Montreal is one of the most popular student cities in North America, home to Concordia, McGill, UQAM, and Université de Montréal. With so many students competing for housing, it’s no surprise that private student residences like EVO Montreal and Parc Cité have become popular options.
But are they worth the price? And are there better alternatives for students who want safe, affordable, and community-driven housing?
This guide provides an honest review of both EVO and Parc Cité, compares them to off-campus apartments, and shows you how Plazio can help you find verified student housing in Montreal without the scams or stress.
What Are Private Student Residences?
Private student residences are modern apartment-style buildings that operate like hybrid dorms. They’re not owned by universities but marketed directly to students who want to live downtown, near campus, and surrounded by peers.
The two biggest names in Montreal are:
- EVO Montreal Student Residences – with two downtown towers near McGill and Concordia.
- Parc Cité Student Housing – smaller, boutique-style residence close to McGill and downtown.
Both provide fully furnished units, utilities included, and a “plug-and-play” experience. But that convenience comes with a cost.
EVO Montreal Student Residence: Is It Worth the Price?
Location
EVO has two towers downtown: EVO Vieux-Montréal (near Old Port) and EVO Sherbrooke (closer to McGill). Both are central, within walking distance to Concordia and McGill campuses.
Amenities
- Fully furnished units
- Gym & fitness center
- Rooftop pool (Sherbrooke)
- Study lounges & common areas
- High-speed Wi-Fi included
Pricing
EVO rents typically range from $1,300 to $1,800 per month depending on room type and lease length.
Pros of EVO
- Prime downtown locations
- Strong sense of student community
- Luxury-style amenities (pool, gym, study spaces)
- Move-in ready (no need to buy furniture or set up utilities)
Cons of EVO
- Expensive compared to shared off-campus apartments
- Smaller living spaces for the price
- Corporate-style atmosphere, less “homey”
- Lease flexibility is limited
👉 Verdict: EVO is worth it if you want convenience, luxury, and a central location — but budget-conscious students can find cheaper housing elsewhere.
Parc Cité Montreal Housing: Honest Review
Location
Parc Cité is located near McGill University and a short metro ride to Concordia, making it ideal for students who want to live near both campuses.
Amenities
- Fully furnished rooms & suites
- Fitness center
- Study lounges
- 24/7 security
- Wi-Fi & utilities included
Pricing
Parc Cité units usually cost $1,200 to $1,600 per month, depending on room type.
Pros of Parc Cité
- Central downtown location
- Smaller, more community-oriented compared to EVO
- Furnished units, ready for move-in
- Secure building with on-site management
Cons of Parc Cité
- Still expensive compared to off-campus housing
- Smaller selection of amenities compared to EVO
- Limited availability (smaller building, fills up fast)
👉 Verdict: Parc Cité offers a balanced mix of community and convenience but remains costly for students on tight budgets.
EVO vs. Parc Cité: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | EVO Montreal | Parc Cité Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Downtown (Old Port & Sherbrooke) | Downtown (near McGill) |
| Monthly Rent | $1,300 – $1,800 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| Amenities | Gym, rooftop pool, lounges | Gym, lounges |
| Atmosphere | Large, corporate, luxury | Smaller, community-style |
| Flexibility | Limited lease options | Limited availability |
| Best For | Students wanting luxury + convenience | Students wanting smaller community downtown |
The Hidden Drawback: Cost vs. Value
While EVO and Parc Cité both market themselves as convenient “all-in-one” solutions, the reality is that:
- You’ll pay a premium price for smaller spaces.
- Community can feel forced or commercialized compared to living with chosen roommates.
- Lease terms are less flexible compared to Montreal’s private rental market.
Off-Campus Housing: The Alternative
Many students at Concordia, McGill, and UQAM opt for off-campus apartments instead of private residences.
Why Students Choose Off-Campus Housing
- Lower rent: Shared apartments can cost as little as $700–$1,000 per month.
- More independence: Choose your roommates, neighborhood, and lifestyle.
- Variety: From studios in the Plateau to shared flats in NDG or Côte-des-Neiges.
The Problem: Finding Off-Campus Housing Safely
- Facebook Marketplace scams – fake landlords, bots, and duplicate ads.
- Kijiji & Craigslist issues – no verification, lots of spam.
- Roommate compatibility – hard to find reliable roommates.
This is where Plazio comes in.
Why Plazio Is a Better Alternative
Plazio gives you choice, flexibility, and security.
- Verified Listings: Every apartment is verified.
- Human-Vetted: Real people review each listing to eliminate scams.
- Tinder but for roommates: Match with students and young professionals based on lifestyle.
- Affordable Options: Find apartments that fit your student budget.
- Digital Leasing & Rent Payments: Secure, fast, and transparent. 👉 With Plazio, you get the convenience of EVO/Parc Cité but with better affordability and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
- EVO Montreal is best if you want luxury amenities and don’t mind paying a premium.
- Parc Cité is a smaller, community-focused residence, but still costly compared to off-campus housing.
- Plazio offers the best of both worlds: verified listings, safe roommate matching, and budget-friendly student apartments across Montreal.