Quick answer: The three Laval neighbourhoods people most often move to are Sainte-Dorothée for space and a quiet, family, riverside feel; Chomedey for central living, shopping and the best transit; and Vimont-Duvernay for established, well-priced family streets near good schools. All three put you roughly 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Montreal, with more room and lower housing costs than the island. The REM light-rail extension is making Laval even more connected.
If you are moving to Laval from Montreal or beyond, here is what each of the three most popular areas is really like, who it suits, and what to expect on moving day.
Why people are moving to Laval
Laval sits just north of Montreal across the Rivière des Prairies, home to more than 440,000 people, and it has become one of Greater Montreal’s most popular moves. The reasons are simple: more space, bigger lots, quieter streets and housing costs well below the island, single-family homes in Laval run roughly 25% to 30% cheaper than in Montreal, while staying a short commute away.
Add strong highway access (the 13, 15, 19, 25 and 440), an existing metro and train link, and the growing REM light-rail network, and Laval offers a suburban lifestyle without cutting you off from the city. It is especially popular with families and first-time buyers priced out of central Montreal.
The 3 most popular Laval neighbourhoods to move to
1. Sainte-Dorothée, space, water and calm
On the western tip of the island, Sainte-Dorothée is Laval’s go-to for families who want room to breathe. Known as the “flower capital” for its horticultural greenhouses, it offers large single-family homes on generous lots, tree-lined streets, and waterfront sections along the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Mille Îles. There is shopping at the Mega Centre Sainte-Dorothée, good schools and green space, all about 20 minutes from downtown via Highway 13. A future REM station is set to make it even better connected.
Best for: families, professionals wanting space, water-lovers
Vibe: quiet, upscale, countryside-meets-suburb
The move: larger homes and long driveways, plan for a bigger job and easy truck access
2. Chomedey, central, lively and best connected
Chomedey is Laval’s largest and busiest neighbourhood, and the natural landing spot if you want to be close to everything. It has the widest mix of housing (condos, townhouses, semis and apartment towers), the most shopping and dining (Centropolis, Carrefour Laval nearby), and the strongest transit and highway access via boulevard Curé-Labelle and the bridges to Montreal. It is also one of the more affordable entry points, especially for condos, and its diversity gives it real energy.
Best for: young professionals, first-time movers, condo dwellers, those without a car
Vibe: urban, diverse, convenient
The move: condo and apartment moves mean elevator bookings and tighter parking, worth planning ahead
3. Vimont and Duvernay, established family streets
For classic, settled family living, Vimont and neighbouring Duvernay are the picks. These are well-established residential areas with character homes, mature trees and a stable, community feel, at prices that stay below Laval’s upscale west end. Vimont sits in the heart of Laval with a train link to Montreal, the city’s main hospital and the Lucerne Arena; Duvernay borders the river in the east with direct access to Highway 25 and the tunnel to eastern Montreal. Both are known for their schools and quiet streets.
Best for: families, commuters to east-end Montreal, value-seekers
Vibe: settled, leafy, community-minded
The move: older homes with driveways and yards, usually straightforward truck access
Laval neighbourhoods at a glance
| Neighbourhood | Best for | Vibe | Commute to downtown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sainte-Dorothée | Families wanting space | Quiet, upscale, riverside | ~20 min via Hwy 13 |
| Chomedey | Professionals, condo living | Central, lively, connected | ~25 min, best transit |
| Vimont-Duvernay | Established families | Settled, leafy, calm | ~25 to 30 min |
What changes when you move from Montreal to Laval
- You will likely want a car. Laval is more spread out than the island. Transit and the REM help, but most households here drive, unlike central Montreal.
- More space, lower cost. Expect a bigger home and yard for your money, the main reason people make the move.
- A calmer pace. Laval trades Montreal’s density and nightlife for parks, waterfront paths and quiet streets.
- Still close to the city. Most Laval neighbourhoods are a 20 to 30 minute drive or transit ride from downtown, so you keep access to Montreal’s jobs and culture.
- The move itself is easy. Montreal to Laval is a short local move for us, often just over the bridge, so it is quick and affordable compared to a long-distance relocation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best neighbourhood in Laval for families?
Sainte-Dorothée, Vimont and Duvernay top the list for families, thanks to their space, schools, parks and quiet streets. Sainte-Dorothée offers the most room and waterfront access, while Vimont and Duvernay offer established value.
What is the most affordable neighbourhood in Laval?
Chomedey offers some of the most accessible entry points, especially for condos, along with central amenities. Vimont is among the more affordable areas for single-family homes.
Is Laval cheaper than Montreal?
Yes. Single-family homes in Laval run roughly 25% to 30% below the Montreal median, which is the main reason families and first-time buyers move there, while staying a short commute from the city.
How far is Laval from downtown Montreal?
Most Laval neighbourhoods are about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown by car or transit, using highways 13, 15 and 25, the metro’s Orange line, the train, and the growing REM network.
Do you need a car in Laval?
For most neighbourhoods, yes. Laval is more spread out than Montreal, so while transit and the REM are improving, most residents rely on a car for daily life.
How much does it cost to move from Montreal to Laval?
It is a local move, usually billed by the hour, so it is affordable, often just a short trip over the bridge. The cost depends on your home size, access and date rather than the distance.
Moving to Laval? We make it easy
A Montreal to Laval move is a short, straightforward job for our crews, and we do them often. Wherever in Laval you are headed, Sainte-Dorothée, Chomedey, Vimont or beyond, we will give you one clear, honest quote with no hidden fees. When you are ready, get a free moving quote or call 514-551-0155.
Neighbourhood notes are 2026 general guidance for people relocating, not real estate or investment advice. Prices, transit timelines and availability change, so confirm current details before you decide.