Between good locations and new residential projects, Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie has become in a few years a trendy neighborhood where many dream of moving.

Ranked among the seven best areas of Montreal according to Cult MTL, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie has nothing to envy to other boroughs of the city, quite the contrary. In just a few years, Rosemont-La Petite Patrie has become one of the most sought-after areas in Montreal. The borough is made up of 7 neighbourhoods, including Petite-Patrie, Rosemont, Old Rosemont, New Rosemont, Cité-Jardin, Shop Angus and Little Italy. A peaceful neighborhood life, with an abundance of activities that can be found throughout the year. As you can see, Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie is a perfect balance between personal life, professional life and leisure.

A bit of history

Located northeast of downtown Montreal, Rosemont was settled by French farmers in the 17th century, but it did not take on its current name until 1854. Indeed, the area that is now La Petite-Patrie was once agricultural land, giving its settlement a peaceful village feel. By the end of the 1800s, these lands were the villages of Côte-de-la-Visitation (1870) and Côte-Saint-Louis (1878) and spread out around Saint-Laurent Road, Côte-Saint-Michel (Jarry Street) and Côte-de-la-Visitation (Rosemont Boulevard).

The landowners who once dominated this area are now well known to the residents. For example, Beaubien Street is named after the Beaubien family, a large landowner in the city of Montreal and Outremont; while Molson was created when Samuel Molson settled here after his arrival from Quebec City around 1788. Yes, the names of its streets correspond to the place where their farmlands were once located.

A vibrant neighborhood

Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie is home to the Jean-Talon Market and its many shops, bars and restaurants, as well as its skate park at Parc Père Marquette.

Several sectors, quite different, make the enviable reputation of Rosemont. The Old Rosemont, a working-class neighborhood typical of Montreal’s central districts, is now relatively well-to-do. Located near the numerous quarries from which Montreal’s grey stone was extracted, Old Rosemont today forms a unique living environment, punctuated by large green parks and crossed by the Promenade Masson.

Beaubien and Belanger streets are also two important arteries in the Rosemont district. A variety of restaurants, boutiques, and local businesses make these places of stroll and shopping shine. There is also the famous Beaubien neighborhood movie theater with its “vintage” storefront that offers a very current program. In the summer, all sectors of Rosemont also offer several public markets and some streets become pedestrianized.

Known for its many parks and its hundred or so green alleys (the borough of Montreal has the most), Rosemont is also famous for being home to one of the largest parks in the city, Maisonneuve Park. Covering more than 63 hectares, it is located near the Botanical Garden, one of the largest in the world and one of the city’s must-see attractions. It also has the only golf course close to downtown (a remnant of an old championship course). East of Maisonneuve Park, you can also discover the Cité-Jardin. Built between 1940 and 1947, it is based on a series of dead-end streets and was inspired by the British garden cities that were part of the “City Beautiful” movement. At the time, they offered a green alternative to Montreal’s urban neighborhoods.

A privileged location

In terms of transportation, the Rosemont district is very well served by two metro stations (Rosemont and Beaubien) and numerous bus lines, not to mention the famous Pie-IX BRT that will be inaugurated in 2022. Rosemont is also very well served by the BIXI and Communauto networks.

Finally, many bicycle paths have also been built in the neighbourhood. In July 2021, the borough of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie even became the first borough in Montreal and the second community after the City of Montreal to be awarded Vélosympathique Gold certification, a program of Vélo Québec that encourages communities and organizations to make cycling a real transportation option.

In short, well served by public transportation, this charming neighborhood is also pleasant on foot. Your walks will give you a new perspective on Rosemont.

In the heart of Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie, you will also appreciate the many local businesses and boutiques that are located there. Whether you want to replenish your wardrobe, stock up on natural cosmetics, or spruce up your home decor, you’ll be charmed by the choice, beauty and originality offered by the merchants in this beautiful family-friendly neighborhood.

The Rosemont district is also very attractive in terms of employment. Indeed, several areas within the district (Bellechasse sector, Angus sector, Espace affaires Rosemont, hospitals) offer numerous opportunities in various fields of activity. These include retail, information and communication technology, manufacturing, arts, entertainment and recreation, professional, scientific and technical services, health care and public administration.

An established artistic pole

Discovering the special character of Quebec art is one of the reasons why many people come to Montreal. Although it is multi-ethnic and offers a great diversity of communities, the borough of Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie stands out for its year-round highlights of Quebec and Francophone culture. One of these is the Cinéma Beaubien as mentioned earlier. It is a neighborhood cinema that has been part of the urban landscape for a long time, but is now a non-profit organization where you can see independent films, Canadian cinema and repertory films all year long.

Living in Rosemont

The borough is very popular among young families for several reasons.

In Rosemont, the streets are quieter and there are more green spaces than elsewhere. And it remains one of Montreal’s relatively affordable neighbourhoods for young families. The neighbourhood offers its residents a dynamic and safe neighbourhood life, rich in a strong industrial past and definitely oriented towards sustainable development and innovation.

The many public squares and parks make the neighborhood a great place to live.

Good to know

When it comes to restaurants in Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie, it’s hard not to find something to enjoy. In this rapidly developing neighborhood, new places are opening their doors and are just waiting to be tried. Among the most recognized are the Régine Café, which serves vegan food, Chez Chose with its comforting Quebec dishes, and La Grand-mère Poule for a delicious brunch. And how can we miss the must-see Mon Lapin wine bar by Joe Beef, or the Montreal Plaza by Charles Antoine Crête.

Furthermore, the restaurants of Little Italy are a true combination of classic and chic. Impasto, Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione’s restaurant is well established in the center of the district and will impress you with its authentic and unique recipes. There is also the Marconi restaurant on Mozart Street, which offers a small, friendly and delicious space! Finally, Ristorante Lucca is a detour in Little Italy that is well worth it. With its pretty terrace that allows you to enjoy the beautiful days of our summers, the Lucca is one of the good restaurants to discover. When it comes to real recipes that taste like heaven with every bite, it’s easy to go to this restaurant that has been open for 22 years.

For those who love the warm atmosphere of cafés, know that in Rosemont, you will find your happiness. Between Café Dei Campi, which offers vegan pastries and delicacies, the micro-creamer Kittel or Café Hublot, there is plenty to enjoy!