The Devon neighbourhood and the Dobie house

With picturesque glimpses of the Wolastoq river and access to Fredericton’s walking trails, the Devon neighbourhood is popular for its central location and proximity to amenities. The area is also well known for its postwar Dobie houses.

Devon’s history extends back generations, and in the mid 20th century, the town of Devon was amalgamated with the city of Fredericton. Around this time, Canadians were preparing for World War II veterans to return home and the country was facing a serious housing shortage. In response, the federal government purchased 70 acres of Devon farmland from Hector Dobie, where 200 homes were constructed to rent to veterans. These 1.5-storey, gable-roof homes were thus dubbed the Dobie. Within a few years, Dobies were being constructed on Fredericton’s southside as well.

At the time, the homes could be rented to veterans for approximately $30/month and could later be purchased for $5000. In 2024, most Dobies in Devon sold between $300-400,000.

Near the Dobie farmland is another piece of Fredericton history: the Neill Farm.

Originally named Sunnybank Farm, the land was purchased by John Neill in 1840. The property stayed in the Neill family for almost 200 years. In 2021, the land was purchased by the owners of Red Rover Craft Cider. They have plans to restore and preserve the buildings and create another Fredericton-favourite location.

The area has changed significantly in the years since the introduction of the Dobie house. Schools, recreational activities, and stores are plentiful, making Devon more walkable than many areas. Devon Middle School, the Fredericton Christian Academy, and École les Éclaireurs are conveniently situated in the neighbourhood, with other elementary, middle, and high schools nearby. Plus Cuffman Street Elementary School completed construction in 2024! Additionally, York Arena and the close by Willie O’Ree Place provide access to year-round sport activities.

Families will also enjoy the proximity to Henry Park which offers…

…baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and a skatepark. For a more picturesque setting, the beautiful Carleton Park overlooks the Wolastoq River and is situated next to Picaroons Roundhouse. A Fredericton favourite, Picaroons is a local brewery with a huge patio. They serve great food from 540 North @ Picaroons Roundhouse. The Devon community hosts several other restaurants, cafes, and dining options so there’s something for everyone. Furthermore, this area offers abundant walking trails and direct access to the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge which crosses the river to Fredericton’s downtown.

While the Dobie home is highly prevalent in Devon, there are a variety of housing styles to suit family’s needs. Condominiums, townhomes, and more executive properties are present, as well as several apartment buildings. The Southview condominium is among Fredericton’s most desirable for condos, offering water views from each unit, as well as concrete construction and underground parking. Furthermore, there is significant development of new construction townhomes in the Station Pointe area across from Picaroons. This variety in housing styles make the Devon community popular for families of all ages and sizes. The nearby schools and amenities help, too!