Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Vancouver with the Best Quality of Life - 2024

The breathtaking natural surroundings of Vancouver are among its most remarkable characteristics. With its location between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city offers an abundance of outdoor leisure possibilities and stunning vistas. It is known for its cultural variety, with a wide range of ethnic populations adding to the lively, cosmopolitan environment of the city. 

Moving to Vancouver can be quite challenging, especially for newcomers, due to factors to be considered such as the high cost of living. While there is violence present in all metropolitan centers, Vancouver boasts comparatively low rates of violent crime when compared to other large cities in North America.

The title of our article does indeed mention Vancouver; however, its high cost of living doesn’t align with our safety-focused methodology. Therefore, we’re directing our attention to areas within the Greater Vancouver Area that offer safety and quality of life.

To help you compare, MovingWaldo listed the top 5 safest neighborhoods to live in Metro Vancouver with the best quality of life in 2024.

Methodology

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of the total number of crimes, which is derived from the official website of Statistics Canada and recorded from each neighborhood’s data in 2022. The crime rate is calculated per 1,000 people. The data are the incident-based crime statistics by detailed violations from police services in British Columbia.

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.

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Safest Neighborhoods to live in Vancouver

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1. Coquitlam

Apartment in Coquitlam
  • Population: 148,625
  • Crime Rate: 53.22 crimes per 1,000 people

Coquitlam, located east of Vancouver in the Greater Vancouver area, offers a well-balanced mix of urban and suburban environments. With over 80 parks and a 134-km trail system, Coquitlam is ideal for those who love the outdoors, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying wildlife and nature. Attractions such as Como Lake Park and Coquitlam Crunch Trail contribute to its overall appeal.

Coquitlam ensures a safe environment for families with RCMP police protection, featuring a low crime rate of 53.22 crimes per 1,000 people. This contributes to its high quality of life.

Statistics Canada (2022) & Statistics Canada Population (2021)

Coquitlam, British Columbia

2. West Vancouver

Apartment in West Vancouver
  • Population: 44,122
  • Crime Rate: 61.96 crimes per 1,000 people

Located on Vancouver’s northwestern side, West Vancouver is a municipality within Metro Vancouver known for its natural beauty, with iconic oceanfront parks such as Ambleside and Whytecliff. Ideal for those who enjoy leisurely strolls along the coastline and water-related activities.

It offers a quick commute with the Blue Bus system, which works in coordination with TransLink for easy access to the GVA. Additionally, there is a strong promotion of eco-friendly travel through cycling and e-bikes. Its vibrant community, engaged in events like the Harmony Arts Festival, attracts professionals in film and tourism, promoting a robust job market in these sectors. 

The community shows a crime rate of 61.96 per 1,000 people, providing residents with a strong sense of security and a luxury lifestyle.

District of West Vancouver (Nov 2023), Statistics Canada (2022) & Statistics Canada Population (2021)

West Vancouver, British Columbia

3. North Vancouver

Apartments in North Vancouver
  • Population: 123,025
  • Crime Rate: 64.33 crimes per 1,000 people

North Vancouver offers mountain scenery, forests, and waterfronts, with easy access to different parks like Loutet, Mahon, and Ray Perrault, as well as waterfront piers like Burrard Dry Dock. Ideal for families seeking recreational attractions near downtown Vancouver, just across Burrard Inlet.

In terms of safety, the city has reported a crime rate of 64.33 crimes per 1,000 people, offering a secure environment for its residents. Its goal is to become “The Healthiest Small City in the World”. 

North Vancouver combines city and suburban attributes in a quiet area with little traffic noise. The main housing options are condos and townhomes.

City of North Vancouver (Nov 2023), Statistics Canada (2022) & Statistics Canada Population (2021)

North Vancouver, British Columbia

4. Abbotsford

Apartment in Abbotsford
  • Population: 132,300
  • Crime Rate: 67.72 crimes per 1,000 people

Abbotsford in the Fraser Valley, located next to the Canada-US border and the GVA, is known as the “City in the Country” due to its agricultural landscapes. Its key economic driver is agriculture, establishing it as one of Canada’s most diverse farming areas, supporting both agricultural and livestock industries, and facilitating job opportunities in those sectors.

With a reported crime rate of 67.72 crimes per 1,000 people, the city offers a secure environment and is an attractive choice for those seeking a cost-effective suburban lifestyle.

City of Abbotsford (Nov 2023), Statistics Canada (2022) & Statistics Canada Population (2021)

Abbotsford, BC

5. White Rock

Apartment in White Rock, BC
  • Population: 21,939
  • Crime Rate: 76.18 crimes per 1,000 people

White Rock, located in southwest Metro Vancouver, is known for its coastal beauty and the variety of recreational and cultural programs dedicated to its residents, despite its small population of only 21,939. With parks, trails, and the iconic White Rock Pier along its waterfront, it offers a perfect seaside living.

It has a diverse community that welcomes cultural events, where arts seamlessly become a natural part of residents’ daily lives. It blends a coastal charm, surrounded by seafood dining and shopping options, offering a small-town atmosphere with modern urban conveniences and a short commute to Vancouver.

With a reported crime rate of 76.18 crimes per 1,000 people, White Rock provides a sense of security. 

City of White Rock (Nov 2023), Statistics Canada (2022) & Statistics Canada Population (2021)

White Rock, British Columbia

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Conclusion

Vancouver boasts several neighborhoods known for their safety and quality of life. Areas such as Coquitlam, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Abbotsford, and White Rock rank among the safest, characterized by low crime rates, agricultural landscapes, and strong community cohesion. 

These neighborhoods offer a peaceful ambiance, vibrant artistic community, and ample green spaces, making them ideal choices for families and individuals seeking a secure and comfortable living environment in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.

Are you planning to move to Vancouver, soon? Check out the best moving companies in Vancouver for a hassle-free move.

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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.

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