🏡 Is Abbotsford BC Safe? The Truth About Living Here

If you’re thinking about moving to Abbotsford, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is, “Is Abbotsford safe?”
You’ll hear mixed things. Some people describe it as a peaceful city surrounded by farmland and mountains, while others point to crime stats that make them hesitate.

I’ve lived here most of my life — and as a local and a realtor, I want to give you the real story about crime in Abbotsford, which neighborhoods feel the safest, and what day-to-day life is actually like.

Every City Has Crime — But What’s the Reality in Abbotsford?

Let’s start with the data.
According to AreaVibes, Abbotsford’s overall crime rate is 8% lower than the Canadian average, and violent crime is 31% lower than the national average.

Property crime, however, sits about on par with the national average, but the good news is that total crime has dropped by 11% year over year.

So when you look at the bigger picture, Abbotsford is trending in the right direction — especially when compared to larger cities like Vancouver or Surrey, where violent crime and shootings are far more common.

What About Gang Activity?

If you’ve followed the news from 10–15 years ago, you might remember Abbotsford’s gang problems.
The city did go through a rough patch, but the Abbotsford Police Department has made huge progress since then.

Today, while there’s still the occasional incident (as there is anywhere in the Lower Mainland), things have improved dramatically. My friends who are police officers in Langley and Surrey often tell me they deal with far more serious issues there than what we see here in Abbotsford.

Safest Neighborhoods in Abbotsford

If safety is your number one priority, you’ll likely want to look at East Abbotsford.
Neighborhoods like:

Eagle Mountain
McMillan
Auguston
Lower Ten Oaks

…are all known for being family-friendly, clean, and community-oriented.
When you drive through these areas, you’ll see kids riding bikes, neighbors chatting in driveways, and parents walking their kids to school.

These neighborhoods are also home to some of the best schools and recreation centers in the city. You’ll pay a bit more for a home here, but that premium comes with peace of mind.

Personally, my wife used to live in McMillan before we got married, and we’d often go for evening walks. We’d see families walking dogs, kids at playgrounds — never once did we feel unsafe.

Areas That Require More Awareness

Now, not every area in Abbotsford feels the same.
Central Abbotsford and parts of historic downtown have higher property crime rates and more visible homelessness.

There are occasional encampments and open drug use in certain pockets, especially near shelters. It’s not dangerous per se — but if you’re new to the city, you’ll want to be aware of where these areas are.

That said, central Abbotsford has amazing shops, restaurants, and new condo developments that attract young professionals. It’s a trade-off — you get walkability and affordability but lose some of that “quiet family neighborhood” vibe.

When my wife and I attended a local downtown festival recently, we did see a few people openly using drugs. It wasn’t violent or threatening, but it’s something families might not want their kids to witness.

How Abbotsford Feels Day to Day

For me, Abbotsford feels safe.
I go for evening walks, coach rugby, and teach — and parents are comfortable letting their kids walk to practices or school.

My wife, who’s from Vancouver, immediately noticed the difference. She used to hear constant sirens outside her apartment and didn’t always feel at ease walking alone. Here, she says it’s way calmer and safer — the only times she’s felt uncomfortable were when we saw open drug use downtown.

Like any city, you still want to take normal precautions:

Lock your car.
Don’t leave valuables out.
Know which streets to avoid after dark.

But for the average family or couple, daily life here feels calm, suburban, and community-driven.

If You’re Moving to Abbotsford — 3 Tips

Don’t get scared off by statistics.
Most crime here is opportunistic and avoidable.
Visit neighborhoods at different times of the day.
A place might feel quiet in the morning but change in the evening — so check both.
Talk to locals.
Shop owners, parents, and neighbors will give you the real pulse of their community.

And honestly, if Abbotsford wasn’t safe, you wouldn’t see so many families raising kids here.

Final Thoughts

So — is Abbotsford safe?
In my experience: yes, absolutely.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a city that continues to improve, offers great family neighborhoods, and still has that small-town community feel you just don’t get in bigger cities.

If you’re serious about moving to Abbotsford, I’d love to help you explore the neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle, budget, and comfort level.

👋 Thinking about moving to Abbotsford? Here’s how I can help ⬇️

📨 Email: dilpreet@livinginabbotsford.ca
📅 Book a Call: https://calendly.com/dilpreetchahal/discovery
📘 Download the Free Relocation Guide: https://livinginabbotsford.ca/relocation-guide/
🌐 Visit the Blog: https://livinginabbotsford.ca/

Let’s make sure you love where you live.