Living in Downtown Montreal (St-Laurent/Ste Catherine) - Safe Area Or Not?

Question

Hey everyone.

I've been living in downtown Montreal for a year now, was living in a very safe area before (Pine Ave/Peel) and now i'm moving to another area, very close by to St-Laurent/Ste Catherine and St-Laurent/Rene Levesque

I know the area is known for crackheads and hookers, but is it a dangerous place at night ~11pm-12am.

I'm not really worried about my safety, but the safety of my girlfriend and my roommate's sister at night when they visit.

Any feedback or info from people who've lived in, or know more about that area would be appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

As crazy as it's going to sound.. The fact that it used to be the crackheads and hookers area is what makes it safe.. because there's always people there.. and a lot of police..

It's not as bad as people think, people think that there will be hookers on the corner, and junkies all over the place.. but it's not like that at all..

No potted flower and high class buildings, but since it's north of Chinese and south of all the bars area.. it's a lot of very old buildings.. it just "look" bad, but people aren't hanging there anymore, as the city is trying to clean up the town..

I lived in Montreal for 9 years, still were until Feb 08, the only time it's not safe it's between 3:30am and 7am, because it's after the bar time, and it's where every drunk kid is out looking for 0.99$ pizza or a fight..

Answer 2

I would say it is pretty safe. I come from mexico and me and my friend where living around that area and trust me, we NEVER had any problem with anybody. The trouble areas are far from downtown montreal, and it is usually where gangs hang around and that kind of people. We lived alone, and it was always pretty safe.

good luck.

Answer 3

its pretty safe,,,just be careful when walking alone..