When it comes to settling down and choosing a place to live, most people want a space where they feel safe to get out and explore. Luckily in North Carolina you can find plenty of welcoming communities with friendly neighbors ready to show you the town. Looking to find your own small town haven? Using data from the FBI Crime Report and some independent research, we tracked down ten different small towns that offer plenty of peace of mind – take a peek at the safest cities in North Carolina below.

  1. Pinehurst

pinehurst.com While Pinehurst is best known for award-winning golf courses, and for being in the middle of horse country, it is also an extremely safe place to live. Consistently ranking on ‘safest’ places year after year, you might want to call this quaint, quiet community home. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .52 Property Crimes per 1,000: 8.27

  1. Davidson

Flickr / Jon Dawson Thirty minutes outside of Charlotte you’ll find the charming city of Davidson. Located on Lake Norman, this college town proves to be a comfortable, quiet place for residents. You get both outdoor recreation, peaceful solitude, and a large city fairly close. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .94 Property Crimes per 1,000: 7.72

  1. Elon

ncconcerts.org Elon is home to both young and old! While it is famous for being home to the renowned Elon University, it’s also where you’ll find the top-rated retirement community of Twin Lakes. Violent Crimes per 1,000: ..65 Property Crimes per 1,000: 6.71

  1. Winterville

wintervillenc.com Winterville is tucked away just outisde of Greenville. Their motto, “a slice of the good life”, is no lie! Residents enjoy a small-town lifestyle and laid-back environment. You can be sure it’s safe as well, as there are only an average of 8 violent crimes reported per year. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .83 Property Crimes per 1,000: 8.80

  1. Holly Springs

hollyspringsnewcomers.com Holly Springs is a great town for families! Not only will you find plenty of recreational opportunities in this scenic town, but the schools are among the best in the state.Violent Crimes per 1,000: .65 Property Crimes per 1,000: 6.64

  1. Trent Woods

newbernhomesonline.com In Trent Woods you’ll find safety and serenity. Located on the Trent River, and just an hour from some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, this safe residential community is the perfect place to raise a family. In 2013 the FBI Crime Report stated no violent crimes were reported in the community. Wow! Violent Crimes per 1,000: .70 Property Crimes per 1,000: 12.52

  1. Apex

commons.wikimedia.org This Raleigh suburb gives you small town safety in relatively close proximity to the state’s capitol, and you’ll never be bored! As a bustling suburb, it’s a great place to raise children or enjoy the close proximity to many amenities. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .87 Property Crimes per 1,000: 12.93

  1. Cary

Flickr / James Willamor Another Raleigh suburb to consider is Cary. Cary has been called one of the country’s “best places to live” by Money Magazine! This little town finds itself on several other lists, between best place to raise a family and best place to retire, and it truly has something for everyone. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .68 Property Crimes per 1,000: 13.93

  1. Black Mountain

Flickr / Kevin Oliver Just thirty minutes outside of Asheville you’ll find Black Mountain. This safe, peaceful, and beautiful mountain town is a picture-perfect setting with a crime rate that is 75% lower than the nation’s average. For beautiful views and peace of mind, you might want to try out Black Mountain. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .87 Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.72

  1. Valdese

Flickr / David Wilson In the foothills, you’ll find the quaint town of Valdese. The main street exudes a small-town spirit, while you’re sure to know your neighbors’ names in this picturesque town. It’s a dream destination for anyone who is looking to enjoy their great festivals that happen all year long. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .44 Property Crimes per 1,000: 15.35

Do you call any of these towns home? Where do you like to go for outdoor adventures, festivals, Main Street, or family-friendly fun? Tell us in the comments, below! We’re always looking for hidden gems here in the Tarheel State, and we’d love to hear from you.

pinehurst.com

While Pinehurst is best known for award-winning golf courses, and for being in the middle of horse country, it is also an extremely safe place to live. Consistently ranking on ‘safest’ places year after year, you might want to call this quaint, quiet community home. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .52 Property Crimes per 1,000: 8.27

Flickr / Jon Dawson

Thirty minutes outside of Charlotte you’ll find the charming city of Davidson. Located on Lake Norman, this college town proves to be a comfortable, quiet place for residents. You get both outdoor recreation, peaceful solitude, and a large city fairly close. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .94 Property Crimes per 1,000: 7.72

ncconcerts.org

Elon is home to both young and old! While it is famous for being home to the renowned Elon University, it’s also where you’ll find the top-rated retirement community of Twin Lakes. Violent Crimes per 1,000: ..65 Property Crimes per 1,000: 6.71

wintervillenc.com

Winterville is tucked away just outisde of Greenville. Their motto, “a slice of the good life”, is no lie! Residents enjoy a small-town lifestyle and laid-back environment. You can be sure it’s safe as well, as there are only an average of 8 violent crimes reported per year. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .83 Property Crimes per 1,000: 8.80

hollyspringsnewcomers.com

Holly Springs is a great town for families! Not only will you find plenty of recreational opportunities in this scenic town, but the schools are among the best in the state.Violent Crimes per 1,000: .65 Property Crimes per 1,000: 6.64

newbernhomesonline.com

In Trent Woods you’ll find safety and serenity. Located on the Trent River, and just an hour from some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, this safe residential community is the perfect place to raise a family. In 2013 the FBI Crime Report stated no violent crimes were reported in the community. Wow! Violent Crimes per 1,000: .70 Property Crimes per 1,000: 12.52

commons.wikimedia.org

This Raleigh suburb gives you small town safety in relatively close proximity to the state’s capitol, and you’ll never be bored! As a bustling suburb, it’s a great place to raise children or enjoy the close proximity to many amenities. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .87 Property Crimes per 1,000: 12.93

