If you’re planning a move to Charlotte, North Carolina, one question probably comes up right
alongside “how’s the job market?” and “what’s the best suburb for families?” – Is Charlotte safe?
The short answer: Yes, Charlotte is generally a safe, welcoming city, especially when you
choose the right neighborhood and stay aware of your surroundings. Like any fast-growing
metro, it has some areas where extra caution is smart, but overall, Queen City offers a strong
sense of community, a responsive police department, and a lot of great places to call home.
Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding the Crime Stats
Let’s start with the numbers.
According to 2024 data from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD):
- Violent crime dropped by 5.7% citywide
- Property crime decreased by 12.2%
- Overall crime rates fell by more than 10% in many neighborhoods
That’s a promising trend – especially for a city that continues to grow in population year after
year.
Charlotte does sit slightly above the national average for crime, but when compared to similar
metros like Atlanta, Raleigh, and Columbia, SC, the Queen City is holding its own:
- Charlotte has lower violent crime rates than Atlanta
- It sees fewer property crimes per capita than Columbia
- And many neighborhoods in Charlotte report crime levels well below the city average
In other words, crime here tends to be concentrated in specific pockets – and with the right
neighborhood choice, your experience is likely to be safe and comfortable.
A City Investing in Safety
CMPD has made major moves in recent years to reduce crime and increase community trust.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
- CORE 13 Program: Officers from each of Charlotte’s 13 divisions are strategically deployed to areas experiencing higher crime, allowing faster response and more visibl patrols.
- Connect Charlotte: A real-time network of public and private security cameras helps law enforcement solve crimes faster and deter illegal activity.
- CMPD CHATS: These neighborhood huddles bring together police, residents, and local leaders to collaborate on safety and quality-of-life issues.
Charlotte is also one of the few cities in the Southeast to receive national accreditation for its
police department – a sign of accountability, training, and transparency.
The Safest Neighborhoods in Charlotte
Charlotte is a city of distinct districts, and where you live makes a big difference in how safe the area feels. Some of the most popular, lower-crime areas include:
- Ballantyne – A suburban gem in South Charlotte with great schools, shopping, and parks.
- Dilworth– Historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a walkable lifestyle close to Uptown.
- SouthPark – Affluent, quiet, and home to some of the city’s best dining and retail.
- Myers Park – Classic Charlotte charm with beautiful homes and low crime rates.
- Elizabeth & Plaza Midwood – Eclectic and community-driven, with ongoing development and strong neighborhood pride.
These areas all share a few key traits: tight-knit communities, well-kept properties, and active neighborhood associations. Many residents describe them as places where “kids still play outside” and “people wave at their neighbors.”
What Locals Say About Living Here
Talk to Charlotteans, and you’ll hear a common refrain: Charlotte is a city that cares about its
growth — and about keeping people safe.
Locals love the combination of southern hospitality, modern infrastructure, and that “big city with a small town feel” energy. While they’ll tell you to lock your car (especially in crowded areas), most say they feel safe going out to dinner, walking their dogs at night, or raising a family here.
So, Is Charlotte Safe?
Yes — especially when you choose the right neighborhood and take the usual precautions.
Charlotte continues to invest in public safety, modern policing strategies, and community
outreach. The city is growing — not just in population, but in its ability to keep that growth
manageable and secure.
If you’re considering a move to the Charlotte area, you’ll find no shortage of safe, vibrant
communities to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Charlotte combines strong police-community partnerships, modern crime prevention tools, and a variety of low-crime suburban neighborhoods. Programs like CORE 13 and Connect Charlotte help CMPD proactively reduce crime, while local HOAs and neighborhood groups foster a sense of watchfulness and care.
Yes, many parts of Charlotte are walkable and safe — especially neighborhoods like Dilworth, South End, Uptown, and Plaza Midwood during daylight and early evening hours. As with any city, it’s smart to stay alert, avoid unlit or unfamiliar areas late at night, and keep valuables secure.
Ballantyne, Myers Park, and SouthPark are often ranked among the safest and most desirable places to live. They offer strong schools, low crime rates, and a high quality of life. Families, retirees, and young professionals alike gravitate toward these areas for good reason.
Uptown Charlotte — the city’s downtown area — is generally safe, especially in residential sections and around major attractions. It’s walkable, well-patrolled, and filled with entertainment, restaurants, and high-rise living. Like any downtown, there may be some late-night activity around bars or events, but most residents feel safe with basic urban awareness.
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