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Top 8 Safest neighborhoods to live in Toronto with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: November 7, 2023

While Toronto is a relatively safe city to live in, some of its neighborhoods are safer than others. While many Torontonians look for an apartment near a subway station, others make security and safety their primary concern. Are you planning to move to Toronto and are looking for a neighborhood that provides the security and safety required to protect its residents? MovingWaldo has got you covered! Here are the Top 8 safest neighborhoods in Toronto in 2023!

Methodology

We based our ranking on 3 criteria: the occurrence of Major Crime Indicators (MCI), the crime rate, and the assault rate. According to the Toronto Police Service, “the Major Crime Indicators categories are Assault, Break and Enter, Auto Theft, Robbery and Theft Over”. The crime rate indicates the number of MCI per 100,000 population. The assault rate is also a relevant data since assaults represent 52.11% of the crimes in Toronto.

Using this data, we’ve ranked the 8 safest neighborhoods in Toronto while also taking into account their quality of life. The criteria used to determine the quality of life are: health, pollution, green space, entertainment, transit, education and employment.

Note: In 2021, the Crime Severity Index (CSI) in Toronto stood at 45.45, which suggests that the city is quite safe in comparison with the national rate of 73.68.

(*Statistics Canada & Toronto Police Service)

1. Humber Heights-Westmount

Best for luxurious living

Population: 10,948
MCI: 80

Also known as Humbervale, Humber Heights-Westmount is a neighborhood in Etobicoke, Toronto. The Humber creek divides this neighborhood into two: the northern Humber Heights and the southern Westmount. This neighborhood experiences a rich display of various forms, from many mansions to more modest, low-density single homes. Ranking as the safest neighborhood on this list, Humber Heights-Westmount has a total Major Crime Indicator of 80, one of the lowest in Toronto. Assault rate is also very low, standing at 182 for every 100,000 people, which is three times less than Toronto’s rate.

(*Toronto Police Service)

Humber Heights-Westmount, Toronto

2. Kingsway South

Best for architecture lovers

Population: 9,271
MCI: 113

Kingsway South has the lowest assault rate in Toronto and one of the lowest Major Crime Indicators too. These figures put it at number 5 on our list. With an assault rate of 116, it stands 79% below Toronto’s assault rate. Its total crime rate is roughly twice as low as Toronto’s crime rate. The residential streets of Kingsway South are popular for their gorgeous century buildings and grand architecture. Many residents prefer to refer to their neighborhood as The Kingsway to avoid confusing it with South Kingsway, which is a street located east of the Humber River and stretching south from Bloor Street.

(*Toronto Police Service)

Kingsway South, Toronto

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3. Steeles

Best for families

Population: 24,623
MCI: 129

Located in the suburbs of Toronto, Steeles provides the safety lacking in Toronto. With an estimate of 129 major crimes per year, Steeles ranks 3rd among the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto. The city is home to several municipal parks and recreational centers. So, if you are big on nature, this is a great place for you. Steeles also boasts of a vibrant educational system, with its system being actively run by two public school boards. Steeles is a great and safe place to start a family.

(*Toronto Police Service)

Steeles, Toronto

4. Yonge-St. Clair

Best for cultural entertainment

Population: 12,528
MCI: 117

Known as the beating heart of midtown Toronto, Yonge-St. Clair is a neighborhood where culture and commerce meet. This neighborhood offers a perfect mix of big city life with a suburban feel because of its proximity to the city’s center. It has a vibrant nightlife and amazing restaurants such as Zelden’s Deli and Desserts, Barnsteiners, and The Sprout. Yonge-St. Clair ranks as one of the safest neighborhoods in Toronto. Yonge-St. Clair has a total crime rate of 469 per 1000,000 people, which is 58% lower than the total crime rate of Toronto at 1,117 per 100,000 people.

(*Toronto Police Service)

Yonge-St. Clair, Toronto

5. Princess-Rosethorn

Best for big families

Population: 11,051
MCI: 100

Living in Princess-Rosethorn offers you the chance to play golf in some of Toronto’s finest golf clubs, such as St. George’s Golf and Country Club and the Islington Golf Club, which add to the social feel of the neighborhood. This neighborhood’s real estate is well-spaced out, with many families owning grand family homes on large lots. The crime rate in Princess-Rosethorn is relatively low, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Toronto. Its total Major Crime Indicator is 100, with an assault rate of 195, which is 65% less than Toronto’s.

(*Toronto Police Service)

Princess-Rosethorn, Toronto

6. Maple Leaf

Best to enjoy nature & the Niagara Falls

Population: 10,111
MCI: 131

With an overall Major Crime Indicator of 131, Maple Leaf makes it to our list of top 8 safest neighborhoods in Toronto. Maple leaf is so safe; its total crime rate is nearly half of the overall crime rate in Toronto. Its assault rate is also less than Toronto’s by 51%. Maple Leafs municipal parks are run by the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division. They include Maple Leaf Park, North Park, and the Queen’s Greenbelt. It has a slightly high cost of living due to its proximity to Niagara Falls, making it a popular spot for tourists.

(*Toronto Police Service)

Maple Leaf, Toronto

7. Agincourt North

Best to find several parks

Population: 29,113
MCI: 175

With a total crime rate of 531, Agincourt North’s crime rate is twice lower than Toronto’s crime rate. Its assault rate is also 61% lower than that of Toronto, making it one of the safest places to live and work in. The cost of living in Agincourt is around 10% lower than in Toronto, and its housing cost stands at around 13% below the national average. Agincourt North has several parks with exotic green zones. For instance, Iroquois Park is a place where all ages can enjoy. The park has a kids’ playground, a tennis court, a soccer ground, and a baseball diamond. You can also take a walk, have a picnic, meet with some friends, or simply rest on the grass in the famous Brimley Woods Park.

(*Toronto Police Service)

Agincourt North, Toronto

8. Edenbridge-Humber Valley

Best for raising children

Population: 15,535
MCI: 155

Crime in Edenbridge-Humber Valley is very low. Ranking at number 8 on our list, it has an assault rate of 182, which is 68% lower than the overall assault rate in Toronto. Its total Major Crime Indicator also stands as low as 155. Real estate in Edenbridge-Humber Valley is favorable to homeowners, which is evident in the fact that there are more homeowners than renters in the neighborhood. This neighborhood also prioritizes education, owning 12 public schools, 7 catholic schools, and 3 private schools. It also has 13 parks and 10 playgrounds. Edenbridge-Humber Valley is a good place to raise kids.

(*Toronto Police Service)

Find out about the best elementary schools in Toronto

Edenbridge-Humber Valley, Toronto

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Conclusion

Safety is a very important criterion to consider when moving homes. Many other factors are negotiable, but the safety of life and properties cannot be overlooked. Our top 8 neighborhoods are some of Toronto’s safest places to live. With great economic and recreational facilities, you can be guaranteed a decent and comfortable life. Choosing the right neighborhood requires patience, so ensure to go through this list carefully before making a final decision. Are you moving soon? Find out the best Toronto movers!

Last year's ranking (2022)

1. Steeles
2. Yonge-St. Clair
3. Humber Heights-Westmount
4. Agincourt North
5. Kingsway South
6. Princess-Rosethorn
7. Maple Leaf
8. Edenbridge-Humber Valley

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The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

Provide Matt with your move criteria. He will calculate quotes from verified movers, using the same metrics. This will make it simple to compare and book your move.