Best Montreal Neighbourhoods, Based on Police Data.

Finding the right neighbourhood to live in can feel like a challenge, especially in a city as large and diverse as Montreal. With each borough offering its own character, pace of life, and unique advantages, how do you decide which one is right for you?

Whether you’re relocating within the city or moving to Quebec for the first time, crime statistics can be a helpful starting point. They highlight trends such as rates of break-ins, car thefts, and assaults, giving you a clearer picture of how safe an area may be. 

In fact, according to data from the Montreal police between January to September 2025, 10 of the safest and best Montreal neighbourhoods to consider include Ville-Marie, Verdun, Anjou, Lachine, L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Saint-Michel, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, West Island, and the Dorval Area.

Key takeaways

According to police data, the best Montreal neighbourhoods to live in include:

• Ville-Marie
• Verdun
• Anjou
• Lachine
• L’Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève
• Pierrefonds-Roxboro
• Saint-Michel
• Rivière-des-Prairies-Pointe-aux-Trembles
• West Island
• Dorval Area

Of course, numbers only tell part of the story. Everyone’s lived experience can vary, so it’s always a good idea to pair statistics with online discussions, first-hand discussions with locals, and personal visits.

Ville-Marie

Located in the heart of Montréal, Ville-Marie is the city’s historic and economic core. Alongside bustling downtown streets, shops, and universities, it includes Old Montréal, the Quartier des Spectacles, and cultural landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica. 

While property-related incidents, such as thefts and break-ins, make up a large share of reported crime in the area, this is expected given Ville-Marie’s dense population, busy nightlife, and constant flow of tourists. Despite its central location and high activity levels, it remains a safe borough with unmatched access to restaurants, festivals, cultural attractions, and historic charm.

• Population: 104,944
• ️ Residents per km²: 6,353 residents per km²
• Average resident age: 40
• Median property value: $723,682

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	1	1
Robbery	32	32
Break-in	128	119
Graffiti/mischief	62	106
Motor vehicle theft	38	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	90	135

Verdun

Verdun can be found on Montréal’s southwestern edge along the St. Lawrence River. It’s known for its shoreline, parks, and active transportation routes. In fact, cyclists and pedestrians alike make use of its many bike paths, foot paths, and public shoreline. This borough is also home to many community gardens, swimming pools, splash pads, and outdoor sports courts, with metro stations that connect residents quickly to downtown.

Like Ville-Marie, Verdun’s central location and relatively high population density help explain why property-related incidents are slightly higher than in some other boroughs on this list. That said, most crimes remain at or below the city average, so residents who value a walkable, amenity-rich neighbourhood can enjoy Verdun’s relaxed atmosphere without undue concern.

• Population: 76,017
• ️ Residents per km²: 7,773 residents per km²
• Median property value: $840,000

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	30	32
Break-in	117	119
Graffiti/mischief	81	106
Motor vehicle theft	64	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	79	135

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Anjou

Located in the eastern end of the Island of Montreal, Anjou is a tranquil, family-friendly borough that offers a suburban escape without sacrificing urban convenience. It features tree-lined streets, several parks, and plenty of community amenities. The area is also home to the popular Galeries d’Anjou, one of eastern Montreal’s largest shopping centres. 

Anjou performs exceptionally well on safety metrics, ranking among the lowest in several major crime categories to stand out as one of the safest and best neighbourhoods in Montreal. In fact, SPVM data shows the area has the lowest number of break-ins, motor vehicle thefts, and thefts from vehicles across the city.  Its suburban layout and distance from downtown likely contribute to fewer opportunistic property crimes, making Anjou a good place to live for those who highly value peace of mind.

• Population: 44,800
• ️ Residents per km²: 3,270 residents per km²
• Average resident age: 44 
• Median property value: $426,100 
• Median value of a condo/apartment: $243,800 

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	25	32
Break-in	34	119
Graffiti/mischief	62	106
Motor vehicle theft	74	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	73	135

Lachine

Located in the southwest of the Island of Montreal along the St. Lawrence River, Lachine is known for its historic canal, waterfront parks, and cultural attractions like the Lachine Museum and Fur Trade National Historic Site. This area is full of old-world charm and offers a mix of residential, recreational, and community spaces.

According to 2025 SPVM data, Lachine performs better than most areas with lower rates of break-ins, thefts from vehicles, and motor vehicle thefts. Reported incidents of robbery and mischief also fall below average, positioning Lachine among the safer boroughs on the island.

• Population: 45,743
• ️ Residents per km²: 2,584 residents per km²
• Average resident age: 42
• Median property value: $444,900
• Median value of a condo/apartment: $253,600

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	12	32
Break-in	59	119
Graffiti/mischief	64	106
Motor vehicle theft	74	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	40	135

L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève

L’Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève can be found on Montreal’s Western side, a large island bordered by Lac des Deux Montagnes and Rivière des Prairies. This borough is known for its green spaces, rural feel, heritage homes, and family-friendly vibe. It is also home to attractions like the Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard nature park, numerous golf courses, a theatre, and a local CEGEP. 

