Truth be told, Edmonton is a wonderful city to live, study, work, and play in. Indeed, the city offers great value for resources with lower monthly rent than Calgary. According to reports, the cost of rent in the city of Edmonton averaged $316,000 in mid-2020, down 2.4 percent from a year earlier. Although the city is still recovering from the economic downturn due to the pandemic of recent years, reports have it that home sales rose 60% across all home types.
Note that some of the factors encouraging this activity are increasing families, the ability to work remotely, and the eagerness for more outdoor space. However, even with the domineering demand, Edmonton remains one of Canada’s more affordable markets.
Agreeably, living in a safe neighborhood is very necessary. As parents, you would love to take your kids out for strolls without worrying about what might happen. Safety is genuinely one of the most vital things to look out for when searching for a home. Edmonton is a very safe city, but just as with any other city, there are some areas and neighborhoods with some problems.
The south and southwestern neighborhoods in Edmonton are very good areas with comparatively low crime rates and high affluence. The downtown area serves as the city’s central business district. The Western areas are well renowned for being very family-friendly and boast of a lot of variety, irrespective of whether you’re searching for an apartment, condominium, or single-family home.
However, crime tends to be concentrated in some northeastern neighborhoods of Edmonton. Downtown also experiences some issues after dark, especially within the Chinatown and McCauley areas. In reality, Edmonton was recently ranked as the 60th best city in the world to live in; however, it will be imperative you choose the neighborhood you intend to stay in wisely. Nonetheless, here are the top neighborhoods to avoid.
What is the Worst Neighborhood in Edmonton?
Abbottsfield
This is a neighborhood situated on the east side of Edmonton and overlooks the city’s astonishing river valley. Owing to its closeness to Rundle Park, the golf course, and river valley trail systems, there are numerous activities for the residents of Abbottsfield to enjoy. According to reports, the neighborhood was named after Abraham Abbott, a resident of the Town of Beverly and long-time school custodian in the Beverly School District.
Crime Rate Level
- The city’s crime rates remain 112% higher than the national average
- Violent crimes in Abbottsfield were noted to be 66% higher than the national average
- In this city, you have a 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of crime
- It is one of the least safe neighborhoods in Alberta
- Year over year crime in Edmonton has decreased by 11%
Blackmud Creek Ravine, Edmonton
This is another notable residential neighborhood in southwest Edmonton that has deteriorated in recent times in terms of crime and resident safety. Note that this Edmonton neighborhood is bounded on the west by the James Mowat Trail (111 Street), and on the north by Ellerslie Road. However, to the east and south, the neighborhood overlooks the Blackmud Creek Ravine.
Crime Rate Level
- Crime rates in the city are 129% higher than the national average
- Violent crimes in Blackmud Creek Ravine are 79% higher than the national average
- According to reports, you have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of a crime
- Year over year crime in Edmonton has decreased by 11%
Yellowhead Corridor East
This is a neighborhood in Edmonton that is situated near Delton, and Killarney. Around 55% of dwellings are single detached homes, while small apartment buildings, duplexes, and townhouses make up most of the remaining housing stock.
Note that homes in this neighborhood are relatively old, especially since about half of its buildings were built before the 1960s, and most of the remaining buildings were constructed in the 1960s. While the neighborhood does not contain any parks, green spaces are located in nearby neighborhoods, making them easy to get to. Owing to the presence of few people out and about on the streets, this part of the city remains relatively quiet.
Crime Rate Level
- According to reports, crime in this neighborhood are 126% higher than the national average
- Violent crimes in Yellowhead Corridor – East are 77% higher than the national average
- You have a 1 in 11 chance of being a victim of crime in this neighborhood
- Year over year crime in Edmonton has decreased by 11%
Eastwood
Note that this is a residential neighborhood in north-central Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is well-known as one of Edmonton’s oldest neighborhoods, with development beginning in 1906. However, Eastwood is benefitting from the revitalization of 118th Ave. between Northlands and 94th St. Note.
The city has carried out street upgrades, landscaping and sidewalk improvements, improved business facades coupled with the hosting of numerous festivals and community events. In addition, crime has been reduced and new businesses have started to spring up coupled with several arts and cultural organizations.
