Safest & Most Dangerous Neighbourhoods In Aberdeen In 2026

For students considering moving to Aberdeen, understanding the safest & most dangerous neighbourhoods in Aberdeen is essential. This helps in choosing the right student housing in Aberdeen. With a safety index of 63.34, Aberdeen ranks among the UK’s safer cities. Yet, crime isn’t evenly distributed across all neighbourhoods. This guide will help you make informed decisions about where to live and study. It will also help you socialise with confidence. Crime and safety insights in this guide are based on Police Scotland recorded crime data, ward-level statistics from DataMap Scotland, and national safety indices such as Numbeo.

Why Safety Matters for Students

Choosing the right place to stay isn’t just about rent and distance to campus. As a student, you want a neighbourhood where you feel secure walking home after lectures. The area you live in should not restrict you from your late-night study sessions. The safest & most dangerous neighbourhoods in Aberdeen directly influence your daily comfort and commute. It determines your overall university experience. 

Note: The latest data is updated till 2024.

Top Safest Neighbourhoods in Aberdeen

Aberdeen may sometimes appear on lists of cities with significant crime incidents. Yet when you break down the data by area, several neighbourhoods stand out as notably safe, especially for students.  The city’s recorded crime rate is 56.9 crimes per 1,000 population, only slightly above the national average.

1. Old Aberdeen

Student housing in Old Aberdeen will place you close to the University of Aberdeen. Moreover, the area has well-lit streets, frequent foot traffic and regular police patrols. These features make Old Aberdeen one of the safest neighbourhoods in Aberdeen. The proximity to campus and student facilities, and the strong community feel, reinforce special student appeal.

2. Rosemount

Student accommodation in Rosemount is favoured by students and young professionals. It is known for its busy streets, cafes, and social atmosphere. It also ranks high on the list of the safest areas in Aberdeen. This is due to its pedestrian safety and community monitoring. Also, a variety of housing options are close to nightlife and come with ample amenities.

3. Bridge of Don

The Bridge of Don is a large residential area. Student housing in Bridge of Don is great, as it has low crime rates and good transport links. Moreover, it is recognised as one of the more secure environments for students to live and study. This reduces the worry for students commuting to central or campus locations.

4. Lower Deeside

Lower Deeside is among the most affluent and quiet areas in the region. Although it is not a typical student area due to the distance. Yet, it is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in Aberdeen for overall low crime.

5. Ferryhill and West End

Ferryhill and West End tend to have lower crime rates compared to central hotspots. They are a great choice if you want student housing in Aberdeen that balances safety with proximity to social life. 

Areas to Approach with Caution

Some neighbourhoods consistently show higher crime rates. They also have reputations for specific types of incidents. These are the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Aberdeen in practical terms. Students must avoid these areas to enjoy living in peace.

1. City Centre (George Street/Harbour)

City Centre has the highest crime rate among wards. Theft, shoplifting and non-sexual violent crime are more common here. The busy and happening atmosphere could be a point of attraction for most students. Hence, City Centre should be approached with standard urban caution. Students exploring it at night should be alert and careful, as this is the prime time for getting mugged or attacked.

2. Tillydrone & Seaton

Tillydrone & Seaton frequently appear in statistics with higher incident rates per population. Students could consider accommodation here for its affordability. For them, research specific streets and always prioritise well-lit and populated areas.

3. Northfield & Mastrick

Northfield & Mastrick, also known as the Woodside, have more incidents of antisocial behaviour and vandalism. Word of advice for students living in or near these neighbourhoods is to be aware of personal belongings and travel plans after dark.

4. Torry

While Torry is not inherently dangerous, it often comes up in local discussions as an area where caution is advised, especially at night. Like many urban spaces, context and street-level conditions matter. It could be considered safe at times, but not for most.

Choosing Student Housing in Aberdeen

Once you understand the safest & most dangerous neighbourhoods in Aberdeen, the next step is choosing student accommodation in Aberdeen. For this, focus on the areas that match your lifestyle and budget. Here are some practical tips:

Safety Tips for Student Accommodation in Aberdeen

• Prioritise well-lit areas: Especially important if you travel by foot after evening classes.
• Check security features: Student residences on amber include keycard access, CCTV and on-site patrols. These add a layer of protection.
• Consider transport links: Bus routes covering safer neighbourhoods make it easier to avoid riskier areas at night.

Balancing Safety with Lifestyle

• Areas like Old Aberdeen and Rosemount offer a good balance of safety and access to nightlife, cafes and community spaces.
• Safer neighbourhoods with fewer entertainment options can be ideal if you prioritise tranquillity and study focus.

Final Thoughts

The safest & most dangerous neighbourhoods in Aberdeen can be summarised as most areas being safe. The city as a whole is safer than many other major UK cities, but safety varies by neighbourhood. Most of the dangerous areas in Aberdeen's crime statistics are still relatively safe. This is in comparison to high-crime urban centres elsewhere in the UK. Students should inculcate responsible habits and carefully select student housing in Aberdeen. For international students, Aberdeen is considered safer than many UK university cities. Most neighbourhoods remain calm even in areas labelled ‘higher crime’, especially compared to large metropolitan centres. Follow these simple steps and enjoy a secure, vibrant and fulfilling student life. 

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