Given that the area is less densely populated than other neighbourhoods in Montreal, it tends to experience fewer disturbances and a generally quieter environment. Police data reflects this, showing that L’Île-Bizard–Sainte-Geneviève has lower numbers of reported break-ins, thefts, and motor vehicle thefts than elsewhere in the city. Combined with its green spaces and access to city services, the borough offers a distinctive balance within Montreal.

• Population: 18,413
• ️ Residents per km²: 780 residents per km²
• Average resident age: 44

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	13	32
Break-in	71	119
Graffiti/mischief	60	106
Motor vehicle theft	53	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	84	135

Pierrefonds-Roxboro

Located in the northern part of Montreal’s West Island, Pierrefonds-Roxboro combines two former municipalities (Pierrefonds and Roxboro). It is known for its large nature parks, including Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park, green spaces like Roxboro Woods, and strong local schools, making it popular with families who value a quiet lifestyle.

As with many residential neighbourhoods removed from the city centre, Pierrefonds-Roxboro experiences lower rates of serious violent crime and theft, making it a relatively safe area. Combined with its suburban calm, abundant green space, and family-oriented amenities, this borough combines residential tranquillity with convenient access to Montreal’s amenities.

• Population: 71,232
• ️ Residents per km²: 2,628 residents per km²
• Average resident age: 40
• Median property value: $413,000
• Median value of a condo/apartment: $237,500

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	12	32
Break-in	59	119
Graffiti/mischief	64	106
Motor vehicle theft	74	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	40	135

Saint-Michel

Located in the eastern part of Montreal, Saint-Michel is a diverse borough with a number of parks, outdoor pools, arenas, and local community facilities. It’s also home to one of the largest green spaces in Montreal, Parc Jarry, as well as the IGA Stadium, Parc Frédéric-Back, and the historic Bain Saint-Michel bathhouse.

Given that Saint-Michel is the most densely populated neighbourhood on this list, with over 8,000 residents per square kilometre, theft-related incidents are higher than they are in other areas. This is typical in densely populated urban areas, where more people, businesses, and activity create additional opportunities for minor crimes. 

That said, all the reported crimes in the table below fall below the city average, making Saint-Michel a viable option for those seeking a vibrant neighbourhood to live in Montreal.

• Population: 143,797
• ️ Residents per km²: 8,723 residents per km²
• Average resident age: 38

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	31	32
Break-in	54	119
Graffiti/mischief	82	106
Motor vehicle theft	89	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	71	135

Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles

At the eastern tip of the Island of Montreal is Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, a large borough bordered by the Rivière des Prairies to the north and the St. Lawrence River to the south. It has easy waterfront access, nature parks like Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies, as well as historic sites like the old windmill at Pointe-aux-Trembles.

Based on police data, Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles was among the safer neighbourhoods in the city of Montreal. It had notably lower-than-average violent and property crime rates, as well as no offences causing death.

However, car theft was slightly higher than the city average. So, residents with vehicles may want to take extra precautions, like using steering wheel locks or parking in well-lit areas.

• Population: 117,000
• ️ Residents per km²: 2,525 residents per km²
• Median property value: $299,120 

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	11	32
Break-in	30	119
Graffiti/mischief	58	106
Motor vehicle theft	125	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	83	135

West Island

The West Island refers to a collection of suburbs at the western tip of Montreal, including Beaconsfield, Kirkland, Baie-d’Urfé, and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. Known for quiet residential streets, strong schools, and larger properties, it’s a top choice for families.

SPVM data supports this reputation with rare violent crimes, and robberies and break-ins being far below city averages. While motor vehicle thefts and property crimes were reported in 2025, it was at much lower rates than in more central boroughs. Together, this makes the West Island an excellent option if you’re looking for safety, community living, and more space while still being connected to the rest of Montreal.

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	6	32
Break-in	39	119
Graffiti/mischief	29	106
Motor vehicle theft	58	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	40	135

Dorval Area

The Dorval area, which includes L’Île-Dorval and Pointe-Claire, sits on the island’s west side near the airport. Known for accessibility, this borough is known for its access to highways and transit, making it easy to get downtown or out of the city. It is also full of history and charm, with older properties and lakefront parks that mimic a cottage-like feel.

2025 SPVM data shows mixed results with below-average break-ins and property crimes, but higher motor vehicle thefts than elsewhere. However, violent crimes like robbery remain much lower than city-wide levels. Dorval appeals to residents who value convenience and accessibility, especially for work and travel, while still maintaining overall safe, suburban living.

• Population: 18,980
• ️ Residents per km²: 907 residents per km²
• Average resident age: 43.5

Crime type	Number recorded in 2025	City-wide average
Offence causing death	0	1
Robbery	14	32
Break-in	52	119
Graffiti/mischief	51	106
Motor vehicle theft	226	117
Theft from/in a motor vehicle	64	135