Safety In Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John, New Brunswick, is considered one of the safest places in Canada to raise a family. The city's residents and visitors highlight the strong sense of community, with solid social institutions like churches, schools, and social clubs contributing to a supportive environment for children. The city's moderate weather, affordable housing, friendly residents, and efficient public transportation also make it an attractive place to live. Saint John has a lower crime rate than the national average, with a 21% year-over-year decrease in crime. However, it's important to note that violent crimes in Saint John are 12% higher than the national average. Overall, Canada has a fairly low crime rate, and Saint John is a safe place to visit and live, offering a wonderful balance of urban and natural attractions.

Crime rates are 9% lower than the national average

Saint John, New Brunswick, is considered one of the safest places in Canada to raise a family. The city has a low crime rate, with overall crime incidents 9% lower than the national average. This includes a 20% lower rate of property crime per 100,000 population compared to the rest of New Brunswick and a 28% lower rate compared to the whole of Canada.

In 2014, 45% of Saint John residents felt very satisfied with their personal safety from crime, a figure that was similar to New Brunswick (46%) but significantly higher than the rest of Canada (38%). Two-thirds of Saint John residents (67%) also reported feeling very safe when walking alone after dark, a higher proportion than the national average (52%). This sense of security is reflected in the fact that Saint John is home to the happiest people in Canada.

However, it is worth noting that violent crimes in Saint John are 12% higher than the national average. The chance of being a victim of violent crime in the city is 1 in 86, and there is a 1 in 38 chance of being a victim of property crime. While the overall crime rate in Saint John is lower than the national average, residents should still take precautions to ensure their safety, especially regarding violent crimes.

To put this into context, Saint John is safer than 55% of cities in the United States. The city has also seen a 21% decrease in crime over the past year, indicating that efforts to improve safety are having a positive impact.

Violent crimes are 12% higher than the national average

Saint John, New Brunswick, is considered one of the safest places in Canada to raise a family. However, according to 2020 data, violent crimes in the city are 12% higher than the national average. This includes homicides, murders, assaults, robberies, kidnappings, extortion, harassment, threats, and other violent violations.

In 2018, the police-reported violent crime rate in Saint John was 1,264 incidents per 100,000 population, which was 5% lower than the rate in the rest of New Brunswick (1,325) but 11% higher than the national average (1,143). Despite this, the overall crime rate in Saint John is lower than the national average.

While the violent crime rate in Saint John is higher than the national average, it has been declining. Between 2008 and 2018, the violent crime rate in the city decreased by 31%, compared to a 12% decline in New Brunswick and a 14% decline nationally. This indicates that efforts to reduce violent crime in Saint John are having a positive impact.

It is worth noting that the sense of safety in Saint John is relatively high. In 2014, 45% of Saint John residents aged 15 and older reported being very satisfied with their personal safety from crime, which was similar to the proportion in the rest of New Brunswick (46%) and higher than the national average (38%). Additionally, two-thirds of Saint John residents felt very safe walking alone after dark, a higher proportion than the national average (52%).

In summary, while violent crimes in Saint John are higher than the national average, the city has a relatively safe reputation, and efforts to reduce violent crime appear to be effective.

45% of residents feel very safe from crime

Saint John, New Brunswick, is considered one of the safest places in Canada to raise a family. The city's residents and visitors highlight the strong sense of community and solid social institutions, such as churches, schools, and social clubs, that contribute to a safe and supportive environment.

According to a 2014 report, 45% of Saint John residents aged 15 and older felt very satisfied with their personal safety from crime. This sense of security is further reflected in their daily lives, as two-thirds of residents felt very safe walking alone after dark, and 80% believed that crime levels in their neighbourhood were lower than the rest of Canada.

The perception of safety in Saint John is also influenced by the confidence its residents have in their local law enforcement. In 2014, 96% of Saint John residents reported having confidence in the police, a significantly higher proportion than in the rest of New Brunswick (93%) or Canada's provinces (91%).

While violent crimes in Saint John are 12% higher than the national average, the overall crime rate in the city is 9% lower. This indicates that residents' sense of security is not unfounded, and the city is taking active measures to address safety concerns.

In summary, the sense of community, strong social institutions, and confidence in law enforcement contribute to the feeling of safety for 45% of Saint John, New Brunswick, residents. The city's efforts to maintain safety are reflected in its lower overall crime rate compared to the national average.

Saint John has a low cost of living

Saint John, New Brunswick, is known for its low cost of living. The city has one of the most affordable housing markets in Canada, with the average price of a new home set at $168,000. In 2020, Saint John was awarded the sixth most affordable city for middle-income earners. The average monthly salary is $2,000, while the average rent is $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,400 for a three-bedroom apartment. The average cost of utilities for a family is $117 per month, with gasoline prices set at $1.17 per litre, which is far below the average price on the North American continent.

The cost of living in Saint John is 16% lower than the national average and 3% lower than the New Brunswick average. This is reflected in the cost of goods and services, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and utilities. Saint John's housing costs are 75% lower than the national average. The city's low cost of living is advantageous for those seeking affordable retirement options or looking to raise a family in a safe and tight-knit community.

While Saint John offers a low cost of living, it is important to consider other factors that may impact residents' financial situations. For example, the city's economy is heavily geared towards the maritime industry, which may limit job opportunities in other sectors. Additionally, the concentration of French and English speakers could be a challenge for immigrants from other linguistic backgrounds.

Despite these considerations, Saint John's low cost of living, moderate weather, and rich history make it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable and culturally rich place to call home. The city's efficient public transportation system, distinct neighbourhoods, and abundance of tourist attractions further contribute to its appeal as a safe and budget-friendly place to live.

The city has affordable housing

Saint John, New Brunswick, is known for its affordable housing, with the average price of a new home set at $168,000. In 2020, the city was recognised as the 6th most affordable for middle-income earners across Canada. The average rent in Saint John is $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,400 for a three-bedroom apartment. The average monthly salary is C$2,000, making it an attractive option for those looking to rent or buy.

The city has recognised the need to maintain this affordability and has developed an Affordable Housing Action Plan to ensure a strong, vibrant, and growing community. The plan is a collaborative effort between community affordable housing partners, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Government of New Brunswick, and the City of Saint John. It identifies nearly 40 proposed actions, including improving coordination across governments and sectors, exploring incentives for non-market housing initiatives, and investigating long-term solutions for efficient housing delivery.

The Unified Saint John Housing Co-operative, for example, received $1.8 million from federal and provincial governments for a 14-unit building on Victoria Street. The average rent for these units is $256, far below the median market rent of $662. This project is part of the National Housing Strategy's National Housing Co-investment Fund, ensuring that low-income individuals and families have access to affordable, safe, and suitable homes.

Saint John's affordable housing is a key advantage for those considering a move to the city, and the local government is committed to maintaining this accessibility through various initiatives and partnerships. The city's recognition of the importance of affordable housing contributes to its appeal as a place to live and work.

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