Fabreville: The well-kept secret of young families in Laval

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, affordable, and rapidly growing neighborhood, Fabreville is definitely worth considering. Located in northwest Laval, this once-overlooked area is undergoing a major transformation and attracting more and more young families seeking space and tranquility. And with the recent arrival of the REM, buying a home in Fabreville is becoming an increasingly strategic choice!

A residential neighborhood undergoing rejuvenation

Fabreville has approximately 48,000 residents, making it the second most populous neighborhood in Laval. The population is primarily French-speaking, with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere where neighbors still know each other. In recent years, the area has been undergoing a revival with the arrival of young families who appreciate the value for money of the properties and the quality of life on offer.

The neighborhood mainly offers single-family homes, semi-detached houses, and townhouses—exactly what families with children are looking for. The streets are lined with bungalows and cottages with private yards and garages, features that are often lacking in more urban areas.

The REM: a major asset since November 2025

Great news for those who want to live in Fabreville! Since November 17, 2025, the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) has been serving Laval with the Sainte-Dorothée station, located in the immediate vicinity of the neighborhood. This station offers direct access to downtown Montreal in just 28 minutes, and even to Brossard in 46 minutes.

The REM runs every 5 minutes during rush hour and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours, offering exceptional flexibility for commuters. The STL has also improved its bus network to serve the station, with service every 15 minutes on the Sainte-Rose and Curé-Labelle Boulevard routes.

For Fabreville residents, it’s a life-changing development. No more traffic jams on Highway 15! You can now reach the Central Station in less than 30 minutes, the airport in about 25 minutes, and even the South Shore without transferring.

Nature and green spaces

One of Fabreville’s great assets is its proximity to nature. The neighborhood is bordered by the magnificent Mille Îles River to the northwest, offering peaceful views and accessible water activities. The Bois de la Source, a 50-hectare forest located within the neighborhood itself, is perfect for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in winter.

There are many family parks, including Lac-de-Mai Park with its wooded trail and playground equipment for toddlers. The Fabreville Community Center also offers activities for the whole family: parent-child workshops, homework help, community kitchens, and youth programs.

High-quality schools

The Laval School Service Center administers several elementary schools in Fabreville, including the school on Edgar Street and the one on Sainte-Rose Boulevard. English-speaking families also have access to two schools in the area. Daycare centers and early childhood education centers are well established in the sector.

Accessibility and amenities

In addition to the REM, Fabreville has quick access to the A-13 and A-440 highways, making it easy to travel to Montreal and the Laurentians for weekend getaways. Curé-Labelle Boulevard runs through the neighborhood and offers all the essential shops: grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and professional services.

Carrefour Laval and Centropolis are only a 5- to 10-minute drive away, allowing residents to enjoy all that Laval has to offer without living in the hustle and bustle.

An affordable real estate market—for now

This is where Fabreville really stands out. In recent years, the median price of a single-family home in Fabreville has been around $420,000 to $480,000, which is significantly more affordable than Chomedey or Vimont. Cottages and townhouses generally range from $480,000 to $650,000, while newer or renovated properties can reach $700,000 to $800,000 (data for informational purposes only, subject to market fluctuations).
Emna Charfeddine, a real estate broker in Laval, regularly advises her clients on Fabreville’s potential: “With the arrival of the REM, many buyers who had never considered this area are now looking at it with great interest. Now is the ideal time to get in before prices adjust.”
For first-time buyers on a tighter budget, buying a home in Fabreville is an excellent way to enter the Laval real estate market. Older homes also offer great renovation potential for those who want to personalize their home.

Points to consider

Like any neighborhood, Fabreville has its peculiarities. Some older streets lack modern infrastructure, and the selection of fine dining restaurants remains limited compared to Chomedey. A few areas near the river are identified as flood zones—a factor to check when buying. However, these factors are largely offset by the area’s advantages for families.