Crime Rate Level
- Crime rates in the neighborhood are 113% higher than the national average
- Note that violent crimes in Eastwood are 66% higher than the national average
- Meanwhile, you have a 1 in 12 chance of becoming a victim of crime
- Eastwood is safer than 0% of the cities in Alberta
Maple Ridge
This is a neighborhood in southeast Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. According to reports, this area was built in the 70s and boasts a tranquil local park for residents to enjoy recreation and social activities. The neighborhood is located between the Maple Ridge Industrial Park and Southeast Industrial Park.
The Maple Ridge community hall is situated at 65th Avenue and 17th Street, while the Maple Downs Park can be found along the western boundary of the neighborhood and provides residents with a large open space and opportunity for recreational activities.
Crime Rate Level
- Maple Ridge crime rates tend to be 124% higher than the national average
- Violent crimes in noted to be 75% higher than the national average
- In the neighborhood, you have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of crime
- Year over year crime in Edmonton has reduced by 11%
Winterburn Industrial West
Winterburn Industrial Area East is located east of Westview Village, and east of Winterburn Industrial Area West. This neighborhood has a minimal amount of single-family residential housing. Have it in mind that the nearby natural wetlands region offers green space and is incorporated into stormwater management. Very close to Stony Plain Road, Yellowhead Highway, and Anthony Henday Drive, residents more or less have access to the rest of the city.
Crime Rate Level
- Crime rates are 117% higher than the national average in this neighborhood
- Violent crimes in the neighborhood are 69% higher than the national average
- Note that you have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of crime
McCauley
This is a neighborhood in central Edmonton and home to a good number of the city’s most culturally diverse districts. It is well fitted with amenities and is just minutes from downtown. The attractive Chinatown markets come alive on the weekend while Giovanni Caboto Park is always hosting major events or some pickup soccer games.
It is bound on the north by 111th Avenue and Norwood Boulevard and on the west by 101st Street down to 105th Avenue. Note that its southeast border cuts diagonally along the LRT tracks that will take you downtown.
Crime Rate Level
- Note that crime rates are 124% higher than the national average in this neighborhood
- Also, note that violent crimes in McCauley are 75% higher than the national average
- In this neighborhood, you have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of crime
- McCauley is safer than 0% of the cities in Alberta
Westview Village
This is a neighborhood located in west Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Like many of the communities that make up West Edmonton, this is a tight-knit neighborhood close to major amenities and transportation routes. It also has an active community league, and a community hall facility found along Winterburn Road.
A stormwater management lake can easily be located in the southeast corner of the neighborhood, which offers residents some open space. However, the only notable difference between this community and the neighboring communities of Secord and Lewis Estates is that Westview Village homes are entirely manufactured homes.
Crime Rate Level
- This neighborhood crime rates are 119% higher than the national average
- Violent crimes in this area are 71% higher than the national average
- Also, note that you have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Central McDougall
This neighborhood is located immediately north of the downtown core. It has moved from a primarily residential community to a mixed-use area made up of low-rise apartments, commercial buildings, schools, and the Royal Alexandra hospitals.
Other recent developments in the area include the Blatchford Community, LRT, and NAIT Campus. Have it in mind that all these have enhanced redevelopment in Central McDougall and you can now find newer infill properties, older character bungalows, and condos.
Crime Rate Level
- In this neighborhood, crime rates are 121% higher than the national average
- Violent crimes are noted to be 73% higher than the national average
- In Central McDougall, you have a 1 in 11 chance of becoming a victim of crime
Boyle Street
Note that this is a neighborhood in central Edmonton, just immediately east of the downtown core. Have it in mind that with the Downtown Revitalization Plan in full bloom, the Boyle Street neighborhood will enjoy tremendous economic growth it hasn’t felt since the beginning of the 20th century when it was the hub of business for a burgeoning city.
The Quarters Downtown plan will ensure four distinct districts are linked by the pedestrian-friendly Armature. According to experts, Boyle Street will soon be a safe, walkable, diverse community.
Crime Rate Level
- Note that crime rates are 122% higher than the national average in Boyle Street
- Violent crimes also are 74% higher than the national average
Generally, crime rates in Edmonton remain above average for Canadian cities – over 20 percent higher than Vancouver, approximately 40 percent higher than Calgary, and two times the crime rate of Toronto and Montreal. However, the neighborhoods mentioned above should be avoided when you intend to stay or live in Edmonton.