Flickr / James Willamor

Another Raleigh suburb to consider is Cary. Cary has been called one of the country’s “best places to live” by Money Magazine! This little town finds itself on several other lists, between best place to raise a family and best place to retire, and it truly has something for everyone. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .68 Property Crimes per 1,000: 13.93

Flickr / Kevin Oliver

Just thirty minutes outside of Asheville you’ll find Black Mountain. This safe, peaceful, and beautiful mountain town is a picture-perfect setting with a crime rate that is 75% lower than the nation’s average. For beautiful views and peace of mind, you might want to try out Black Mountain. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .87 Property Crimes per 1,000: 14.72

Flickr / David Wilson

In the foothills, you’ll find the quaint town of Valdese. The main street exudes a small-town spirit, while you’re sure to know your neighbors’ names in this picturesque town. It’s a dream destination for anyone who is looking to enjoy their great festivals that happen all year long. Violent Crimes per 1,000: .44 Property Crimes per 1,000: 15.35

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Pinehurst, NC, USAAddress: Davidson, NC, USAAddress: Winterville, NC, USAAddress: Trent Woods, NC 28562, USAAddress: Apex, NC, USAAddress: Cary, NC, USAAddress: Black Mountain, NC 28711, USAAddress: Valdese, NC, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

safest cities in North Carolina March 07, 2021 Kim Magaraci What are the best things about living in North Carolina? Many people move to North Carolina for one thing - the weather! When you check the data from NOAA, you’ll find that sunny days and gentle breezes are the norm here for most of the year. That’s not to say we don’t have our issues - hurricanes and ice storms can cause damage and be dangerous - but in general, our mild winters and warm summers make for a great spot to stay year-round. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, we’ve got it all - mountains, islands, beaches, and forests. As far as other aspects of life, we’re always near the top of the rankings for both higher education and healthcare, and our cost of living is relatively low. What are the worst things about living in North Carolina? While our weather is generally mild, when we do deal with a storm, it can be a real headache. Whether it’s a winter storm coming to drop ice on ill-prepared towns or a hurricane roaring up the coast giving our sea-towns a scare, we’ve always got to keep an eye out for the extremes. Though it’s true that our college-level institutions offer education among the best in the country, our elementary and secondary schools are very hit-or-miss, with a variety of metrics suggesting that many of our smaller and urban districts are below the national average. What are the most beautiful places in North Carolina? Some of the most beautiful places in North Carolina include Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, Pisgah National Forest, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Emerald Isle on the Crystal Coast, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.    

The OIYS Visitor Center

safest cities in North Carolina

March 07, 2021

Kim Magaraci

What are the best things about living in North Carolina? Many people move to North Carolina for one thing - the weather! When you check the data from NOAA, you’ll find that sunny days and gentle breezes are the norm here for most of the year. That’s not to say we don’t have our issues - hurricanes and ice storms can cause damage and be dangerous - but in general, our mild winters and warm summers make for a great spot to stay year-round. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, we’ve got it all - mountains, islands, beaches, and forests. As far as other aspects of life, we’re always near the top of the rankings for both higher education and healthcare, and our cost of living is relatively low. What are the worst things about living in North Carolina? While our weather is generally mild, when we do deal with a storm, it can be a real headache. Whether it’s a winter storm coming to drop ice on ill-prepared towns or a hurricane roaring up the coast giving our sea-towns a scare, we’ve always got to keep an eye out for the extremes. Though it’s true that our college-level institutions offer education among the best in the country, our elementary and secondary schools are very hit-or-miss, with a variety of metrics suggesting that many of our smaller and urban districts are below the national average. What are the most beautiful places in North Carolina? Some of the most beautiful places in North Carolina include Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, Pisgah National Forest, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Emerald Isle on the Crystal Coast, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.    

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Many people move to North Carolina for one thing - the weather! When you check the data from NOAA, you’ll find that sunny days and gentle breezes are the norm here for most of the year. That’s not to say we don’t have our issues - hurricanes and ice storms can cause damage and be dangerous - but in general, our mild winters and warm summers make for a great spot to stay year-round. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, we’ve got it all - mountains, islands, beaches, and forests. As far as other aspects of life, we’re always near the top of the rankings for both higher education and healthcare, and our cost of living is relatively low.

What are the worst things about living in North Carolina?

While our weather is generally mild, when we do deal with a storm, it can be a real headache. Whether it’s a winter storm coming to drop ice on ill-prepared towns or a hurricane roaring up the coast giving our sea-towns a scare, we’ve always got to keep an eye out for the extremes. Though it’s true that our college-level institutions offer education among the best in the country, our elementary and secondary schools are very hit-or-miss, with a variety of metrics suggesting that many of our smaller and urban districts are below the national average.

What are the most beautiful places in North Carolina?

Some of the most beautiful places in North Carolina include Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, Pisgah National Forest, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Emerald Isle on the Crystal Coast, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.