💻 Remote work — Hybrid work reduces the need for daily commutes
💡 Key stat: at 24,000 departures per year (ISQ), this represents about 65 families leaving Montreal every single day. Suburban demand is structural, not cyclical.
🏠 Best Suburbs: Prices and Comparison
Here are three of the most popular suburban destinations for Montrealers in 2026, with current single-family home prices:
~$520K
Terrebonne
North Shore • Most affordable
$550-650K
Longueuil
South Shore • Metro access
$650-800K
Brossard
South Shore • REM access
Terrebonne stands out as the most affordable option at approximately $520K for a single-family home. Longueuil offers a middle ground at $550-650K with the advantage of metro access. Brossard, at $650-800K, commands a premium for its REM connection and proximity to the Dix30 commercial district.
$625K
Montreal single-family median — for comparison
💵 Savings vs Staying in Montreal
The financial case for suburban living is compelling, but it's important to consider the full picture including commute costs:
✅ Suburb savings
$100K+ lower purchase price (Terrebonne)
Lower property taxes per square foot
Larger home for the same budget
Garage included (no parking fees)
⚠️ Added costs
Second car often required
Gas and commute costs
Highway tolls (A25)
Time spent commuting
💡 Net savings: even accounting for commute costs, buyers moving to Terrebonne (~$520K) save significantly compared to Montreal ($625K). On a 25-year mortgage, a $105K lower purchase price translates to hundreds of dollars in monthly savings.
🚌 Public Transit and Commute Times
Transit infrastructure varies significantly between suburbs. Here's what to expect:
Longueuil
✅ Metro (yellow line) + REM • 25-40 min to downtown
Brossard
✅ REM (Brossard station) • 30-45 min to downtown
Terrebonne
🚌 Exo bus service • 40-60 min by car, 60-90 min transit
⚠️ Important: if you work downtown and don't have a car, Longueuil or Brossard offer the best transit connectivity. For remote workers, Terrebonne's lower prices make it the best value proposition.
📅 Best Time to Make the Move
Timing your move to the suburbs depends on your priorities:
1. 🌻 Spring (March-May) — Largest selection of properties, but highest competition
2. ☀️ Summer (June-Aug) — July 1st moving day tradition, active market
3. 🍂 Fall (Sept-Nov) — Less competition, motivated sellers, better negotiating power
4. ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) — Fewest listings but potentially the best deals
With the Bank of Canada policy rate at 2.75% since January 2026, borrowing conditions remain favourable. Fixed mortgage rates hover around 3.69% and variable rates around 3.35%, giving buyers increased purchasing power compared to recent years.
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