Giving up the condos in Toronto they've lived in most of their adult lives and traveling to a new province to buy real estate is taxing, both emotionally and financially, on even the most stable of people. For this reason, we've created this guide on relocating to Laval, Quebec. Whether you're getting transferred by your company, moving to join a loved one, or simply looking for a change of pace, we hope this article makes you a little more prepared - and a little less stressed.
Language Issues
This is the big worry for most people moving to Laval, especially if they're Anglophones. Quebec residents are not known for their tolerance of non-French speakers, so jumping in with no experience in the language can be scary. All you former Markham home owners out there, don't fret. Montreal (and its suburbs, which includes Laval) is a very bilingual city. You should be able to get by on your English for as long as you have to. The proliferation of French in the city also shouldn't make it hard to pick up the language.
Transportation
One major issue that most people don't think of when they're moving down from London ,ON townhouses but they should be concerned about is driving. Montreal is not known for its ease of navigation at the best of times, and if you add a complete lack of understanding of the French language to the mix, it's upgraded to downright dangerous. Take the bus or subway for the first little while (it's excellent) and if you must drive, definitely DO NOT talk on your cell phone about the prices of Brampton homes for sale at the same time.
Real Estate Differences
It's important to remember that Laval is mostly a bedroom community for nearby Montreal rather than a city in its own regard, so you should expect some high rise condos and offices but not a proliferation. Single family homes are much more popular, and many of them resemble Scarborough residential properties. One thing you may not be expecting in a city this urban is the agriculture component, which still persists in Laval. Chances are you will not be asked to milk any cows, but you should be aware that farms exist.
Affordability
If you're moving from a rural area, be prepared for a steep hike in rents and home prices. Laval tends to be cheaper than places like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, but more expensive than Halifax or Fredericton. Some of its neighborhoods are among the priciest in the country.
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