10 Safest Cities in NC (2025) to Buy a Home Stress-Free

North Carolina is a fantastic place to live, with its beautiful landscapes, growing job market, and welcoming communities. But safety is a top priority for homebuyers. Whether you're a family looking for a peaceful neighborhood, a retiree seeking a quiet town, or a professional moving for work, finding a low-crime city is essential.

In 2025, North Carolina’s overall crime rate stands at 24.69 per 1,000 residents, with certain cities consistently ranking among the safest in the state. This guide highlights the top 10 safest cities in North Carolina, backed by crime data, real estate insights, and lifestyle factors.

North Carolina ranks 16th in the U.S. for violent crime, but crime varies widely by city. Major urban centers like Charlotte and Fayetteville have higher crime rates. Many suburbs and smaller towns offer exceptionally low crime levels.

• Violent Crime: Remains stable, with safe cities reporting rates well below the state average. As of 2024, North Carolina's murder rate has decreased by 22.7%.

• Property Crime: Decreasing, thanks to neighborhood watch programs and improved policing.

• Best Areas: Suburban towns and college cities tend to have the lowest crime rates.

The safest cities in North Carolina share key characteristics beyond just low crime rates:

• Strong Community Engagement: Active neighborhood watch programs and resident involvement.

• Well-Funded Police Departments: More resources lead to better response times and crime prevention.

• Thriving Economy: Areas with high employment rates and strong local businesses tend to be safer.

• Great Schools: Cities with top-rated schools often have lower crime.

• Quality Housing & Infrastructure: Well-maintained roads, parks, and public services create safer environments.

Save Big when you Buy a Home with reAlpha!

Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

Sign up for free

Learn how conditional mortgage approval can fast-track your homebuying process in North Carolina's safest neighborhoods.

Based on the latest FBI crime reports, real estate market trends, and local insights, these are the safest cities in North Carolina this year:

Morrisville has the lowest crime rate in North Carolina and a booming real estate market. This makes it a top pick for families and professionals looking for a balance of safety, affordability, and career growth.

This suburb ranks second for safety, offers great schools, and has a friendly, community-focused atmosphere.

Home to Davidson College, this charming town offers low crime rates, historic neighborhoods, and an excellent quality of life.

Holly Springs combines affordability with safety, making it a top choice for young families and professionals.

Cary is one of the fastest-growing cities in North Carolina, offering low crime, strong schools, and high-paying jobs.

Pinehurst is one of the safest and most scenic towns in the state, perfect for retirees and outdoor lovers.

Apex consistently ranks among the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to its safety, high employment rates, and charming downtown.

While larger cities tend to have higher crime, Raleigh stands out as one of the safest metro areas in the country.

Low crime, a vibrant arts scene, and world-class education make Chapel Hill a top pick for families and academics.

Outdoor lovers and creatives are drawn to Asheville for its safety, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

If you're buying in one of these safe cities and planning to pay down your mortgage early, consider exploring options like mortgage recasting, which can help lower monthly payments without refinancing.

Save Big when you Buy a Home with reAlpha!

Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

Sign up for free

1️. Check Crime Data: Find local police reports and FBI crime stats. Crime statistics provide objective, data-backed insights into how safe an area truly is.

2️. Visit Neighborhoods: Drive around and see how the area feels at different times of the day. Visiting in person lets you observe street activity, security measures, and community atmosphere.

3️. Talk to Locals: Residents give the best insights on safety and lifestyle. No one knows a neighborhood better than the people who live there. Crime stats provide numbers, but locals share real-life experiences.

4️. Check School Rankings: High-performing school districts usually attract families, professionals, and stable homeowners. Good schools often mean safer communities!

Understanding terms like the acceleration clause in your mortgage agreement can prevent surprises if you're moving to a new city and buying a home.

North Carolina offers many safe and welcoming communities. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city like Raleigh, a peaceful town like Davidson, or a family-friendly suburb like Cary, there’s a perfect place waiting for you.

🛡️ Worried about crime but ready to buy your dream home?

Let reAlpha’ s commission-free, all-in-one homebuying platform help you secure a home in North Carolina’s safest cities—with expert guidance, zero agent fees, and powerful tools that stretch your buying budget further.

🔐 Live safer. Spend smarter.

✅ Start your stress-free home search today—100% free.

It depends on what you’re looking for! Morrisville is the safest city in North Carolina in 2025, with low crime, top-rated schools, and a booming job market near the Research Triangle. If you want a balance of safety, affordability, and strong community life, Cary, Wake Forest, and Holly Springs are also top choices. For those who prefer a vibrant city feel, Raleigh and Chapel Hill offer a mix of culture, education, and career growth while maintaining low crime rates compared to other metro areas.

As of 2024, North Carolina's murder rate has decreased by 22.7%, according to the FBI’s latest crime report. The exact 2025 statistics are not yet available! But the most recent reports suggest that North Carolina ranks 19th in the U.S. for violent crime, with 405 incidents per 100,000 people.

According to 2025 crime data, Morrisville has the lowest crime rate in North Carolina. Government reports confirm that this suburban town consistently ranks among the safest, with violent crime rates far below state and national averages.