Most metropolitan cities around the globe are facing an increase in crime.  Seniors, unfortunately, can be a target for those with ill intent.  If you are looking for a safe neighbourhood in Metro Vancouver, rest assured there are many safe options where you can enjoy your community with great activities and amenities at your door step.

At Retire BC, we focus on finding the right neighbourhoods for seniors to match their budget, needs and lifestyle.  Our site features a number of top choices for seniors including those with World Health Organization (WHO) “Age Friendly” Designation.  The WHO considers several important requirements in order for cities to be designated “Age Friendly”.  “Safety” is a top requirement in any city.  We have identified below a few notable cities with neighbourhoods where you can feel safe.

White Rock

White Rock remains one of the top choices for seniors.  The city has one of the highest percentage of seniors per capita in Metro Vancouver.  There are many benefits to living in this beautiful city, such as access to the beach, parks and top restaurants.  Most importantly, however, seniors can still feel safe to walk around and enjoy a comfortable standard of living.  As the most southern Metro Vancouver city, there is no through traffic.  The main attraction is the beach which can get busy in the summer. There are many housing options to suit your budget, whether you are in the market for a single-family home, townhome, condo or +55 only environment. 

The 2021 census found White Rock’s population to be around 21,939 of which approximately 37% are seniors. White Rock has been designated “Age Friendly” since 2012.

Watch our feature video on White Rock!

West Vancouver

West Vancouver is a great option for those in search of a quiet lifestyle in a breath-taking setting with lots of amenities and world class activities.  This city is another top choice for seniors.  Access to the city can be a challenge though, due to traffic congestion on the North Shore and limited public transit. It is a perfect community for those who do not need to venture outside of the city frequently.  Considering you can golf, hike, ski and enjoy the ocean in a single city and then get some great shopping done at Park Royal Mall – who really needs to leave.  The city attained an “upscale” image over the years due to the luxurious community of British Properties tucked away in the hills.  There are still lots of affordable options for single family homes, townhomes and condos including +55 only options.

The 2021 census found West Vancouver had a population of around 44,122, approximately 28% of which are seniors. West Vancouver has been designated “Age Friendly” since 2012.

Port Moody

For those who have never ventured out to Port Moody, the city is certainly worth a visit. Heritage Mountain and College Park are safe neighbourhoods with lots of appeal. Port Moody has a small town vibe with lots of picturesque views.  The city is close to Coquitlam Centre and the new City of Lougheed Shopping Centre with amazing amenities.  There are also two train stations and several bus routes throughout the city. Downtown Vancouver and the rest of Metro Vancouver are very accessible. It is also less pricey than larger cities in Metro Vancouver.  If you are looking for a nice single-family home in a safe neighbourhood with transit options and nearby amenities – Port Moody should be on your list!

The 2021 census found Port Moody had a population of around 33,535. Approximately 14% of the population are seniors. Port Moody has been designated “Age Friendly” since 2022.

Burnaby

Burnaby is just east of Vancouver.  It is a larger municipality but still has many safe pockets.  Neighbourhoods such as Capitol Hill, Buckingham Heights and Garden Village are quite breath-taking and will allow you to feel safe to take long walks in your community. As this is a larger city there are also lots of amenities nearby to enjoy, including recreation centres, reliable public transit train and bus systems, parks and shopping.  Burnaby can be pricey but there are many housing options to choose from and deals to be had. 

The 2021 census found Burnaby had a population of around 249,125. Approximately 18% of the population are seniors. Burnaby has had “Age Friendly” designation since 2013.

Tsawwassen

Pronounced “Sa Wah Sen”, the town is located on the southern most point of BC mainland and is part of the Municipality of Delta.  It is home to BC ferries access route to Victoria (Vancouver Island). This small town is situated along the water with amazing views.  There are also lots of green spaces and the popular Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Centre located within a short drive.  There are many housing options with lower price points compared to other cities.  It is also more south and receive less rainfall than many other BC cities.  You can enjoy a quiet lifestyle near the beach without compromising on amenities.  It is also a short drive away from larger cities such as Surrey and Delta.

The 2021 census found Tsawwassen had a population of around 23,940. Approximately 28% of the population are seniors.

Vancouver

Although Vancouver has a high crime rate compared to other cities in BC, there are still safe neighbourhoods.  Hastings Sunrise and South Granville both offer a safe community with affordable prices.  The westside of Vancouver is also a safer option.  Neighbourhoods like Kerrisdale are considerably safe and quiet; westside home prices, however, are generally higher than most other areas.  Killarney is another safe gem and is located close to the Fraser View Golf course and Central Park in Burnaby.

The 2021 census found Vancouver had a population of around 662,248. Approximately 17% of the population are seniors. Vancouver has been designated an “Age Friendly City” since 2014.

Port Coquitlam & Coquitlam

Situated to the east of Port Moody, these cities are generally more affordable and safe.  Neighbourhoods further away from transit hubs and large shopping centres are the safest providing lots of options.  Public transit to downtown Vancouver and other metropolitan cities is available.  Most train stations in these cities have park and ride facilities as well as frequent bus routes to stations. 

Coquitlam’s population, based on the 2021 census was appproximately 148,625, while that of Port Coquitlam was approximately 61,498. An estimated 16% of their population were seniors.

Richmond

Richmond, located south of Vancouver, is home to BC’s largest international airport.  There are several safe neighbourhoods such as Steveston and Seafair which are not only safe, but also breath-taking.  Richmond has a lot of amenities, museums and cultural activities to enjoy as a senior.  There are also several train stations that take you into Vancouver where you can transfer and continue on route across Metro Vancouver. 

The 2021 census found Richmond‘s population was around 209,937. Approximately 20% of the population are seniors. Richmond has been designated an “Age Friendly” since 2015.

Watch our feature video on Steveston!

More Safe Cities

We hope you found our list of safe neighbourhoods across Metro Vancouver useful. We just listed a few of the top choices for seniors.  There are many more safe choices in BC.  If you would like to learn more, we would be happy to guide you in your search. 

Staying Safe

Remember that no neighbourhood or city is entirely safe.  Anyone anywhere can fall prey to someone with the wrong intent.  Always be vigilant.  Areas near train stations, bus stops and shopping centres are generally more high risk for crime, please consider this (even if your neighbourhood is safe), when venturing out.  As a senior you should avoid going out alone at night and make sure your belongings are secure when you are out.  It is also helpful to ensure you have an alarm system and cameras installed on your property to keep you and your possessions safe. Stay alert and keep safe!

Read more on: Top Neighbourhoods in BC for Retirees

West End (English Bay), Vancouver

River Disctrict, Vancouver

Steveston, Richmond

White Rock

Victoria

Sidney

Interested in more “Age Friendly” neighbourhoods across BC?  Here’s the full list of cities with “Age Friendly” designation.