The Safest Neighbourhoods in Toronto, Based on Police Data

Are you looking for a safe place to live, work, and raise a family in Toronto? Whether you’re moving across the city or settling in for the first time, choosing a safe neighbourhood can offer peace of mind — and, as a bonus, may even lead to cheaper home, condo, or tenant insurance.

So, what are the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto? 

In this article, you’ll find out what the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto are, based on 2024 crime data from the Toronto Police Service. While crime statistics are an important factor, they don’t necessarily tell the whole story. Everyone’s experience is unique, so it’s usually best to do your research, talk to locals, and visit the area yourself before making any decisions. 

What is the safest neighbourhood in Toronto?

Generally speaking, the safest neighbourhoods in major cities, like Toronto or Montreal, tend to be residential and a bit removed from the downtown core. You can see this from the list of the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto. 

• Henry Farm
• Steeles
• Yonge-St. Clair
• Danforth East York
• Maple Leaf
• Avondale
• Bayview Woods-Steeles

📍Henry Farm

Located in the eastern part of North York, Henry Farm is a family-friendly neighbourhood with easy access to Highway 401 and Highway 404. The area features green spaces such as the nearby Sunnybrook Park and is served by several TTC routes, making it well-connected to the rest of the city.

Toronto Police data shows that Henry Farm was among the safest neighbourhoods in 2024. It had zero homicides and shootings, and for most violent and property crimes, including robbery, assault, car theft, bicycle theft, and theft from vehicles, it ranked within the lowest 25% of all Toronto neighbourhoods.

• 👥 Population: 25,482 (Toronto Police Service)
• 🏢 Average rent: $1,907 as of October 2024 (CMHC)
• 🏠 Average home sale price: $613,000 in May 2025 (Zolo)
• 🗺️ Boundaries: Don River East Branch & Sheppard Avenue East (north), Victoria Park Avenue (east), Highway 401 (south), Don River East Branch (west) (City of Toronto)

📍Steeles

Located in the northwestern corner of Scarborough, Steeles is a residential neighbourhood with access to Steeles Avenue East and Victoria Park Avenue, as well as Highway 404 for commuters. It offers a mix of quiet residential streets, local parks like Thomson Memorial Park, and convenient shopping options nearby.

With no homicides or shootings reported in the area and lower-than-average rates of robbery, assault, home break-ins, and theft from vehicles, Toronto Police data suggests Steeles was one of the safer neighbourhoods in Toronto in 2024. 

• 👥 Population: 25,870 (Toronto Police Service)
• 🏢 Average rent: $1,624 as of October 2024 (CMHC)
• 🏠 Average home sale price: $954,000 in May 2025 (Zolo)
• 🗺️ Boundaries: Roughly bordered by Steeles Avenue East (north), Kennedy Road (east), McNicoll Avenue (south), and Victoria Park Avenue (west) (City of Toronto)

📍Yonge-St.Clair

Located in midtown Toronto just north of downtown, Yonge-St. Clair is a well-connected neighbourhood recognized for landmarks like the Rosehill Reservoir, the Vale of Avoca bridge, and the historic St. Michael’s Cemetery. It’s also home to small green spaces like the Loring-Wyle Parkette and has access to multiple TTC routes.

Despite its central location, Toronto Police data shows that Yonge-St. Clair was one of the safest neighbourhoods in 2024. It saw no homicides or shootings and had the lowest robbery rate in the city. It also ranked in the safest 25% of neighbourhoods for assault, car theft, and theft from vehicles — all indicators of a lower-than-average violent and property crime rate.

• 👥 Population: 15,336 (Toronto Police Service)
• 🏢 Average rent: $1,954 as of October 2024 (CMHC)
• 🏠 Average home sale price: $1.8 million in May 2025 (Zolo)
• 🗺️ Boundaries: Roughly bordered by Avenue Road (west), the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail (north), Yonge Street (east), and the Canadian Pacific Railway (south) (City of Toronto)

📍Danforth East York

Located in Toronto’s east end, Danforth East York is a primarily residential neighbourhood. It offers access to multiple TTC subway stations and bus routes, making it easy to get downtown or to the historic Danforth Music Hall.

It also happens to be one of the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto. In 2024, there were no homicides or shootings reported in the area, as well as significantly fewer incidents of robbery, assault, break-ins, and bicycle thefts than in other neighbourhoods

• 👥 Population: 18,201 (Toronto Police Service)
• 🏢 Average rent: $1,646 as of October 2024 (CMHC)
• 🏠 Average home sale price: $1.3 million in May 2025 (Zolo)
• 🗺️ Boundaries: Roughly bordered by Pape Avenue (west), Cosburn Avenue (north), Woodbine Avenue (east), and an area just south of Strathmore Boulevard (south) (City of Toronto)

📍Maple Leaf

Located in the central-west part of the city, Maple Leaf is a quiet residential neighbourhood in North York. Its location offers easy access to Highway 401 and Highway 400 for commuters, parks like Maple Leaf Park and Queen’s Greenbelt for outdoor recreation, and nearby schools and community centres for families.

Based on the data Toronto Police Service released for 2024, Maple Leaf was among the safer neighbourhoods in the city of Toronto. It had notably lower-than-average violent and property crime rates, as well as no homicides or shootings reported in the area. 

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: 11,198 (Toronto Police Service)
• 🏠 Average home sale price: $1.2 million in May 2025 (Zolo)
• 🗺️ Boundaries: Roughly bordered by Highway 401 (north), the Canadian National Railway (east), Lawrence Avenue West (south), and Culford Road (west) (City of Toronto)

📍Avondale

Located in central North York, Avondale is a primarily residential neighbourhood prized for its easy access to Highway 401 and multiple TTC routes, making commuting straightforward. The area is also near local parks such as Avondale Park and Oriole Park, and is close to shopping hubs like Bayview Village.

Not only is getting around Toronto from Avondale relatively easy, but it’s also a pretty safe spot to call home. In 2024, the neighbourhood reported no homicides or shootings, with robbery rates below the city average. It also ranks in the lowest 25% for violent crimes like assault, as well as property crimes such as car theft, theft from a vehicle, and theft over $5,000.

• 👥 Population: 16,084 (Toronto Police Service)
• 🏠 Average home sale price: $812,000 in May 2025 (Zolo)
• 🗺️ Boundaries: Roughly bordered by Yonge Street (west), Sheppard Avenue East (north), Bayview Avenue (east), and Highway 401 (south) (City of Toronto)

📍Bayview Woods-Steeles

Located in the northeastern part of North York, Bayview Woods-Steeles is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. The neighbourhood features landmarks such as Bayview Village Mall and East Don Parklands, with easy access to major roads like Bayview Avenue and Steeles Avenue.

Based on data reported by the Toronto Police Service, Bayview Woods-Steeles was among the safer neighbourhoods in Toronto in 2024. With no homicides or shootings reported and below-average rates of robbery, assault, and car theft, it could be an option for those seeking a quieter area. 

Break-ins, however, were notably higher than the city average. Basic precautions like keeping doors and windows locked can deter opportunistic intrusions, though additional security measures like alarm systems or motion-sensor lighting can offer added peace of mind.

• 👥 Population: 14,142 (Toronto Police Service)
• 🏢 Average rent: $2,922 as of October 2024 (CMHC)
• 🏠 Average home sale price: $1.7 million in May 2025 (Zolo)
• 🗺️ Boundaries: Roughly bordered by Bayview Avenue (west), Steeles Avenue East (north), Don River (east), and Finch Avenue East (south) (City of Toronto)

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