Where to Shop in Quebec in 2026: A Guide to the Best Cities in the Estrie and Centre-du-Québec Regions

Are you thinking about buying a home in Quebec in 2026? With prices in major cities continuing to rise and the search for a better quality of life, more and more Quebecers are turning their attention to the Estrie and Centre-du-Québec regions. These two regions combine an affordable real estate market, exceptional natural surroundings, and a vibrant community life. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a growing family, or someone leaving Montreal for a more peaceful lifestyle, this guide highlights the best towns to buy in the Estrie or Centre-du-Québec regions.

Why Buy in the Estrie or Centre-du-Québec Regions in 2026?

Quebec’s real estate market has evolved significantly in recent years. While Montreal and Quebec City sometimes have high prices, the Estrie and Centre-du-Québec regions stand out for their affordable real estate market combined with an excellent quality of life. Here you’ll find:

• More affordable property prices than in Montreal, Laval, or the Capitale-Nationale
• Nature all around: lakes, mountains, forests, and outdoor trails
• Small, livable towns with all the necessary services (schools, hospitals, shops)
• A thriving economic and cultural scene
• Reasonable proximity to major urban centers (1.5 to 2 hours from Montreal)

No wonder more and more Quebecers are choosing these regions as their new home.

Estrie or Centre-du-Québec: What do you need to know about these two regions?

Estrie: nature, vibrancy, and quality of life

Estrie (formerly the Eastern Townships) is a region of rolling green hills, majestic lakes, and welcoming towns. Every year, it attracts new residents thanks to its balance of urban life, nature, and heritage. Its main city, Sherbrooke, is a major hub for higher education and business.

Centre-du-Québec: A Strategic Hub and Thriving Economy

Centre-du-Québec is a region strategically located between Montreal, Quebec City, and Estrie. Its best-known city, Drummondville, is one of Quebec’s economic powerhouses, attracting businesses, families, and new homebuyers thanks to its vibrancy and dynamic real estate market.

Buying in the Estrie Region: 8 Cities to Consider in 2026

Sherbrooke: The Metropolis of the Estrie Region

Sherbrooke is undoubtedly the central city of the Estrie region. With its 175,000 residents, universities, hospitals, and robust economic base, it offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit every budget and lifestyle. Here are the main areas where Lachance is developing its projects:

• Rock Forest, Saint-Élie, and Deauville: The Rock Forest–Saint-Élie area is one of the most dynamic. Family-friendly, green, and well-connected, it appeals to buyers seeking space, tranquility, and generously sized lots. Several flagship projects are located here: Le Boisé Fabi, Quartier Mi-Vallon, Rue Mills, and the Quartier du Boul. René-Lévesque.
• Brompton: a peaceful neighborhood with a strong sense of community, where the Le Havre du Versant development offers an excellent quality of life.
• Fleurimont: popular with families and CHUS professionals, with several projects under development (Coteaux du Sanctuaire, Les Havres Champêtres, Domaine du Ruisseau Dormant, Rue des Gloires-du-matin).
• Plateau Saint-Joseph: a vibrant neighborhood with the Le Plateau McCrea project.
• Université: ideal for families and buyers who appreciate the proximity to the University of Sherbrooke (Chemin Sainte-Catherine project).

Discover our new homes for sale in Sherbrooke

Coaticook: the charm of country living

Coaticook is the perfect town for those seeking a peaceful life close to nature without sacrificing essential services. Known for its famous Parc de la Gorge, its river, and its cheese factories, Coaticook appeals to families and retirees alike. The McAuley Street project by Les Entreprises Lachance offers a quiet and accessible residential setting.

Compton: A Blend of Tranquility and Local Flavor

Compton is a small town in the Estrie region known for its farms, local produce, and development focused on quality of life. Just a few minutes from Sherbrooke and Coaticook, it offers an excellent balance between urban proximity and a rural lifestyle. 

Stoke: Nature at Your Fingertips

About 20 minutes from Sherbrooke, Stoke offers a wooded and peaceful setting, ideal for those looking for large lots with ample yard space and a house with a garage. 

Orford: Living Near Mont-Orford

When you think of Orford, you think of skiing, golf, hiking, and nature in abundance. This sought-after town attracts outdoor enthusiasts and homebuyers looking for an exceptional setting. The project. 

