Top 10 Safest Neighbourhoods in Montreal (2024)
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Montreal is a vibrant and diverse city that offers plenty of options for residents looking for a safe place to call home. With a population of over 1.5 million people, Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second-largest city in Canada. In this article, we outline the safest neighbourhoods in Montreal in 2024.
Whether you’re looking for an affluent residential neighbourhood, a trendy urban community, or a quiet suburban area, Montreal has something to offer. Consider factors like crime rates, walkability, community, and access to amenities when evaluating a neighbourhood’s safety, and don’t hesitate to do your own research before making a decision. Before you move to a neighbourhood it’s always a good idea to consult with a real estate agent.
Key Highlights
- Montreal is very safe overall, with plenty of suburban and urban areas known for low crime rates and family-friendliness.
- Montreal is among the safest cities in Canada with a low Crime Severity Index score at 72.03 as of 2021.
- Safety is subjective and it all depends on what you’re looking for.
Using the Crime Severity Index to Rank Canada’s Safest Cities
The Canadian Crime Severity Index (CSI) monitors the severity of crimes reported by law enforcement, taking into account both the frequency and degree of offenses to evaluate the overall level of seriousness from one year to the next.
This helps in understanding how crime impacts individuals, families, and the community as a whole. Research shows that elevated crime severity levels substantially negatively impact both personal and communal well-being, making a low CSI score an indication of a thriving community.
With a CSI score of 72.03 (as of 2021), Montreal is the third safest city in Canada with a population greater than 1 million people. Overall, there are plenty of safe neighbourhoods in Montreal that one could call home.
What Makes a Montreal Neighbourhood Dangerous vs Safe?
It all depends on the neighbourhood. One of the most obvious factors that can affect a neighbourhood’s safety is its crime rate. Areas with higher rates of violent crime or property crime are generally considered less safe than those with lower rates.
In Montreal, neighbourhoods like Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Saint-Michel, and Parc-Extension have historically had higher crime rates than areas like Outremont, Westmount, and the Plateau-Mont-Royal.
Safe neighbourhoods for families may have good schools, access to parks and recreation, and a sense of community. In contrast, neighbourhoods that are popular among singles may have a vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and a younger demographic.
Some neighbourhoods that may be considered family-friendly in Montreal include NDG, West Island, and Villeray-St-Michel-Parc-Extension, while areas like the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile End, and Griffintown are known for attracting a younger, single demographic.
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Top 10 Safest Neighbourhoods in Montreal
Westmount
Population: 20,312
Median Home Price: $1,830,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,450
Westmount is an affluent, primarily residential neighbourhood that is known for its low crime rates and high quality of life. It has a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. The downside to Westmount is that it can be quite expensive, so it may not be an option for everyone.
Ahuntsic-Cartierville
Population: 134,245
Median Home Price: $736,500
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,425
Located in the northern part of the city, Ahuntsic-Cartierville is a quiet, primarily residential neighbourhood that is known for its low crime rates. The area has a mix of French and English-speaking residents and is home to many parks and green spaces, making it an ideal neighbourhood for families.
Notre-Dame-de-Grace
Population: 67,475
Median Home Price: $1,540,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,400
Notre-Dame-de-Grace, or NDG as it is commonly called, is a popular neighbourhood located in the western part of the city. It is known for its diverse population, excellent schools, and low crime rates. NDG has a mix of residential and commercial areas, with many local businesses and restaurants.
Outremont
Population: 23,954
Median Home Price: $1,300,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,670
Outremont is another wealthy neighbourhood with low crime rates and a family-friendly atmosphere. It has a mix of French and English-speaking residents, a thriving commercial area, and good access to public transit. Outremont is also known for its beautiful architecture, with many homes dating back to the early 20th century.
Cote-Saint-Luc
Population: 32,448
Median Home Price: $1,099,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,329
Côte-Saint-Luc is a predominantly English-speaking neighbourhood located just west of Montreal’s city center. It is known for its low crime rate and excellent schools. Côte-Saint-Luc is also home to a large Jewish community and has many kosher restaurants and shops.
Plateau-Mont-Royal
Population: 104,000
Median Home Price: $1,300,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,350
The Plateau-Mont-Royal is a vibrant, trendy neighbourhood that is popular among young professionals and families alike. It has a strong sense of community, excellent restaurants and cafes, and easy access to parks and public transit. The Plateau-Mont-Royal is also known for its beautiful historic architecture, with many homes dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Mile-End
Population: 23,977
Median Home Price: $950,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,795
Mile-End is a trendy, hipster neighbourhood located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough of Montreal. While it may not be as quiet or family-friendly as some of the other neighbourhoods on this list, Mile-End is known for its low crime rates and vibrant, artistic community.
Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie
Population: 139,590
Median Home Price: $849,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,117
Located in the central part of the city, Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie is a diverse neighbourhood that is known for its low crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere. The area has a mix of residential and commercial areas, with many businesses and trendy restaurants.
Anjou
Population: 42,796
Median Home Price: $680,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,438
Anjou is a quiet, suburban neighbourhood located in the eastern part of the city. It is known for its low crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere. Anjou is home to many parks and recreational areas, making it an ideal neighbourhood for outdoor activities.
Verdun
Population: 69,229
Median Home Price: $1,005,000
Average Rent for 1 Bedroom: $1,129
Verdun is a quiet, primarily residential neighbourhood located in the southwestern part of the city. It is known for its low crime rates and excellent schools. Verdun is home to many parks and green spaces, making it an ideal neighbourhood for families.
FAQ
Which neighbourhood in Montreal has the lowest crime rate?
According to Statistics Canada, some of the neighbourhoods with the lowest crime rates in Montreal include Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Westmount.
Which is the best neighbourhood in Montreal to live in for foreigners?
Ultimately, the best neighbourhood for a foreigner in Montreal will depend on individual preferences and needs. Côte-des-Neiges, The Plateau-Mont-Royal, and Ahuntsic-Cartierville are all good options for people from around the world.
Finding the Safest Neighbourhood to Live in Montreal
Safety is subjective and can vary widely based on individual experiences and perceptions. It’s always a good idea to research a neighbourhood and talk to local residents before making any decisions about where to live. Keep in mind that no neighbourhood is completely immune to crime, no matter how safe it is.
To obtain more detailed crime statistics for a specific neighbourhood, such as the number of burglaries, assaults, or thefts, you can refer to Statistics Canada. You can also seek advice from a real estate agent who specializes in the area you’re interested in or speak with acquaintances and family members who live in the vicinity.
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