Thinking about living in Charlotte? North Carolina’s biggest city offers friendly neighborhoods with affordable housing, great schools, low crime rates, and more. These top-notch places to live in Charlotte were chosen due to their overall affordability, housing prices, low crime rates, and their appeal to all kinds of people. If you’re moving to Queen City, here are five safe, affordable, and some of the nicest neighborhoods in Charlotte to consider!
Is Charlotte a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
Though crime rates in Charlotte are higher than the national average, that’s to be expected in large U.S. cities. Charlotte is safer than other similar major metros like Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA. When choosing where to live in Charlotte, you can find multiple safe areas and good neighborhoods around the city.
Ballantyne West
- Home Price: $340,389 median purchase price; $1,592 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Charlotte neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families
Right up against the South Carolina border, the Charlotte neighborhood of Ballantyne West is a popular area with plenty to do! Fun community events like the monthly Ballantyne Book Club and Markets at 11 bring residents of this Charlotte neighborhood together. Most residents think of Ballantyne West as a mini-city because the neighborhood has an abundance of dining and nightlife options, as well as great employment opportunities. In fact, Ballantyne Corporate Park is a 535-acre, internationally-recognized campus that houses multiple Fortune 500 companies—including Wells Fargo, Brighthouse Financial, and Cigna—as well as other major employers like ESPN and Synchrony Financial.
Things to Do in Ballantyne West
Spend the day shopping in and around Ballantyne West at Ballantyne Village or Blakeney Town Center. Become a member at Ballantyne Country Club and spend the day golfing or relaxing in the pool. Go fishing with the family, watch the kids swing from the monkey bars, or go for a jog at Elon Park. Attend weekly fitness classes, enjoy a picnic, or bike the trails at Ballantyne’s Backyard. Get classic diner-inspired Chocolate Chip Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy, or a Western Omelet at Big View Diner. Taste Belgian Liege Waffle breakfast favorites like The Deluxe, Slowberry Cobbler, or The Lumberjack at Cast Iron Waffles. Have date night at Gallery Restaurant in The Ballantyne Hotel and order a bottle of wine with hearty entrees such as an 8oz Cab Filet Mignon, Butternut Squash Risotto, or Lamb Loin. Or feast on Italian favorites like Calamari Fritti, Ricotta Ravioli, or Eggplant Parmigiana at Oggi Ristorante Italiano.
Q: What are the safest areas of Charlotte?
A: Generally, the safest neighborhoods in Charlotte are around the outer edges of the city, and the further you travel toward the city center, the crime rates increase. Some of the safest areas in Charlotte neighborhoods are Chantilly, Ballantyne West, Providence Crossing, and Myers Park.
Barclay Downs
- Home Price: $582,367 median purchase price; $1,660 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Charlotte neighborhoods
- Perfect for: Families, retirees
Once part of a 3,000-acre farm owned by a former North Carolina governor, Barclay Downs has since transformed into one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte! With its spacious apartments and Mid-Century Modern houses, as well as its great nearby schools like Alexander Graham Middle School and Selwyn Elementary School, Barclay Downs is a popular area for families. And while the neighborhood is somewhat removed from Uptown Charlotte, there are plenty of great restaurants, trendy shops, community spots like the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, and fun things to do within the area.
Things to Do in Barclay Downs
Grab your lawn chair and listen to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra play at Symphony Park. Spend the day shopping at major retailers and local businesses at SouthPark Mall. Treat yourself to a Deep Cleansing Facial or Lash Lift at Toska Spa. Hike, search for turtles in the creek, and explore the Isaac Newton Alexander Grist Mill Ruin along the Briar Creek Greenway. Sample Mediterranean street food like Israeli Hot Chicken, Chicken SpanikoPita, Stuffed Avocado Bowl, or make your own bowl at YAFO Kitchen. Get your fill of Tex-Mex at Paco’s Tacos & Tequila by ordering Chili Con Queso, Beef Enchiladas, or Outlaw Steak Fajitas while sipping on a Pineapple Mint Margarita. Dine on French delicacies like Steak Tartare, Maine Crab Cake, or Holland Dover Sole at Bentley’s Restaurant. Or take a seat in locally-owned Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse to enjoy Grilled Salmon, Grouper Tacos, or Baby Back Ribs.
Q: Is Charlotte a good place to live?
A: Yes! Charlotte is widely considered a great place to live for a variety of lifestyles. Young professionals are drawn to the city’s growing job market, especially in finance, tech, and healthcare. Families appreciate the highly rated schools, suburban neighborhoods, and abundance of parks and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a walkable urban neighborhood or a quiet suburb, Charlotte offers something for everyone.
Chantilly
- Home Price: $431,800 median purchase price; $1,352 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Charlotte neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Chantilly is one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte—especially for younger residents. As a quiet residential neighborhood, Chantilly has plenty of housing options, from Contemporary apartments to quirky bungalows, and is perfect for young professionals to use as a home base. Plaza Midwood and Elizabeth are just a few blocks away for food and shopping, and Uptown Charlotte is only a ten-minute drive for fun nightlife. Plus, U.S. Route 74 runs along the northern border of the neighborhood, making it easy to get anywhere else in the city.
