The Ultimate Guide To The Dangerous And Safest Neighbourhoods In Preston

Popular for its low cost of living, reliable transport services, and friendly student environment, the University of Central Lancashire has turned Preston into one of the best student cities in the UK. Housing around 33,000 students, with more than 5,000 foreign students from over 100 countries, the city provides a perfect blend of campus culture, multiculturalism, shopping, dining options, parks, and nightlife. However, moving to a new city without adequate knowledge may be unsafe. This guide is made to assist you in knowing the safest and most dangerous neighbourhoods in Preston. 

With an employment rate of 80.4% in 2026 (ONS), Preston is great in terms of employability and job opportunities, and has a happiness index of 7.8/10 (postcodepulse), implying overall high life satisfaction. As one of the relatively cheap student cities in the UK, the average monthly cost of living in Preston is between £900 and £1,200, including accommodation costs. In addition, the city has a small geographical area, efficient train connectivity to Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and London, and student-friendly facilities.

On the other hand, the level of crime in Preston varies depending on different neighbourhoods. According to recent reports, Preston has a higher crime rate of 90 crimes per 1,000 people per year (crimerate.co) compared to Lancashire and the national crime rate. According to Numbeo, the safety index in Preston is 29.33/100, and common crimes in Preston include antisocial behaviour, violence, burglary, and vehicle crimes. Students need to know which are the safest and most dangerous neighbourhoods in Preston before making any accommodation decisions. 

Most Dangerous Neighbourhoods In Preston

Although Preston is regarded as a safe place to live, there are some areas that are affected by crime and antisocial behavior at a higher rate compared to other areas. Neighbourhoods that are more densely populated, have a lively atmosphere in the centre, and those with greater deprivation have more occurrences of crimes such as stealing and public disorder.

1. Preston Town Centre

Crime Rate: Approximately 452.7 crimes per 1,000 residents

Preston Town Centre is the area most prone to criminal activity within the city, with more than double the number of crimes committed compared to the next most affected area. Factors associated with higher reported crime may include antisocial behaviour, phone theft, public intoxication, shoplifting, and occasional assault. Nightlife activities, high retail business activity, a high transient population, and a high number of visitors during weekends in pubs and clubs result in increased crime rates, making this a dangerous neighbourhood in Preston.

2. St George's

Crime Rate: Approximately 180.3 crimes per 1,000 residents

St George’s is the second-most dangerous neighbourhood in Preston in terms of criminal activity. Being near the UCLan campus, the area is highly sought after by students for rent because of the proximity to university buildings and cheap student accommodation in Preston; however, this area has been found to report more cases of antisocial behaviour, thefts, and drug offences. 

3. Brookfield & Holme Slack

Crime Rate: Approximately 166.6 crimes per 1,000 residents

Brookfield & Holme Slack have been noted to experience the third-highest total crime rate in Preston neighbourhoods. This dangerous neighbourhood in Preston faces many cases of crimes involving property offences, burglaries, and anti-social behaviour. Even though some areas in the neighbourhood are residential and community-based, it is advisable for those who do not know Preston to be cautious while moving around, especially at night.

4. St Matthew's

Crime Rate: Approximately 163.4 crimes per 1,000 residents

St Matthew’s is one of the highest-crime-prone and most dangerous neighbourhoods in Preston. Together with Deepdale and Fishwick, it forms part of the central wards where there is a relatively higher rate of violent crime, antisocial behaviour, and crime against property. Drug-related crime and antisocial behaviour have been persistent issues in the area.

5. Deepdale

Crime Rate: Approximately 148 crimes per 1,000 residents

Deepdale has traditionally been among the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Preston, which has experienced higher rates of criminal activity, including burglary, car crimes, and antisocial behaviour. Although the area boasts the Deepdale Stadium, which is owned by Preston North End, and has a high sense of community spirit, it is not recommended for students who are new to the area and are unaware of the safest areas in Preston.

Safest Neighbourhoods In Preston

Preston houses a variety of quiet and beautifully kept neighbourhoods, which are characterized by their tight-knit communities, safe environments, and high standard of living. This kind of area will usually feature peaceful roads, good facilities, and a generally welcoming setting. For this reason, they are a favourite amongst both students and professionals. Investigating the safest places in Preston can assist individuals looking to find a safe place to live near universities.

1. Fulwood

Safety Index: 91/100
Nearest University: UCLan (10–15 minute drive)

Fulwood is considered to be one of the most attractive and safest neighbourhoods in Preston. This northern neighbourhood of Preston boasts some of the lowest crime rates in the city compared to all other 17 neighbourhoods in Preston. Being a suburban area with nicely looked-after roads, good community ties, and a high percentage of privately owned homes, it provides an unappealing environment for any opportunist criminals. Fulwood is a very popular neighbourhood for student accommodation in Preston amongst postgraduate and foreign students.

