The exodus to the regions
More and more people are deciding to leave Montreal for the regions: rising housing prices, Covid effect
For several years, demographic analyses produced by the City of Montreal have shown that many Montrealers are leaving the city to settle in the regions, particularly the suburbs.
The “intraprovincial” deficit at the start of 2020 was 27,890 people. In fact, over the 2018-2019 period, 60,605 Montreal residents had left the city for the regions, and only 32,715 newcomers had settled in Montreal.
And the increase is growing every year. In 2014-2015, the figure was just 14,583.
Intentions to leave Montreal
According to a Radio Canada survey carried out in October 2020, almost one in two people (76%) were thinking of leaving the city because they wanted to pay less, 55% to find a bigger place and 46% for the green spaces.
Data collected from September 30 to October 4, 2020 from 720 Montreal residents
The regions, the new Eldorado.
More and more people are choosing to settle in the regions. For many, they are a symbol of a better quality of life.
Of those moving, 86% chose to settle in Montérégie, Laval, Lanaudière and the Laurentians.
The regions have also become a very popular place for young adults aged 25 to 34 and young families with children.
Rising house prices.
Indeed, many are discouraged by the price of homes on the island of Montreal.
Just last month, they reached record levels, with an increase for single-family properties of +23% compared to January 2020.
At the start of 2020, only 24% of homes sold for less than $400,000.
In comparison, 83% of homes in Gaspésie sold for less than $200,000! Next come Nord-du-Québec (80%), Côte-Nord (75%), Bas-Saint-Laurent (72%) and Mauricie (71%).
Table Percentage of real estate sales in 2020 by region and sales price.
| 200,000 and under | 300,000 and under | 400,000 and
Bas-Saint-Laurent | 72% | 94% | 98%
Eastern Townships | 40% | 75% | 88%
Montréal | 1% | 7% | 24%
Gaspésie | 83% | 97% | 99%
Laurentians | 22% | 53% | 77%
Montérégie | 14% | 42% | 70%
Lanaudière | 26% | 62% | 86%
Central Quebec | 60% | 90% | 97%
Source JLR
The Covid-19 effect
The pandemic had a direct impact on people’s desire to leave Montreal. It has accelerated a process that was already well underway.
Companies have had to adapt, and teleworking has become the norm. In fact, 25% of those surveyed by Radio Canada gave this as their reason for moving out of the city.
People dream of space and calm.
Many did not want to return to the confines of the city, so they chose to settle in the region.
Many have also become aware of the importance of having a home in which they feel comfortable.
Covid has been the catalyst for many buyers who prefer to move away from the cities to gain in quality of life.