Located in central North Carolina, Charlotte is a vibrant city and the largest in the state, with plenty of attractive neighborhoods for all age groups.
The mild winter weather makes it a popular place for retirees, and the booming economy has drawn college grads from across the U.S. looking to start a career in an affordable area.
While Charlotte has good and undesirable neighborhoods, knowing the city’s safest areas is essential before moving.
Keep reading to learn more about the ten safest neighborhoods in Charlotte!
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Charlotte
Ten: Huntersville
Kicking off the safest neighborhoods in Charlotte’s list is the suburban-style community of Huntersville.
As one of the fastest-growing areas in the region, Huntersville boasts a crime rate that’s 37 percent lower than the national average, making it a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
The town offers countless recreational activities, such as extensive biking and hiking trails on the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve.
Birkdale Village is a popular dining and shopping destination for the 62,000 residents plus visitors.
Nine: Mint Hill
Ninth on this list is another serene suburban area called Mint Hill, which is east of downtown.
This section offers a blend of suburban and rural living. Mint Hill boasts a crime rate that is 39 percent lower than the national average, making it a great place to start and raise a family.
The neighborhood has many green spaces and an open park, thus offering residents plenty of outdoor recreational activities.
Also, the town has the popular Farmers Market on the Lawn and Mint Hill Madness festivals.
Eight: Cornelius
The vibrant area of Cornelius, a town north of Charlotte, delivers a stunning lakeside setting and associated high quality of life.
With a population of 32,000, Cornelius boasts a crime rate that’s 40 percent lower than the national average, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.
Settled on Lake Norman, residents have numerous water sports, boating, and other outdoor activities.
The area features many greenways and parks with hiking and biking trails.
Seven: Indian Trail
With a population of just under 42,000, Indian Trial boasts a crime rate that’s 41 percent lower than the U.S. average, making it a great place to raise a family.
Chestnut Square Park and Crooked Creek Park are within the community, offering plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities.
The town offers many cultural events throughout the year, the most popular being the Fourth of July Parade and the Indian Trail Cultural Arts Festival.
This gives children great access to diversity and other important local events.
Six: Waxhaw
This picturesque, small-town neighborhood in southern Charlotte provides a safe and peaceful experience with a crime rate that’s 62 percent lower than the U.S. average.
Waxhaw has a charming Main Street area dotted with restaurants and boutique shops.
The community also has extensive greenways and parks like Marvin Efird Park and Cane Creek Park.
The neighborhood also hosts the Autumn Treasures Festival and Queen’s Cup Steeplechase.
Five: Sharon Woods
Boasting a crime rate 69 percent lower than the surrounding area, Sharon Woods is a safe and affordable place to live and visit.
The median home price is $280,000, with the neighborhood comprising around 200 1970s-built homes.
Given its small population, the neighborhood has developed a strong sense of community, where neighbors watch out for one another.
Sharon Woods is known for its community recreation centers, South Park Mall, and other shopping centers.
Four: Davidson
This small college town in the northern section of Charlotte boasts a crime rate that’s 70 percent lower than the U.S. average.
Boasting a population of only 15,000, Davidson has a charming downtown area with restaurants and boutique shops, making it an excellent destination for locals and visitors who want to experience a small-town feel.
Davidson College is a highly-ranked institution with a stunning campus that helps pump additional money into the neighborhood.
Students and residents can take advantage of both the Baker Sports Complex and E.H. Little Library on campus.
Three: Sardis Forest
As a subdivision of East Charlotte, Sardis Forest is the third safest neighborhood on this list, with a crime rate 74 percent lower than the rest of the city.
This residential subdivision offers numerous large single-family homes constructed in the 1970s.
East Mecklenburg High School is highly rated in North Carolina, so this neighborhood is a family-friendly destination.
Community amenities like a public pool with a swim club, recreational area, park, and playground are popular weekend destinations in the warmer months.
Two: Wessex Square
With a crime rate that’s 83 percent less violent crime than the U.S. average and 81 percent below the city average, Wessex Square is a family-friendly and beautiful neighborhood for retirees, millennials, and families.
As one of the most expensive sections of Charlotte, Wessex Square offers plenty of amenities, including easy access to the Arboretum Shopping Center.
The neighborhood also has several green spaces and parks for extensive outdoor recreation.
One: Hempstead
Coming in at number one as the safest neighborhood in Charlotte is Hembstead, an affluent neighborhood with excellent amenities and a highly-rated swim club.
Hempstead boasts a crime rate that is 86 percent lower than the city average and 76 percent lower than the U.S. average.
Located in South Charlotte, this neighborhood is popular for golfing and swimming, with the Hempstead Swim and Racquet Club being a popular destination for residents.
The community offers wooded walking trails, a large playground, sand volleyball courts, and tennis courts for residents only, so privacy is an important part of the neighborhood.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Charlotte
One: Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When exploring unfamiliar places around Charlotte, always be aware of your surroundings, as seemingly safe neighborhoods can become secluded and run down by simply turning a corner.
Also, always be vigilant for suspicious individuals and activities, and trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right, you should quickly leave the situation.
If you wander down a poorly lit alley or street, turn around and promptly return to a main street.
Always remain calm, as you don’t want to draw additional attention.
Two: Know What to Do During Hurricane Season
Although Charlotte is not on the coast, the area is still close enough to be heavily impacted by hurricanes.
The typical hurricane season lasts from June until November, so if you’re visiting during this time, it’s important to know how to remain safe if a hurricane hits.
Always follow the warnings of the local government, so if they require evacuation, leave town.
Also, know where the closest shelters are in case of an emergency from the heavy rain and wind.
Three: Don’t Flaunt Valuable Items in Public
Flaunting valuable items in public is never a good idea in any location.
Wearing expensive jewelry around town is asking to be victimized.
Keeping your expensive items in a hotel room safe or inside your residence is always best to avoid drawing attention.
This best practice will ensure you blend in better with the locals going about your day, as criminals can quickly spot tourists based on expensive cameras hanging around their necks, expensive jewelry, and other belongings visible in public.
Four: Keep Personal Belongings Secure
When traveling on mass transit or in other crowded places, secure your items.
This means keeping your wallet and phone in front pockets where they are difficult to access by pickpockets.
Also, ensure handbags and backpacks are fully zipped and closed, as criminals can easily reach in and grab items without you knowing.
Five: Remove or Hide Items in Parked Cars
While Charlotte is generally a safe city from a property crime perspective, thefts and car break-ins occur.
To avoid this issue, ensure your car is locked when leaving it in a parking garage, lot, or on the street, regardless of the amount of time you plan to be away.
Also, never leave any items in plain sight, as this will invite criminals to enter your car, even if it’s locked.
Instead, bring your belongings inside or lock them in the trunk.
Charlotte Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Charlotte Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uptown Charlotte safe to walk around at night?
This area is small, comprising only two square miles, so there’s little to worry about when walking around during the day or at night.
This community is safe for all visitors and age groups, as the streets are well-lit and quiet.
Is Downtown Charlotte safe at night?
The main draw of the city is the Downtown neighborhood, which is vibrant and has plenty of shopping, bars, restaurants, and activities.
The central business district is safe to visit and enjoy throughout the day and night, but it’s always advisable to be aware of your surroundings.
What is the best area to live in Charlotte?
Although safety is a significant factor when considering where to live, amenities also come into the decision-making process for many.
The best overall place to live in the city is the South End due to the vibrant atmosphere, proximity to Uptown, the Rail Trail, and the diversity of dining and shopping options.
