What's Winnipeg Like and How Safe Is It?

I've already read most of the other questions, and the Wikipedia article on Winnipeg. I'd like to ask somebody who has lived in Winnipeg or currently lives there: is Winnipeg a dangerous place to live? I'm asking because I might be going there to study, and all my research was positive [I don't mind the cold] until I kept reading posts by people talking about crime in Winnipeg. So I was wondering a lot about it.

Any additional information and tips would be great as well.

hey There! I am an ex-Winnipegger (well, I will always be a Winnipegger at heart, truth be told). Anyway, no, Winnipeg is not a particularly dangerous place to live. Most of the violent crimes are domestic crimes. Don't get me wrong, trust your instincts and be careful - it is a city after all - but it's not any worse than anyother city in Canada. I would stay out of the 'north end' area in most (but not all) cases. The people in general are very kind and friendly. It's funny, I now live in Alberta and sometimes I'll ask if i can sit at someones table if space is limited. If I get into a conversation with the person I've sat down with - I always ask if they are from Manitoba or Saskatchewan - 90% of the time, they are! People from both provinces are interested in others and are very nice.

Some tips when you're looking for a place to live - look in the south end of the city. It's safer in general and it'll be close to the university. The areas I would/did live include Fort Richmond, Wildwood park, St. Vital, St. Norbert, Richmond west, along Pembina Hwy, in the Corydon (little Italy) area or Osbourne Village area. The Wolsely area is a good, community oriented area as well (it used to be pretty scuzy but a lot of young families and artists have moved into the area and have made it nice). When you look for a place, I always asked if they had an bug problems, or if it was a very old building, if they had a contract with an exterminator since some can be pretty bad bug-wise.

A building I lived in is called Evergreen Gardens right close to the university. The landlord is great there (he lives onsite) and the building is very well maintained... just a suggestion anyway.

Hope that helps!

crime is no worse here than any other major metro area. If you can handle the long nights and the cold, you will love Winnipeg.

Hi, well i live in winnipeg.. ever since i was born... im 13 right now and ive lived all over winnipeg... the north end... the west end... where the poor people live, wher eht rich people live.. and its all good.its like any other normal city... I hope i helped =)
-Stephanie

Winnipeg is very good to live,but weather is worse. In summer time soo hot , about +35-40 Degree and winter is -35-40 Degree. In winter time lots of snow about almost every day. Snow stay up to 6,7, months it is very vert cold in winter, summer is very very nice. For living very very good, health care, school,
jobs everything is good. Off course it is very safe city to live.Adult , Kids and Senior People.

Thank you

its the murder capital of Canada every where you looks you will see hookers bikers and thieves now to mention the homeless they are every where and would do in there own mother for a dime. when i go to winter peg i wear my bullet proof underwear. take it from there only been there a few times been shot at twice good thing they was a poor shot

Winnipeg is just like any other town or city anywhere. Anyone who can name a small town where crime "never" happens is pulling your leg and cities are just large towns.

I lived in almost all areas of Winnipeg when I was there. 99% of the time it was friendly, fun and safe. Obviously you look both ways before crossing the street, lock your doors and be safety conscious. There are areas of the city people tend to avoid, but ironically it was in south Winnipeg where my apartment was almost burglurized. (across from Victoria Hospital-and the apartment was right next to the door with buzzer access!)

I wouldn't worry about anything in Winnipeg. Be safe, savvy and courteous and you will have very little to worry about.

Good luck in your studies! I hope you choose Winnipeg-I dont think you will regret it.

Hey,

Not sure, where you are coming from but I have lived in Winnipeg for three years now and I have no complaints. Winnipeg always gets a bad rap for crime and the weather but it really is not that bad. Sure, it is cold in the winter, but the summers are gorgeous. I would definatly steer clear of the north end, or the west side of the downtown core as those are high crime areas. I do not feel safe walking alone in the downtown or north end at night and would not suggest it, but during the day or with a couple friends should be fine. I would suggest the south side of Winnipeg as a place to reside if you are worried about crime.

There are many things to do here, in the summer, Corydon Ave is great with many neat boutiques and shops as well as patios and restaurants, music, etc. The Forks in downtown wpg is a major attraction as well. Rent here is really cheap, as well as houses. I attend the University Of Winnipeg in Dwntwn Wpg and have nothing but good things to say about it. The bar scene is also good in Winnipeg, and we have tons of great little restaurants ( check out Osborne Villiage), plus lots of awesome ethnic restarants. Hope you dont let the bad rap stop you from coming!

Winnipeg is a safe city no worries here