5 Safest Areas in Toronto for Families to Live In
Despite being the third largest city in North America, Toronto remains one of the best and safest cities to live in. Whether you are a born Torontonian, a newcomer, or a visitor planning to stay, knowing the safest areas in Toronto can help you choose where to live and boost your street smarts.
When looking into the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto, there are many other factors to consider. In this guide, we’ll walk you through these considerations, share the city’s safest areas, and discuss how to improve safety in any neighbourhood.
The Top Ranking Safest Neighbourhoods in Toronto
Areas with low crime rates always attract potential homeowners, renters, or travellers. People may wonder, is Toronto safe to live in? Even the more populated areas? Is downtown Toronto safe? Considering its size and population, Toronto ranks high on the list of the world’s safest cities in 6th place. Of course, not all neighbourhoods are equally safe. Keep reading for our top five picks for the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto.
Rosedale
Rosedale is one of the oldest and most affluent neighbourhoods in the city. Known for its proximity to high-ranking schools and ample green space, it is also one of the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto. With ample outdoor recreation opportunities within a major city, it’s not uncommon to see residents out and about.
Rosedale’s safety comes down to its low crime rates. The neighbourhood’s popularity among families and the common use of home security monitoring systems with proactive intruder detection help deter criminal activity like burglary, vandalism, and gang violence.
Forest Hill
Forest Hill is a popular neighbourhood and one of the safest areas in Toronto. It’s one of the most desirable neighbourhoods for its strong community ties and beautiful (and expensive) homes.
But Forest Hill is more than its stately architecture and tree-lined streets. Beyond access to distinguished schools and fine dining, those lucky enough to own property here also enjoy a crime rate
72% lower than the national average.
Leaside
As one of the safest areas in Toronto, Leaside boasts a proud local culture and a low crime rate. Close to Bayview Avenue, this neighbourhood has plenty of great options for spots to shop and eat. Green spaces and elite schools attract families with children looking for a place to establish roots. Leaside is also close to essential services like Sunnybrook Hospital, providing locals with peace of mind.
The Beaches
Considered one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Toronto, The Beaches has some of the best lakefront views in the city. This is one of the more relaxed communities, with a low crime rate and an emphasis on family-friendly activities. The blend between urban Toronto living and life in the suburbs makes The Beaches one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Toronto for anyone looking for a relaxed lifestyle.
Lawrence Park
Lawrence Park is one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city, with great restaurants, boutiques, and incredible recreational facilities. As one of the most exclusive residential neighbourhoods in one of the safest areas in Toronto, you can expect steep housing costs. However, you can’t put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you and your house are safe.
Other Safe Toronto Neighbourhoods
These are just a few of the safest neighborhoods in Toronto. Other noteworthy safe neighbourhoods to consider include:
- Liberty Village
- The Distillery District
- Yonge St. and St. Clair
- High Park
While these neighbourhoods may have the lowest crime rates as estimated by the Toronto Police Service, it’s possible to feel safe anywhere in the city. Regardless of the neighbourhood you choose, Toronto remains one of the safest major cities in North America. Furthermore, there are steps you can take to protect your home anywhere in the city.
What Makes These Toronto Neighbourhoods Safe
Looking at these five neighborhoods, it’s clear there are key similarities between them. Residents have strong social ties and are surrounded by recreational green spaces, creating lively communities bustling with activity. Beyond that, it’s common for residents to proactively protect their homes with reliable home security cameras and alarm systems with video doorbells.
Learn more: How do Doorbell Cameras Work?
Image Source:
Canva
Why Safety Matters When Choosing Your Neighbourhood
While these may be the safest areas in Toronto, they are definitely not for every budget or lifestyle. However, keeping safety in mind when choosing where to live or stay in Toronto can greatly impact you and your family’s overall happiness and wellbeing. Here are a few further considerations:
Protection of Your Property
Living in a safe neighbourhood in Toronto with monitored and well-lit areas can reduce the risk of thefts, burglaries, and even vandalism. This leads to a better quality of life and more stable property values.
Reduced Cost for Insurance
Did you know that living in a neighbourhood with a low crime rate potentially provides you with lower home insurance rates? Lower chances of burglaries and break-ins mean insuring your home is less risky, reducing your insurance premiums.
Freedom to Explore
When you choose a safe community, you gain the freedom to enjoy your neighbourhood without fear. More people out and about means more awareness of what’s going on in the community, increasing vigilance and general safety.
Image Source:
Canva
What Makes a Neighbourhood Safe?
Whether you’re looking to move to Leaside or find a place downtown Toronto, here are some key things to look for when determining a neighbourhood’s safety:
- Access to Emergency Services: In the case of an emergency, timely assistance from first responders is imperative. Neighbourhoods with nearby Toronto Police Service and fire stations benefit from quick responses when they’re needed most. To further increase safety, consider a home security system with 24/7 remote monitoring. A professional surveillance team provides round the clock protection for your home and can report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
- Presence of Security Cameras: Did you know that installing security cameras discourages criminal activity by over 50%? Neighbourhoods with houses that commonly use security cameras experience reduced risk of break-ins and auto theft, improving general safety for residents.
- Diverse and Inclusive Communities: Wherever you choose to settle, Toronto is
one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Varied, inclusive communities, with regular contact between diverse individuals, reduce biases and prejudice, promoting understanding between neighbours for a strong, safe city.
Ensure Your Home’s Safety With PasWord Protection
If you’re still wondering, “Is Toronto safe to live in? The answer is Yes! Toronto’s diversity, convenience, and low crime rates truly set it apart as a unique and wonderful place to live. That’s not to say that crime never happens, so it’s important to protect your home with a robust security system.
PasWord Protection has kept Toronto homes
safe for over 60 years. Our experienced professionals provide custom home security solutions to safeguard your property. Whether you live in one of the safest areas in Toronto or not, we pride ourselves on innovative systems, available with active 24/7 monitoring and proactive intruder detection.
Contact us today for a free security consultation. Let us help you reduce crime in your neighbourhood!
© 2025 PasWord Protection. All Rights Reserved. Marketing Powered by The Influence Agency