Is the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver really that dangerous?

Question

Well, I am moving to Vancouver soon and am considering living in the downtown eastside. I know that there is alot of junkies and prostitutes there but that doesn't bother me. I know its alot cheaper to live there compared to other places in Vancouver so I'm wondering exactly how dangerous is it? I have heard mixed opinions, some people say as long as you mind your own business you will be fine, and other people tell me to avoid that area at all costs. Whats the real deal with the downtown eastside area?

Answer 1

It's more depressing than it is dangerous. In terms of real danger, as in being shot or stabbed, you could probably find more dangerous places in Halifax or Regina. A lot of those druggies, prostitutes, drunks and mental patients are actually quite passive people, and there is a heavy police presence in that area. After all, it's very easy for tourists checking out Gastown, etc. to wander into that area unintentionally and you don't hear of them being killed off.

The Downtown Eastside is not a very good place when it comes to quality of life though. A lot of those drug addicts ended up that way because they needed a way to cope with life on the Downtown Eastside. I mean, you have obviously mentally ill people talking to themselves, native people destroyed by alcohol, girls selling themselves to buy a fix, johns cruising for said girls-it's not pleasant at all. The safe injection sites have helped a little bit because at least you don't have people fixing on the street, but those may close.

Answer 2

I personally find it scary. I was transferring from one bus to another a few years back and had someone follow me. It was scary.

There is a thriving community of non-junkies and you may well find that it's not so bad as long as you are street-smart, but I would strongly suggest to tour the area before making your final decision. As several people have stated, it is sad. there's a lot of broken dreams down there, and the sound of sirens are almost constant.

If you are looking for less expensive, I would suggest to move to one of the outskirt cities. Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey all have some fine areas that are way less expensive than Vancouver. I personally like New Westminster - it has some apartments, but also heritage homes. It's got a lot of history there, and the rents are far more reasonable than Vancouver or Burnaby. If you start looking at Surrey, keep in mind that if you commute to Vancouver, the time and the cost will be increased because you will have a bridge or tunnel to commute through.

Answer 3

The downtown east side occupies about 1% of Vancouver; it's essentially only a few blocks each way. Hardly big enough to be a major drawback in a city. Hardly anyone has to go there if they don't want to. I have worked and shopped there numerous times without incident. I hardly think it's one of the most dangerous parts of North America. People like Vancouver because of the weather, the landscape in the city and surrounding areas, and the activities that are possible because of those two. If you don't feel the same, so what?

Answer 4

Its depressing. Check out Burnaby Delta Surrey . We live in Metrotown in Burnaby love it resonable central bus sky train near by $ 700.00 one bedroom New westminster is also good

Answer 5

I think you will need to see what is available before you decide. There are very expensive areas near the east side. Accomodation "in" the east end may not be to your liking.
So I say, go check it out!
As always, just be street smart and you'll be fine.