Many know Raleigh as the capital of North Carolina.
It has a reputation for being unique in that it offers plenty of entertainment, culture, and a vibrant art scene.
There are over 40 free attractions in Raleigh, including museums, that residents can take advantage of.
Raleigh has a population of 472,540.
Whether you’re contemplating moving to Raleigh or visiting, becoming familiar with the crime and safest neighborhoods in the city is critical.
The violent crime rate is 2,353 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate in Raleigh is 10,992 per 100,000 residents.
Read on to learn about the top 10 safest neighborhoods in Raleigh.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Raleigh
1. Hillsborough
Hillsborough provides residents with a charming, small-town vibe.
It’s a safe, friendly, and highly walkable community.
Here, the violent crime rate is 157 per 100,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 1,225 per 100,000 residents.
The population of Hillsborough is 9,716.
In total, the crime rate is 55% below the national average.
If you have children, they can freely ride their bikes or walk to school. Hillsborough also has many festivals throughout the year, including a Christmas parade, a Hog Day festival, and a celebration of the Fourth of July.
There are also many parks, annual parties, and even an antique carousel.
2. Five Points
Five Points is another safe neighborhood in Raleigh.
Overall, the crime rate is 59% below the city’s crime rate.
Residents living in Five Points can gain peace of mind knowing that their community is much safer compared to other neighborhoods.
Nearly 1,221 people are living in Five Points.
Many of the homes here were built between 1915 and 1950.
You’ll also find many taco restaurants, burger and pizza places, and even craft beer.
Shopping centers available in the area include gardening and antique stores, as well as plenty of boutiques.
3. Glenwood
Glenwood is a safe and charming neighborhood in Raleigh.
Glenwood has some of the lowest crime rates in the entire city.
Moreover, the violent crime rate in Glenwood is 68% below the national average.
In addition, property crime rates are much lower in Glenwood compared to other neighborhoods in Raleigh.
The population of Glenwood is 1,822.
There are several beautiful parks in Glenwood, including Shelley Lake Park and Fred Fletcher Park.
Glenwood also offers food trucks and restaurants in the neighborhood for residents to enjoy.
You can feel safe jogging, biking, or walking around the neighborhood as well.
4. Oakwood
Not only is Oakwood one of the safest neighborhoods in Raleigh, but it’s also a historic location, dating back to the 1870s.
You’ll find many Victorian-styled homes in Oakwood.
The crime rate is also relatively low, and it is considered a tight-knit community.
Your chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in Oakwood are 1 in 207.
Moreover, your chances of becoming a victim of property crime are 1 in 45.
There are about 1,553 people who live in Oakwood.
The area is considered family-friendly, with very little traffic.
Since the streets are relatively quiet, children can freely play.
5. Boylan Heights
Located just 2 miles from downtown Raleigh is Boylan Heights.
Boylan Heights also made the list of the top safest neighborhoods in Raleigh.
It’s a historical neighborhood dating back to 1907.
The population of Boylan Heights is 54,079.
While homes in the area average around $662,129, you’ll gain peace of mind for what it’s worth.
Overall, the crime rate is 75% below other neighborhoods in North Carolina.
This means residents can feel comfortable walking through the neighborhood no matter the time of day.
Boylan Heights also hosts many fundraisers, community events, and celebrations during the holidays.
6. South Park
South Park is another one of the safest neighborhoods in Raleigh.
More than 700 homes are present in this neighborhood, most of which were built more than 100 years ago.
There are about 11,127 residents who live in South Park.
As far as violent offenses go, South Park has a very low crime rate.
Other crime rates are also considerably low.
This means that you will feel comfortable whether you’re walking through the neighborhood or riding your bike.
Overall, South Park is a friendly community and only a short distance from downtown Raleigh.
7. Falls River
Falls River is a quiet and safe neighborhood in Raleigh.
In addition, it’s just minutes away from many big attractions.
Falls River has a very low crime rate.
The population of Falls River is 32,371.
There are also plenty of homes that are affordable and feature large backyards.
The neighborhood also has plenty of top-notch schools for those with children.
If you enjoy the outdoors, Falls River is close to Falls Lake, where residents can fish, swim, and enjoy other outdoor activities.
8. Wade
Wade also made the list of the top 10 safest neighborhoods in Raleigh.
The population of Wade is 9,237.
The total violent rate is 217 per 100,000 residents.
The property crime rate is 1,808 per 100,000 people.
There is a mixture of both townhomes and single-family homes in Wade.
Residents can enjoy a public swimming pool, clubhouse rentals, playgrounds, and more.
Residents living in Wade can also take advantage of a pedestrian tunnel to gain access to the PNC Arena.
It’s also connected to various walking trails.
9. Southeast
Southeast has a population of 28,074 and is yet another one of the safest neighborhoods in Raleigh.
The violent crime rate is 484 per 100,000 residents, while the property crime rate is 2,243 per 100,000 residents.
For those who have children, Southeast has plenty of parks, playgrounds, and more to enjoy.
There are also plenty of highly-rated schools in the area.
Southeast provides stores, coffee shops, and numerous dining options for those living here.
10. Northeast
Finally, Northeast is last on the list of the safest neighborhoods in Raleigh.
There are about 87,424 people who live in Raleigh.
The violent crime rate is 449 per 100,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 2,575 per 100,000 people.
Northeast is a unique neighborhood, as it offers its flavor.
Northeast is considered an upper-middle-class neighborhood.
Not only is the area safe, but there are plenty of things to do, from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences to the North Carolina Farmers Public Market.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Raleigh
Here are five safety tips to keep in mind when traveling to Raleigh:
- Keep valuables hidden. If you are going to be bringing valuables with you, make sure that they are always out of sight. These valuables may include headphones, watches, expensive jewelry, purses, and cell phones. While carrying your handbag, be sure that it is always close to your body.
- Plan. Before heading out for the day, be sure that you plan your route ahead of time. This will help you become familiar with where you’re going. In addition, you should avoid alleys and other dangerous areas.
- Stay in well-lit areas. If possible, try not to travel alone. Also, make sure that you stay in well-lit areas. While walking on the streets, try to avoid having conversations with people you don’t know.
- Always stay alert. While traveling in Raleigh, make sure that you are always aware of your surroundings. Be sure that you are aware of your location at all times. Avoid walking in dark alleys or vacant lots, as these can make you a target for crime.
- Keep your hands free. To prevent becoming a victim of a crime while in Raleigh, try not to carry items in your hands. You should also limit your distractions. For example, never text or talk on the phone while you are walking alone.
Raleigh Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Raleigh Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- 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 it safe to walk in downtown Raleigh?
Whenever you’re walking in a big city, including Raleigh, you must stay alert at all times.
Yet, Raleigh does have a low crime risk, which means walking around downtown Raleigh is perfectly safe.
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Raleigh?
Whether you are visiting Raleigh or moving there, try to avoid these neighborhoods as they are known to be the most dangerous:
- Southwest
- Southeast
- South
- Central
- Falls of Neuse
- East Raleigh
Is Raleigh a safe city for families to visit?
Not only is Raleigh a safe place for families to live, but it’s also safe to visit.
Raleigh tops the list as one of the safest cities in the United States.
It’s 72% safer than other cities in the state alone.
The city is welcoming to people of all ages.
There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions for those visiting.