2. Cadley & College

Safety Index: 89/100
Nearest University: UCLan (10-minute walk / 5-minute drive)

The Cadley and College ward is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Preston in terms of the overall number of crimes committed in any of the 17 Preston neighbourhoods. Only 16.7 cases of anti-social behaviour have been reported for every 1,000 people (second lowest in the city), and there are only 5.5 burglaries committed for every 1,000 households. This makes Cadley and College a very desirable place for students. 

3. Haslam Park

Safety Index: 87/100
Nearest University: UCLan (10-minute walk)

Haslam Park is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Preston, having only 18 incidents of violence per 1,000 inhabitants, which is the second least in all 17 Preston neighbourhoods, as well as 5.2 burglaries per 1,000 households (second least in Preston). Haslam Park benefits from its green spaces and child-friendly environment and, thus, has a much lower rate of crime than the central wards. It is also conveniently located near the UCLan campus, making it a great place for students living within walking distance of the university.

4. Grimsargh & Goosnargh

Safety Index: 85/100
Nearest University: UCLan (15–20 minute drive/bus)

Grimsargh and Goosnargh, which is situated in the north of Preston, is a rural and semi-rural area that has the lowest incidence of burglary in the whole of Preston, with only 4.7 burglaries per 1,000 homes. Although its crime statistics are somewhat higher, its overall rural nature, rather than any particular hotspots, makes it still one of the calmest, most community-friendly, and safest neighbourhoods in Preston.

5. Broughton & Wychnor

Safety Index: 83/100
Nearest University: UCLan (15-minute bus)

Broughton & Wychnor is a tranquil and mainly residential area located north of the city that regularly ranks among the safest neighbourhoods in Preston. Concerning the crime in Preston and antisocial behaviour, having only 19.4 ASB cases per 1,000 people reported, which is significantly below the city average. The main advantages of this place include the fact that it is located away from the nightlife areas of Preston, has lower pedestrian traffic, and is primarily inhabited by a stable residential community. 

How amber Helps Students Find Safe Accommodation

Finding safe accommodation for students in a new city can be challenging, particularly for freshmen and foreign students. Amber makes this easier for students by assisting them in finding verified accommodation in secure and student-friendly neighbourhoods in Preston and other big cities in the UK. Some of the top choices of student accommodation in Preston are:

• Jubilee Court, Preston: Starting from £95/week - Security amenities include: CCTV & Fob Entry System.
• Moor Lane Halls, Preston: Starting from £82/week - Security amenities include: On-Site Security & CCTV.
• The Warehouse Apartments, Preston: Starting from £115/week - Security amenities include: Concierge Desk, CCTV, & Key Fob Access.
• Canterbury Hall, Preston: Starting from £153/week - Security amenities include: Reception and Atrium Area, CCTV, Security Key Fob Access, & Concierge Desk.
• iQ Kopa, Preston: Starting from £105/week - Security amenities include: 24/7 Staff Presence, 24/7 Security, & CCTV.

Emergency Hotlines And Student Support Services In Preston

Student Safety Tips In Preston

• Stay away from lone walking after dark within the city centre, St George’s, and Brookfield neighbourhoods, where the crime rate is relatively high within the city.
• Ensure that bicycles are well-secured using sturdy locks since theft of vehicles and bicycles remains a major problem in student-filled areas within Preston.
• Select premises that have CCTV cameras, secure entrance mechanisms, and bright outdoor lighting, especially those located near the city centre or inner wards.
• Always travel in groups when going out at night and stay away from secluded paths and underpasses, especially after dark.
• Any suspicious activity should be reported to Lancashire Constabulary on 101, or make use of the UCLan Campus Watch program, which works in collaboration with the police force.

Preston continues to be one of the cheapest, best-connected, and student-friendly places in the UK, providing ample academic opportunities with UCLan, easy navigation throughout the city, and a high sense of community. Navigating the UK and its neighbourhoods as a new time student can be challenging. A guide that tells you everything you need to know about the UK can be really helpful. Some of the most secure and comfortable neighbourhoods for students include Fulwood, Cadley & College, and Haslam Park, while some of the more risky neighbourhoods include Preston Town Centre, St George's, and St Matthew's. Students need to know about the safest and most dangerous neighbourhoods in Preston, book verified accommodations, and make full use of safety measures offered by UCLan, especially the Safety Bus.

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