Neighbourhood safety is such an important element of the home-buying process, especially for families with young children.
Low crime rates, traffic volume, and general location are all important factors to consider when it comes to neighbourhood safety. For those looking to settle in the Cambridge Region, there are many areas that are considered safe to live in.
Taking into account the crime rates for each area according to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada, this article will highlight five of the safest neighbourhoods in the City of Cambridge.
Let’s take a look at our top 5 picks for the safest areas to live in Cambridge!
Silver Heights
Silver Heights is a quiet area located in North Hespeler. Close to Highway 24/Hespeler Rd., this neighbourhood is home to detached houses and townhomes primarily built in the last decade. A great area for raising a family, Silver Heights does have its own elementary school within walking distance of most homes in the area.
This area does not contain many of the necessary amenities, however, it is a short drive to Highway 24/Hespeler Road South where there are many choices for grocery and retail. For what it lacks in immediate amenities, this neighbourhood makes up for in natural resources.
Bordering the countryside, this tranquil area is home to great natural amenities. Residents of this area are close to Chilligo Conservation Area. This beautiful resource is made up of forest, meadows & marshland and offers a trail for hiking & cycling.
According to the statistics, Silver Heights has very low crime rates. For total crime, the area is 35% below the national average, violent crime is 33% below, and property crime sits at 36% below the average.
St. Andrews Estates
In this charming, out-of-the-way area of South-west Galt in Cambridge, one will find some older, mid-century homes, mature trees, and larger-than-average lots. Located very close to Highway 24, en route to Paris and Brantford, this neighbourhood borders the countryside offering an oasis from busy city life.
Nature and exercise enthusiasts will love the close proximity to George Hancock Pool, Fraser Woodlot, and of course, the Grand River and its easy access to the Cambridge to Paris Trail.
Close to schools (Tait Street Public School), this neighbourhood is just a short drive to West Galt where all the necessary amenities are located, including a Sobey’s grocery store and the LCBO.
St. Andrews Estates offers residents a safe neighbourhood with low crime rates. For total crime, the area sits at 20% below the national rate, for violent crime 17% below average, and for property crime, 21% below the national average.
Greenway Chaplin
This area in central Cambridge is home to a number of townhomes and condominiums built in the late 1970s to the 1990s. Perfect for first-time buyers, young families, or investors, this neighbourhood is somewhat detached from the hustle and bustle of the city but still close to the necessities.
Situated between Dumfries Conservation Area and Shade’s Mill Conservation Area, outdoor activities are available in abundance for residents of Greenway-Chaplin. Trails also connect smaller green spaces in the area, specifically, Greenway Park and Northview Heights Look-Out Park.
Amenities are plentiful in this neighbourhood. Running alongside Highway 24 / Hespeler Rd. those calling this area home are close to grocery stores, Cambridge Centre Mall, and several elementary schools.
More affordable than other areas of Cambridge, Greenway Chaplin has a slightly higher crime rate. With total crime at 11% below the national average, violent crime at 8% below the average, and property crime at 13% below, this area is still considered safe and offers good value and lots of natural resources.
580 BEAVER CREEK Road Unit# 266, Waterloo, N2J3Z4
580 BEAVER CREEK Road, Waterloo, Ontario N2J3Z4
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Southwood
Located in the southwest area of Cambridge, this neighbourhood is a safe spot to raise a family. Close to the city limits, rural peace and quiet are only a quick drive away. There are a variety of housing types in the area, including single-family detached houses built in the late 1990s to early 2000s.
Without amenities in the immediate vicinity groceries and other necessities are a short drive away. The area does however have a Catholic elementary school as well as Southwood Secondary School for families with teen-aged children.
Willard Park is a large green space located in the middle of Southwood and offers plenty of open space for sports as well as a well-equipped playground.
Southwood has low crime rates, with total crime sitting at 19% below the national average, violent crime at 16% below average, and property crime coming in at 20% below average.
Fiddlesticks
Fiddlesticks is a popular area for families. Filled with homes built mainly in the 1990s, this family-friendly neighborhood is located in Galt, between Towline Rd. and Franklin Blvd.
There are several elementary schools in Fiddlesticks, as well as one secondary school. The area is also easily accessible to Hespeler Rd. and Highway 401.
Perhaps the biggest outdoor bonus to living in Fiddlesticks is the close proximity to Shade’s Mills Conservation Area. Families enjoy; swimming, sport fishing, canoeing, hiking, and cycling along the 12 km of trails. During the winter months, residents can enjoy ice-fishing in the 80-acre reservoir, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing through the mature forests.
Fiddlesticks is definitely one of, if not the safest area to live in Cambridge. With its incredibly low crime statistics, it is no wonder this neighbourhood is a popular choice for families. Total crime in Fiddlesticks is 53% below the national average, violent crime is 51% below and property crime is 53% below.
Conclusion
So there we have our five picks for the safest areas in Cambridge to call home. With a wide range of neighbourhood amenities, property types, and price points to choose from, home buyers interested in finding a safe neighbourhood in Cambridge are sure to find what they are looking for.
Please feel free to contact us for more information on which Cambridge neighbourhoods are considered safe or with any other questions you may have. We are happy to help!