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There are so many threads concerning crime in Charlotte. For the residents of Charlotte and its surrounding areas, do you feel safe? Is there a section of the city that you avoid or are there several areas that are crime-ridden? I've only visited the city of Charlotte on one occasion. We were near the Discovery Zone childrens museum. That area "seemed" ok and safe.
In one word, yes. I have never felt unsafe in Charlotte. But just like any big city, I wouldn't randomly wander around areas I didn't know at night.
Uptown (center city) Charlotte where you visited is very safe b/c there is always a large police presence and a lot of people generally out and about day and night.
The overall city of Charlotte though is very spread out and I can't speak for every neighborhood. I lived in South Charlotte and University City for years and never experienced any crime.
So you have me and my experience, which would tell you Charlotte is super safe, and you have other people who probably have experienced crime who say it's not so safe.
Your question is open-ended, and in lieu of you visiting the city more and getting an impression for yourself, I don't know what to tell you.
I traveled to a lot of cities like Baltimore, Detroit, & Newark where there literally places people warn you not to go, even during the day.
I do not know of any areas like this in Charlotte. Everyone's experience is different. Common sense goes a long way to making sure you're not a victim of crime no matter where you live.
In comparison to what I am accustomed to, there's a serious lack of a police presence. It isn't that officers are goofing off; there simply aren't enough officers - sometimes to an unnerving degree.
On the positive side, there seems to be good policing practices, when it comes to the LYNX light rail; you'll always see an officer or two on horseback, or on the train.
Like any other area, there are parts high in crime, as there are parts that are safe.
What I find somewhat unique is this: in areas that I am accustomed to, street thugs are confined to their own areas; they steal from their own. In Charlotte, street thugs will enter the nicer parts of Charlotte, steal, and go home. Therefore, crime isn't rampant in the better parts of Charlotte, but once in a blue moon something will happen, and when it does, it can be significant.
With all of this, I would say that the crime isn't enough to deter me from moving/living/visiting Charlotte.
Like another poster said, the best parts of Charlotte are South of downtown, and University City.
My major concern, like any parent, is for the safety of my children. I have two teenagers that will start venturing out soon. I would love to know that there are places they can go on the weekends and be safe. I'm sure lots of teens or college students want to head into the city area. My concern is..Is the downtown/city area of Charlotte less safe than NYC?
My concern is..Is the downtown/city area of Charlotte less safe than NYC?
It isn't less safe than NYC.
First off, most things close at reasonable hours, unlike Manhattan, where everything's open 24/7.
The key to safety in Charlotte, is to stay in groups of people. This isn't a problem in Manhattan; for in Manhattan, there are lots of people around, all of the time. Contrast this to Charlotte, where there isn't a lot of foot traffic.
The nice thing about Charlotte, is that there are events in safer parts of the City (e.g. South Park, Ballantyne). In other words, to go out, one needn't go to Uptown Charlotte. But if you do decide to go uptown, **stay in the more populated areas**, and in groups of people, and you'll be fine.
My major concern, like any parent, is for the safety of my children. I have two teenagers that will start venturing out soon. I would love to know that there are places they can go on the weekends and be safe. I'm sure lots of teens or college students want to head into the city area. My concern is..Is the downtown/city area of Charlotte less safe than NYC?
Charlotte in general is a more dangerous city than NYC. But nothing really to be concerned about.
But downtown Charlotte is very safe aside from the northern and western ends of downtown (north of 11th street say). However, the suburban areas of Charlotte tend to be less safe than comparable areas in NYC. This is perhaps with the exception of South Charlotte. There are areas in Charlotte that appear peaceful and suburban but that can have a ton of burglaries and even gang activity. This is especially true in East Charlotte and the University area.
The South in general has more crime than any other region of the country. So you do have to be on your toes.
"Safe" as in getting gunned down in cold blood walking down the street in broad daylight or a toned down version as in property crime?
Teens should be taught the same basic common sense when walking around in ANY city... be in NYC or Charlotte. Stay in groups in well lit areas with people around - be aware of your surroundings and suspicious looking people, don't wander down dark alleys, put your wallet in your front pocket, don't flash jewelry - leave it at home, don't show giant rolls of cash when out shopping. These things or a fancy camera or pocketbook can be grabbed just as easily in either city.
BTW, I grew up on LI and these are the things my Dad taught me about going into NYC 25 years ago... they still very much apply today and what I would tell my teen about going into Uptown alone these days.
Hi Mikey
I remember taking the subway into the city when I was in my teens. I must admit, NYC is probably much safer now then it was in the 80's..but my friends and I ventured in and luckily were never the victim of crime. Just want to make sure I'm bringing my kids to a better situation in NC by leaving NY. Hate to think I'm putting them in a more dangerous situation. btw- I'm looking into Union County too.
Hi Mikey
I remember taking the subway into the city when I was in my teens. I must admit, NYC is probably much safer now then it was in the 80's..but my friends and I ventured in and luckily were never the victim of crime. Just want to make sure I'm bringing my kids to a better situation in NC by leaving NY. Hate to think I'm putting them in a more dangerous situation. btw- I'm looking into Union County too.
Yeah, I agree completely about the city now vs. the 80s. But, we survived it! Probably by being more lucky than smart.
We moved down to Union County from LI 2 years ago, so feel free to send me a Direct Message (DM) with any questions - so you don't have plaster info publicly on the board... My kids are Elem age so they're much younger then yours, but I will help with info any way I can.
Stay in groups in well lit areas with people around - be aware of your surroundings and suspicious looking people, don't wander down dark alleys, put your wallet in your front pocket, don't flash jewelry - leave it at home, don't show giant rolls of cash when out shopping.
Great suggestions
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