We moved to Montreal from England about 15mths ago now for work. Weatherwise, summers are beautiful and hot, which makes up for surviving the winter. Not as drizzly as England and less damp.
I agree that there is less a yob culture here. I would stay for that reason alone, for my son to be raised here. Youth are still respectful, I don't feel threatened by large groups of them, and no one has told me off for taking pics of DS playing in the park fountains! People speak up if there is a need. One of the few incidences I've seen here was a girl randomly hit another on the Metro. I asked if she was ok, and an older man next to me had a go at the hitter, when she got lippy, he threatened her with the police, I was most impressed.
However, even though it is close to UK/Europe, it is very pricey to travel from Montreal. We had grande delusions ideas of being able to take regular trips, but were shocked at the cost of prices, never mind the cost for me to fly home to NZ (about 3x as much as from the UK).
I also find it difficult to get the things I want here, especially for DS. Shopping is very limited. Internet shopping is practically non-existent. It's a pity they don't have a free trade agreement with the US.
I don't find it any cheaper to live here, and in fact find some things much more expensive. Anything imported has huge duties put on it. For example, I was looking for a linen set for a twin bed for DS. In the UK it's 49quid, the same one here is CA$475!!! Completely unjustifiable.
Taxes are very high. Thankfully we're expats so they don't affect us, but someone I know recently became a resident here, her take home pay dropped 50% after switching from UK to Canada.
Healthcare - It's very difficult to get a family doctor. I found Paediatricians don't generally take new patients unless they are a newborn. I have to use walk in clinics and either wait there for an appointment or they call me back with a time. It doesn't give a good continuity of care.
I've been left with a slightly stale taste in the mouth after being here, but we have also been mucked around with visa's and work us been up and down, so that may have coloured it. We were supposed to be here for another 18mths, but they're moving us to BC instead.
Overall I find it rather dull and lacking somehow. It is also not, and other Canadians agree, the real Canada. We're looking forward to our BC move to see how it compares. It is also one of the most difficult places to learn french, as soon as you speak, they know you're anglais and speak in english to you.
It might be easier for your move as your DH is from here, and would have a ready network possibly, of friends and family to help you get settled and give you advice.
All the best with it!