North Carolina is one of the most picturesque states in the United States with a great amount of natural beauty, developed cities, and picturesque counties. For instance, the Blue Ridge Mountain region, the Piedmont region, the Outer Banks, and the Appalachian region. However, when they are moving to another area, safety remains a significant concern for most of the families. 

1. Apex

Safety: The town of Apex is very safe; the rates of both property and violent crime are low compared to the rest of similar towns in North Carolina. The town of Apex is located in western Wake County and offers excellent schools, parks, greenways, and a bustling historic district. Apex is filled with a community-oriented culture and there are numerous events for families during this time of the year. For this reason, most people living in this city get to work within a short time of the city’s closeness to Raleigh and can easily access the highly paid jobs in the Research Triangle Park. Apex is a living example that one can reside in any safe suburban area and at the same time be a few stone's throw from the metropolitan infrastructure.

2. Cary

Nestled right next to Raleigh, Cary often ranks high on the safest cities in North Carolina lists. The overall violent crime as well as the property crime rates have been determined to be lower than in comparable cities. Cary was planned specifically with a focus on the availability of big parks, greenways, and recreational centers, which makes the quality of life in this city very high. The school system is also one of the best among the schools in the neighboring states. Many professionals residing in Cary are involved in business and industries, and several big companies and technology firms are located in the Research Triangle Park. Indeed, starting with athletic events and ending with theaters and concert halls, Cary boasts of diverse attractions that are characteristic of much larger cities.

3. Holly Springs

One of the most highlighted aspects of the small town of Holly Springs is that it is a very safe town and has highly rated schools. This is a Raleigh suburb that boasts of its traditional small-town feel that it has been rated to provide at the same time as it has developed some sophisticated touches. As for the new population and economic development, Holly Springs has a great opportunity to dedicate resources to develop new parks, cultural centers, greenways, and bike paths for people to engage in community activities. Low taxes and strategic location relative to the Raleigh employment centers make it an ideal city for young working families and individuals.

4. Morrisville

Regarding safety and livability, Morrisville positively stands tall as it has performed well in the two aspects. Thus, violent and property crime rates are significantly less: compared to similar towns and cities in North Carolina. Although it is officially a town, Morrisville is a lively city that seems more like an urban hub given its focus on technology, biotechnology, and healthcare industries. Top-notch schools, ample parks, a well-known performance theater, a trendy market, and a versatile food culture that attracts young professionals, families, and empty-nesters.

5. Clayton

Clayton is a small town located in Johnston County, and despite the general increase in violent and property crimes, the community experiences very low levels of violent and property crimes. These factors of safety and peace contribute to making the town a perfect one for families to set base in. According to Clayton, one of the school district’s best in the state. It also possesses an adequate density of parks and an active local clubhouse that stages numerous public events in the service of civil society. As there is a vital variety of affordable housing units, moderate prices of essential needs, and proximity to most major highways, Clayton can suit individuals of different ages, including, young families and older people, retired ones, etc.

6. Kernersville

Kernersville quickly pulls ahead of its competition when it comes down to safety ranking in the Piedmont Triad area. The violent crime rate as well as the property crime rate is less by a fourth than the national average. New homebuyers are attracted to the relatively rural setting while still being close to downtown which provides a small-town feel of living yet is only 10 miles or less from downtown Winston-Salem or the Greensboro employment centers. The highlights of the town include schools ranked among the best, parks and recreation facilities, and the historic downtown with shopping, dining, and arts. Apartment buildings and single houses, new constructions are seeking young people especially professionals while the old residents of Kernersville stay here because of the high sense of the community.

7. Harrisburg

Stretched into southern Cabarrus Country, Harrisburg is known for its high safety ratings with crime levels that are significantly lower than those of North Carolina and the United States of America. Another strength of Harrisburg is that it has a very family-oriented environment and is heavily involved in the community. From the physical facilities, there is a wide range of recreation facilities including parks, greenways, community gardens, and baseball fields in outdoor recreation where residents have an opportunity to access recreational facilities within the Charlotte metro area. The town is new and provides quality neighborhoods and an acclaimed school district for families moving to the area.

8. Waxhaw

South of Charlotte on the North and South Carolina border, Waxhaw firmly established that it belongs on this list of safest small towns. Murder and rape rates are still relatively low and those of all other crimes are equally far less than those of similar towns. Waxhaw sits just a few minutes across the border from rapidly developing Union County but still boasts of its charming historical town feel as it expands. Larger facilities such as parks, community centers, and recreational departments provide for children and adults alike with all kinds of programs while a more developed downtown area contains business and restaurant locations in a pedestrian-friendly zone. As real estate becomes increasingly popular among families, Waxhaw offers professionalism and safety together with the beauty of a small town to those workers who enjoy their jobs and do not need the benefits of metros that can be easily reached.

9. Wake Forest

Completing the set of entries by the Triangle region, Wake Forest deserves special attention for having very low crime rates compared to other towns in its category. Wake Forest captivates families with one of the best school systems, many parks, and recreational areas, as well as a newly revitalized downtown shopping and eating area. Amazingly, Wake Forest retains a small-town feel despite becoming one of the fastest-growing cities for the working-class professionals who drive to Raleigh, the elites’ haven, while the family benefits from well-acclaimed schools for their children, safety, and community activism.

10. Mooresville

Mooresville gets the last rank due to high ratings for safety and Niche prizes for public schools and families. Mooresville is situated in the north of Charlotte, near the shores of Lake Norman, and has crime rates lower than the national average by 22%. Sometimes it is known as Race City USA, Mooresville does have a good amount of racing history and is the home to many NASCAR teams and drivers. Other attractions such as boating, fishing facilities, parks, and trails make many a lively family embrace the community and put down their stakes in Mooresville. Incorporating its ever-increasing downtown district commercial, dining, and entertainment establishments increases the thriving Mooresville community.

The Bottom Line

Knowing that there are many attractive communities in North Carolina in which to live, safety must certainly be a consideration when choosing a home. Fortunately, the crime rate is relatively low, and many Tar Heel State communities offer compelling family-friendly features. This list of ten of the safest cities that one can reside in North Carolina can act as a starting point to assess prime locations that meet the basic requirements of safety, job availability, recreational amenities as well as the general attractiveness to families and professionals. Whether one wishes to live in a small, more rural community or in a suburb close to all that a metropolitan area has to offer, these communities provide the comforts of the former while providing access to all the latter has to offer, all within the state of North Carolina.