How safe is where I'm going to live?

Question

I'll be attending the U of A this fall, and I've found an apartment condo for rent downtown. I hear that downtown is one of the most dangerous places in Edmonton, but only east of 104th street?

Anyways, my future apartment is going to be very close to the Corona LRT station on the west side of downtown.

I'm a pretty small person, so how likely will it to be that I'll be heckled by drunks/bums or even attacked? I've also read that it should be relatively safe during the day; some of my classes end at 6 pm during the winter, should I be worried at all?

Answer 1

No you shouldnt be worried...I think that area is not bad..its actually nice, of course the downtown area is getting a little busier with all the new bars and clubs around jasper ave....

but I think is very safe for the most.. part I live dowtown too closer to churchill square...and its not that pretty there...but my bldng connects directly to the LRT so in the winter I dont even have to go outside...if you dont know the city that much my advice is avoid the north side!, and going north on 101 street specially at night..

you are located in a good area because you are close to evertyhing...save -on-foods, city centre mall, movie theater, restaurants, LRT..river valley..

I hope you like it, but yea I have been to Calgary and I think there is a big difference Edmonton seems such a small town compared to Calgary, but the U of A is pretty good.

good luck

Answer 2

there's alot of university kids in that area and its mostly residential/office building mix and a bit a way from the antics and characters of the downtown core and east. The river trails are close by for jogging/cycling and they are safe for single women in daytime and lots of people around. Random attacks and muggings in edmonton are pretty rare.   I think you'll find it okay.  

Be prepared for up to -40C some days in the winter.  A good jacket and mitts, hat is a must.

Good luck at UofA its a good school.  

Answer 3

I live in that area myself.....103 Street.  During the day it is totally fine....so many people around it's no problem.  But yes, it is dangerous after dark here, especially as there are many huge covered and open parking lots that people tend to hang around.  I only feel safe during sunlight hours.  If I go out after dark, I take a cab to and from my front door.  As you're close to the LRT it should be OK though.  But keep an eye out when walking.  Oh, and never give anything to the street people...they seem to do routes and if you get known for giving you'll never be left alone.  At 6pm in winter, there are still a lot of workers in the area so it's fine.  After about 8 is when it's time to start looking over your shoulder.

Having said all that, I do love living downtown.  Access to everything!