Top 6 Safest neighborhoods to live in Toronto with the Best quality of life – 2024

Studies
Canada
Ontario
Toronto

Choosing to live in Toronto means immersing yourself in a culturally rich city with a friendly community, surrounded by green spaces, parks, and recreational options. Despite its status as one of Canada’s pricier cities, a good option is living in the suburbs of Toronto that are part of the GTA. These areas offer housing options near subway stations and a more budget-friendly choice for families seeking stability.

Looking for a suburb in the GTA where you can feel comfortable and safe, surrounded by convenient amenities? We got you covered! The 6 safest Toronto neighborhoods with the best quality of life this year are listed below!

Methodology

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of the total number of crimes, which is derived from Toronto Police data recorded between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. The crime rate is calculated per 1,000 people. The crime categories are assault, break and enter, auto theft, robbery, and theft over.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

Ad

Widgets Magazine

Safest neighborhoods to live in Toronto

Featured in this article

Ad

1. Davisville Village

  • Crime Rate: 5.39 crimes per 1000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,345
  • Average property buying cost: $810,000

Known for its excellent public transit, Davisville Village is one of the best and safest neighborhoods in the GTA and Toronto, making it an ideal spot for easy access to the city. With Davisville Station on Line 1 (Yonge-University) and numerous bus routes, it’s easy to get to major areas like downtown or the University of Toronto. Safety is another highlight, with a low crime rate of 5.39 crimes per 1,000 people, which adds to its safety appeal for families. Davisville Village has plenty of family-friendly amenities, like Davisville Park with a pool, tennis courts, and a baseball diamond. The community center offers various classes, creating a welcoming environment for locals. The area is also home to respected schools, such as Davisville Junior Public School and Earl Haig Secondary School, making it a great choice for families with children. For those who enjoy shopping and dining, Mount Pleasant Village is just a short walk away, offering a charming mix of eateries and entertainment. However, rent can be on the pricier side in Davisville Village.

Zumper (Oct 2024), Redfin (Oct 2024), AreaVibes (Oct 2024) & Toronto Police MCI (2023)

Davisville Village, Toronto

2. Steeles

  • Population: 24,623 
  • Crime Rate: 5.97 crimes per 1000 people 

Steeles, a small suburban neighborhood in Toronto’s northeastern Scarborough, offers a serene environment ideal for families. It features big parks like L’Amoreaux North, Terry Fox, and Fundy Bay, providing soccer and tennis fields along with playgrounds. Additionally, Steeles is conveniently close to public schools such as Sir Ernest MacMillan Senior Public School and Terry Fox Public School.Most of the housing in Steeles consists of single-family homes and townhouses on tree-lined streets, making the neighborhood walkable with nearby grocery stores and restaurants.Steeles has a reported crime rate of 5.97 crimes per 1,000 people, offering a secure environment for its residents.

Toronto.ca (2016) & Toronto Police MCI (2023)

Steeles, Toronto

3. Yonge & St. Clair

  • Population:14,659
  • Crime Rate: 7.77 crimes per 1000 people

Between Avenue Road and Yonge St., this neighborhood offers inviting green spaces like The Beltline Trail, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Main streets create a lively hub with offices, restaurants, shops, and cafés, providing diverse choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment.In Yonge & St. Clair, peaceful residential streets feature trees and charming homes, offering a serene escape from city life. The neighborhood stands out for its beautiful green surroundings and low crime rate, with a mix of condos, apartments, and detached houses. Yonge & St. Clair has a reported crime rate of 7.77 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest places to live in Toronto.

Statcan population (2021), Local Logic& Toronto Police MCI (2023)

Yonge & St. Clair, Toronto

4. Humber Heights - Westmount

  • Population:10,938
  • Crime Rate: 8.86 crimes per 1000 people

In northeastern Etobicoke, Humber Heights or Humbervale, is a serene neighborhood surrounded by parks like Cruickshank, Weston Lions, and Raymore, along the Humber River and near Emmett Waterfall. This area, predominantly composed of single-family homes, provides diverse housing options, including apartments and detached houses, at more affordable prices compared to downtown Toronto.Residents benefit from easy transit, with Weston Train Station providing a short commute to Toronto’s Financial District. A 50-minute drive via Gardiner Expressway W takes you to Old Toronto, and there’s convenient access to Highway 401 Express for GTA commuters.In terms of safety, the neighborhood boasts a reported crime rate of 8.86 crimes per 1,000 people, providing residents with a sense of security.

