Canada’s Safest Neighbourhoods and Best Places to Raise a Family (2025 Update)

As housing affordability, quality of life, and safety become top priorities for Canadian families, many are wondering: Where are the best places to raise kids in Canada today? In this 2025 update, we break down the safest neighbourhoods and most family-friendly cities across the country using the latest data on crime, education, affordability, and livability.

🛡️ Safest Places to Live in Canada (2025)

Using Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI), here are some of the top cities and neighbourhoods where safety is a standout:

1. Oak Bay, British Columbia

CSI Score: 22.2 (2023 data)
A quiet, affluent suburb of Victoria with virtually no violent crime and low property crime.
High-ranking schools, walkability, and access to nature make it a dream for families.

2. Cochrane, Alberta

CSI Score: 39.4
Just outside of Calgary, Cochrane offers affordable housing, low crime, and a strong sense of community.
Popular with young families looking for safety without sacrificing urban access.

3. Milton, Ontario

CSI Score: 34.3
One of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, known for new schools, parks, and safe, suburban living.
Families are drawn to its multicultural vibe and kid-friendly infrastructure.

4. Dieppe, New Brunswick

CSI Score: 32.1
One of the safest cities in Atlantic Canada, Dieppe offers bilingual education, modern infrastructure, and strong community programs.

5. Westmount, Quebec

CSI Score: 29.7
An affluent suburb of Montreal with excellent schools, historic homes, and family-focused amenities.

🏡 Best Places to Raise a Family in Canada (2025)

We evaluated cities based on safety, schools, affordability, parks, healthcare access, and community vibe.

1. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Affordable compared to Toronto or Vancouver, with a growing tech sector and great post-secondary institutions.
Family-friendly suburbs like Bedford and Clayton Park offer top-rated schools and easy access to nature.

2. Guelph, Ontario

Often ranked among the top for livability, low crime, and green spaces.
Known for clean air, walkable downtown, and strong sense of community.

3. Burlington, Ontario

Excellent schools, low crime, and a strong family atmosphere.
Lakefront living with great parks, trails, and proximity to Toronto without the GTA chaos.

4. Kelowna, British Columbia

Though real estate is pricier, it’s a growing hub with family-friendly beaches, skiing, and outdoor life.
Safe neighbourhoods like Lower Mission and Glenmore are especially popular for raising kids.

5. Stratford, Ontario

Known for its arts and culture scene, Stratford is quiet, safe, and full of charm.
Affordable housing, great schools, and a slower pace attract many urban escapees with families.

Our rankings used a combination of:

Crime Severity Index (StatsCan 2023)
Affordability data (CREA & Rentals.ca)
School quality rankings (Fraser Institute)
Livability scores (Numbeo, Maclean’s)
Access to hospitals, parks, and child-friendly infrastructure

✅ Final Takeaway

If you’re considering a move and want peace of mind for your family, these neighbourhoods and cities across Canada offer a blend of safety, affordability, and lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for a coastal vibe in Halifax or mountain views in Cochrane, Canada has no shortage of secure, family-first communities in 2025.

📚 References

Statistics Canada. Crime Severity Index, by province and city, 2023. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca
Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) Market Stats 2025. https://www.crea.ca
Fraser Institute School Rankings. https://www.compareschoolrankings.org
Maclean’s Canada’s Best Communities 2023-2024. https://www.macleans.ca
Rentals.ca Rent Report July 2025. https://rentals.ca

Subscribe to our newsletter:

Get weekly insights on home prices, real estate trends, and breaking news in Canada’s housing market.
Stay informed. Stay ahead.

Canada Housing Market