When I moved here a few months ago, I searched different sites like rent.com and even Craig'sList for available rentals in my price range and with my desired amenities, and then I always checked the crime in the area of the complexes address through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police crime site at http://maps.cmpd.org/cmpdnet/agreement.aspx?ref=quickSearch (broken link). And since I had a child- I also checked the sexual predator websites to be sure there were none listed near the community (even if you don't have kids- it can't hurt to be sure there are none of that type of element in the area.) After you begin checking places that way- you will get a feel for which areas in your budget are in more safe, desirable areas. Then, just be sure to make a trip to each place you have it narrowed down to, if you possibly can, to see the complex and surrounding neighborhood for yourself. You can also check private reviews of the complexes that you like at
www.apartmentratings.com.
You can send me a private message if you'd like and I can tell you the area that I ended up in, which is fairly near where you want to be- and so far- I LOVE the area. Good luck.