East Angus: Affordability and Municipal Incentives

East Angus stands out for its affordable entry price and its municipal program offering up to $4,000 in grants for the construction of a new single-family home. A real opportunity for first-time buyers or families looking to maximize their budget. Discover several new homes for sale in East Angus in the “Domaine Haute-Rive” development by Les Entreprises Lachance. 

Waterloo: A Strategic Hub

Located near Granby, Bromont, and Magog, Waterloo combines regional charm with easy access to major highways. Lachance offers a selection of new homes in Waterloo for families seeking a balance between nature and amenities.

Windsor: The Estrie Region’s Hidden Gem

Windsor embodies the authentic spirit of the Estrie region: a warm, affordable small town with a rich industrial history and a close-knit community. 

Buying in Centre-du-Québec: Focus on Drummondville

Drummondville: Quebec’s Economic Hub

Drummondville is one of the most dynamic cities in Centre-du-Québec. Ideally located on Highway 20, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, it has been attracting businesses, families, and investors for over a decade. With its diversified economy, network of industrial parks, vibrant cultural scene, and comprehensive services, Drummondville is synonymous with smart investment. Lachance offers new homes for sale in Drummondville.

The Real Estate Market in Estrie and Centre-du-Québec in 2026: Prices and Trends

In 2026, the real estate market in Estrie and Centre-du-Québec remains one of the most balanced in Quebec. According to data from the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (APCIQ) for the first quarter of 2026, the median price of a single-family home in the Sherbrooke CMA rose by 6% year-over-year, while remaining significantly more affordable than in the Greater Montreal area. In Drummondville, the average sales price remains below that of major metropolitan areas, making it a prime choice for first-time buyers. 

While certain regions of Quebec—such as Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Chaudière-Appalaches—sometimes have lower average home prices, the Estrie and Centre-du-Québec regions stand out for their balance of affordability, quality of life, and proximity to major urban centers. For many buyers, this is the ideal compromise.

Note: Don’t forget to factor in the “welcome tax” (transfer taxes) in your budget, as well as notary, inspection, and appraisal fees.

New Construction or Existing Home: Which to Choose?

When it comes time to buy, several types of properties are available to you: existing single-family homes, townhouses, semi-detached homes, condos, or new-construction homes. Here are the advantages of new construction:

• No renovations needed in the short term
• Solid warranties (GCR – Residential Construction Warranty)
• Maximum energy efficiency (Novoclimat, insulation, high-performance windows)
• Customizable floor plans, finishes, and colors
• Modern floor plans tailored to today’s families
• Integrated garage and optimized lot layout

Discover our customizable home plans

How to Choose the Right Town in the Estrie or Centre-du-Québec Regions?

Choosing a town depends on several factors:

• Work and commuting: How far from your workplace do you want to live?
• Family and schools: What services are available for children (daycare, schools, activities)?
• Lifestyle: urban, suburban, or rural?
• Budget: What is the average cost of housing in your target city?
• Leisure: nature, sports, cultural life, restaurants?
• Desired property type: single-family home, townhouse, townhome, multiplex?

Tip: Visit several neighborhoods at different times of the day to really get a feel for the atmosphere before making your decision.

Why trust a local developer?

Buying in a region like the Estrie or Centre-du-Québec also means benefiting from the expertise of a developer who knows the area like the back of their hand. At Les Entreprises Lachance, we’ve been building in these two regions for over 60 years. With more than 4,000 homes delivered, we know which areas are growing, which neighborhoods suit which lifestyles, and how to build homes that can withstand Quebec winters.

Your future home awaits you

Whether you’re dreaming of a family home in Sherbrooke, a peaceful retirement in Coaticook, or a smart investment in Drummondville, the Estrie and Central Quebec regions offer an unparalleled variety of residential projects. With a more affordable real estate market, a remarkable quality of life, and harmonious urban development, these two regions are among the best options for buying a home in Quebec in 2026.

And at Les Entreprises Lachance, we’re here to guide you through every step of your project, from choosing a neighborhood to receiving the keys.

Schedule an appointment with a Lachance advisor to discuss your real estate project.