Toronto.ca (2016), Local Logic & Toronto Police MCI (2023)

Milana Cizmar
Milana CizmarBroker at Royal LePage R.E. Services Ltd., Brokerage
Read More

“As an Etobicoke Real Estate Specialist, I can tell you that Humber Heights-Westmount is a fantastic place to buy a home and live due to its blend of natural beauty, convenient location, and strong sense of community. Nestled along the picturesque Humber River, the area offers an abundance of green spaces, parks, and trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Its proximity to major highways and public transit ensures easy access to downtown Toronto and other parts of the city, making it ideal for commuters. The neighborhood is known for its variety of housing options, from charming bungalows to more spacious family homes, catering to diverse buyer needs. With excellent schools, local amenities, and a peaceful suburban atmosphere, Humber Heights-Westmount provides a balanced lifestyle that appeals to those seeking both tranquility and urban convenience. It’s truly a great neighborhood to call home.”

Humber Heights - Westmount, Toronto

5. Lambton Baby Point

  • Population:7,985
  • Crime Rate: 9.39 crimes per 1000 people

Lambton Baby Point is one of the safest neighborhoods in Toronto, offering numerous benefits. It is close to nature, within walking distance of the subway, and near Bloor West Village.Although the schools may not have the highest ratings, the crime rate is impressively low at 9.39 crimes per 1,000 people, making it one of the safest areas in Toronto. Locals often say that if budget were no concern, they would move to Baby Point instantly due to its beauty, tranquility, and overall appeal. It’s an ideal place to raise a family.The neighborhood features beautiful, well-maintained homes surrounded by trees, perfect for leisurely strolls. While housing can be expensive, it’s a reflection of the quality of life and proximity to downtown. Additionally, many new constructions are underway, enhancing the area even further.

Toronto.ca (2016) & Toronto Police MCI (2023)

Jordan Buttarazzi
Jordan ButtarazziReal estate agent at Real Broker Ontario Ltd. in Ontario
Read More

“As a local expert, I can confidently say Baby Point is one of Toronto’s safest and most exclusive neighborhoods. The area is known for its beautiful homes, large lots, and mature trees that create a sense of privacy. I always enjoy passing through the historic stone gates at Jane Street and Baby Point Road, which feel like the gateway to a hidden gem. With the Humber River and the Etienne Brulé Park trail nearby, nature lovers will find plenty to explore. The tight-knit community and access to these serene green spaces make Baby Point a perfect blend of peaceful living and timeless elegance.”

Lambton Baby Point, Toronto

6. Caledonia Fairbank

  • Population:9,955 
  • Crime Rate: 11.55 crimes per 1000 people 

Caledonia-Fairbank is one of Toronto’s safest and most family-friendly neighborhoods. Earlscourt Park spans a large part of the area, offering numerous activities for children and providing easy access to green spaces.There are still some relatively affordable homes available for under $1 million, which is a rarity in other equally safe neighborhoods. The area is conveniently close to grocery stores and other essential services, with a short drive to downtown Toronto, taking just 27 minutes outside of rush hour.

Toronto.ca (2016) & Toronto Police MCI (2023)

Caledonia Fairbank, Toronto

Featured in this article

Conclusion

When choosing a new place to live, proximity to subway stations, parks, and prestigious schools nearby is key. However, safety always stands out as one of the most crucial considerations. Our updated list reflects this priority, explaining the significant changes from last year. Our methodology not only considers crime statistics based on Toronto Police data, but also incorporates valuable insights about living in these neighborhoods from residents in reputable forums.

Choosing the right neighborhood requires patience, so be sure to carefully review this list before making your final decision. Planning a move soon? Discover the best Toronto movers!

 

Last year’s ranking (2024)

  1. High Park – Swansea
  2. Steeles
  3. Whitby
  4. Humber Heights – Westmount
  5. Yonge & St. Clair

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated with a focus on safety, affordability, and quality of life. Please note that some locations from last year’s rankings may have been excluded from this year’s list due to deviations from our methodology. This could include areas with insufficient rental/safety data or those with higher/lower averages compared to the previous year. We encourage readers to consider these rankings in conjunction with their individual needs and preferences to make well-informed decisions.

Ad

Widgets Magazine

Share this article on social media

Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
How much is your move?

Find a mover

Easily compare multiple quotes

Organize your move

Guided through a checklist

Internet packages

Get up to speed on the new deals

Address change

Update your address in a few clicks

Join the network

Become a trusted vendor in your service area

For agents and brokers

MovingWaldo is a one-stop-shop that simplifies tackling moving tasks

What is MovingWaldo?

We guide millions of families through each step of their moving process, helping them save time and money, and making sure nothing gets left behind.

Trouver un déménageur

Comparez plusieurs devis

Organisez votre déménagement

Guidé à travers une checklist

Changement d’adresse

Mettez à jour votre adresse en quelques clics

Forfaits internet

Soyez au courant des nouvelles offres internet à domicile

Rejoignez le réseau

Devenez un fournisseur de confiance pour desservir votre région

Professionnels de l’immobilier

Prolongez la relation avec vos clients grâce à votre propre plateforme de déménagement personnalisé

Qu'est-ce que MovingWaldo ?

MovingWaldo est un guichet unique qui simplifie la planification du déménagement

Get our printable change of address checklist directly in your inbox