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When was the last time you spent significant time in Seattle? It went through a dramatic transformation between 2010 and 2020 - the core of the city basically doubled in skyscrapers, density, vibrancy, etc.
I visited in September last. It was definitely a lot better than the last time I visited years ago, but still has a ways to go to catch up to Montreal. I think it will rival or eclipse Montreal in the next few decades if it continues to grow so quickly. Not sure if the cost of living will slow that growth down or not, we will see.
When was the last time you spent significant time in Seattle? It went through a dramatic transformation between 2010 and 2020 - the core of the city basically doubled in skyscrapers, density, vibrancy, etc.
As has Montreal… Including entirely newly developed neighborhoods that would be an entire “downtown” in lots of American metros. Its height restrictions make its skyline look less imposing than Seattle's, but that's the only aspect of "urbanity" (if you consider that to be one) where I think Seattle has it beat.
Montreal’s urban structure also extends far beyond its core, and in all directions, and this is where it stands out even further.
For a city of its size, compared to other North American cities, it’s an urban monster.
Last edited by Arcenal813; 01-04-2022 at 07:51 PM..
Montreal is a bargain for Canada too. The French-speaking part significantly limits housing demand among English-only speakers since the job market in Montreal is terrible for English-only speakers.
That doesn’t really speak to the quality of the city but the quality of you as an economic asset.
This is kind of an unfair fight on City-Data. Alot of this comes down to differences between US and Canadian cities of similar size. Montreal historically, culturally, and politically is far more important to Canada than Seattle is to the US.
Montreal is the party capital of Canada, has some of the most unique architecture and culture on the continent, old cobble stone streets line a romantic city. Seattle just can't beat that on a forum of city lovers like this.
However, when you start looking deeper at some of the less romantic features of Montreal, you can't start to see why it's growing at a slower pace than almost every other major city in Canada. The extreme cold and one of the worst economies of Canada lead to the city's growth rate to be out paced by Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and even Ottawa.
I think when you look at the most important features to the average person, life in a city Seattle edges Montreal out with a stronger economy, mild weather, an abundance of outdoor recreation, and good urban amenities for it's size.
Montreal is indeed a more interesting place to visit. Maybe preferable to live if you are younger, no kids, can work remotely, and don't mind the cold.
This is kind of an unfair fight on City-Data. Alot of this comes down to differences between US and Canadian cities of similar size. Montreal historically, culturally, and politically is far more important to Canada than Seattle is to the US.
Montreal is the party capital of Canada, has some of the most unique architecture and culture on the continent, old cobble stone streets line a romantic city. Seattle just can't beat that on a forum of city lovers like this.
However, when you start looking deeper at some of the less romantic features of Montreal, you can't start to see why it's growing at a slower pace than almost every other major city in Canada. The extreme cold and one of the worst economies of Canada lead to the city's growth rate to be out paced by Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and even Ottawa.
I think when you look at the most important features to the average person, life in a city Seattle edges Montreal out with a stronger economy, mild weather, an abundance of outdoor recreation, and good urban amenities for it's size.
Montreal is indeed a more interesting place to visit. Maybe preferable to live if you are younger, no kids, can work remotely, and don't mind the cold.
Very accurate post. Montreal gets boosted by a certain kind of Americans IRL to begin with nevermind on CD. I think most NE Liberal Educated types love Montreal more than the Canadians do, other than the Quebecois.
My friends from BC / Ontario basically never talked about Montreal and seem more interested in American cities like Miami / Vegas / LA and much more interested in talking about Toronto
For a summer vacation Montreals wil be more exciting but the realities of long term residence are different
Montreal is indeed a more interesting place to visit. Maybe preferable to live if you are younger, no kids, can work remotely, and don't mind the cold.
Exactly. Many of the posts are through the lens of people with no foreseeable plan to lay down roots and/or is not raising a family.
That's a completely different conversation than what place is best for pretentious, globally minded hipsters to coalesce and drink on a friday night.
Montrealby a country mile. It’s more fun, more culturally interesting, more urban.
Seattle’s got nicer winters that’s about it.
Yes, we know you hate Seattle. But to say all it has is nicer winters is ridiculous. It has a better live music scene as others have pointed out, better food if you prefer Asian and Seafood, way better scenery and day trips options (islands, rainforest, mountains, national parks), better breweries (including arguably the best brewery district in America) and distilleries, better farmers markets, way better economy, and a totally different array of attractions.
Last edited by TheEggHead; 01-04-2022 at 10:01 PM..
This is kind of an unfair fight on City-Data. Alot of this comes down to differences between US and Canadian cities of similar size. Montreal historically, culturally, and politically is far more important to Canada than Seattle is to the US.
Montreal is the party capital of Canada, has some of the most unique architecture and culture on the continent, old cobble stone streets line a romantic city. Seattle just can't beat that on a forum of city lovers like this.
However, when you start looking deeper at some of the less romantic features of Montreal, you can't start to see why it's growing at a slower pace than almost every other major city in Canada. The extreme cold and one of the worst economies of Canada lead to the city's growth rate to be out paced by Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and even Ottawa.
I think when you look at the most important features to the average person, life in a city Seattle edges Montreal out with a stronger economy, mild weather, an abundance of outdoor recreation, and good urban amenities for it's size.
Montreal is indeed a more interesting place to visit. Maybe preferable to live if you are younger, no kids, can work remotely, and don't mind the cold.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 18Montclair
Exactly. Many of the posts are through the lens of people with no foreseeable plan to lay down roots and/or is not raising a family.
That's a completely different conversation than what place is best for pretentious, globally minded hipsters to coalesce and drink on a friday night.
LOL
Worst economy in Canada? A city that has one of the fastest growing tech industry in North America, a global financial centre, strong wage growth, lots of international companies setting up shop here or relocating their HQ's etc.. , far from the "worst economy in Canada". Before the pandemic, Montreal was leading the country in terms of GDP growth for cities. Montreal is also no slouch in outdoor recreation too, we are underrated for that.
Also, hilarious that you would think Montreal is not a good place for raising a family, when it's one of the best on the continent for that. Again, $7 daycare, abundance of tax credits for families and children, low COL/high QOL, very safe, diverse, Cegep is free if you become a resident, University is the cheapest in North America. I'm tired of (mainly Americans) who think Montreal is only a party city that is good for single people/hipsters only. This mentality is so outdated it's not funny.
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