Things to Do in Chantilly
Walk your dog or play a game of table tennis at Chantilly Park. Attend the latest concert, comedy show, or popular musicals like Wicked and ballets like Cinderella at Bojangles’ Coliseum. Check out a local car show, wedding show, trade shows, and other unique events at The Park Expo & Conference Center. Visit the Mint Museum on nearby Randolph Road to see rotating exhibits showcasing art and design. Attend neighborhood events like the Street Clean Up or Hilly Chantilly 5K. Start your morning with a Blueberry Lemon Muffin and a Macchiato, or pick up an Orange Creamsicle Cake to go at Villani’s Bakery. Savor Southern Style Chili, Lupie’s Burger, or a Club Sandwich at Lupie’s Cafe. Dig into Mexican dishes like The Chimichanga, Taco Plate, or Southwestern Burrito at The Tipsy Burro Saloon & Cantina. Or get your acai fix with a Rainbow Bowl, Brazil Bowl, or Berry Fruity Bowl at Rico’s Acai.
Q: Is it expensive to live in Charlotte?
A: While housing costs in Charlotte have risen in recent years, Queen City still offers a range of budget-friendly neighborhoods and cost-effective living options. Residents often find that the city’s strong job market, lack of state estate tax, and relatively low property taxes help balance out overall expenses.
Providence Crossing
- Home Price: $319,100 median purchase price; $1,706 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Charlotte neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families
Providence Crossing is a top neighborhood in Charlotte and a great place for families to settle down, thanks to its excellent safety rating! Located off I-485 in southeast Charlotte, Providence Crossing has a true suburban feel but still offers easy access to the metro and nearby towns of Matthews, Waxhaw, and Pineville. This family-friendly Charlotte area is full of gorgeous Colonial-inspired homes brimming with character, as well as great schools like Polo Ridge Elementary School, Jay M. Robinson Middle School, and Rea Farms STEAM Academy. It’s not uncommon to see kids playing outside and families walking their dogs on the winding roads of this safe, affordable Charlotte neighborhood!
Things to Do in Providence Crossing
Let the kids’ creative side shine by signing them up for art classes at Small Hands Big Art. Watch your child express themselves through dance or sign yourself up for an adult class at Steps N Motion. Attend events like Movie Night once a month or Music on the Green every Friday and Saturday during the summer at Promenade on Providence. Play 18 holes, hit the gym, or sign up for a tennis lesson when you join the Providence Country Club. Make a reservation at The Porter’s House and order Sauteed Chicken or Pan Seared Scallops paired with Mashed Potatoes or Collard Greens. Try the Loaded Tater Tots, Buffalo Chicken Roll, or Mushroom Swiss Burger at DB’s Tavern. Visit Ilios Noche for Greek and Italian favorites like a Lamb Burger, Mediterranean Grilled Striped Bass, or Chicken Parmesan. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Chocolate Oreo Cupcake, Strawberry Cake, or a piece of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cream Pie from Sweet Stuff By Leslie.
Q: What is the average home price in Charlotte?
A: The median listing price for a home in Charlotte is $425,000. If you’re considering renting a home, the median monthly rent is $1,750. For those looking to save money, consider more affordable neighborhoods such as Providence Crossing or Sardis Woods!
Sardis Woods
- Home Price: $249,175 median purchase price; $1,261 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of Charlotte neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Sardis Woods is an affordable Charlotte neighborhood located about 20 minutes southeast of Uptown Charlotte. Nearby parks like James Boyce Park and McAlpine Creek Park offer residents fun playground and picnic areas, and even a dog park! The proximity of these parks gives plenty of opportunity for watching wildlife and walking in nature. Area schools like Charlotte Christian School and The Fletcher School are also available for families who want their kids to attend classes close to home. If you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood bordered by the fun amenities—including lots of businesses along Monroe Rd—the Sardis Woods neighborhood is a perfect fit!
Things to Do in Sardis Woods
Buy tickets for a blockbuster movie and get dining options from the kitchen and bar delivered right to your seat at Cinemark Movie Bistro Charlotte. Take the kids to swim lessons or swim team, or sign yourself up for the adult Masters training program at MSA Swim. Hike, bike, run the cross country course, or search for 188 different bird species documented along the McAlpine Creek Greenway. Drop the kids off for a Parents Night Out, check out Summer Camps, or enjoy Open Gym time at Perfect Balance. Sample an extensive selection of wing flavors like Georgia Red, Honey Gold, and Chili Rush at Chex Grill & Wings. Devour Brazilian dishes like the X-Tudo, Coxinha de Frango, or Bolinha de Carne at BR Cafe. Savor delicious Indian entrees like Chana Masala, Lamb Biryani, or Butter Chicken at Royal Biryani. Or try Nepali and Thai cuisine like Tofu Delight, Jhaneko Dal, and Gulabi Chicken at Everest Bistro.
Q: Is Charlotte affordable?
A: Though Charlotte’s cost of living is 8% higher than the national average, that’s to be expected for a large city. However, there are areas of Charlotte that are more affordable such as Ballantyne West and Providence Crossing. Additionally, living in Charlotte means you’ll save on vital expenses including utilities and public transportation compared to the U.S. average!
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The Extra Space Storage team is committed to helping people find the perfect place to call home no matter what stage of life they’re at. Our “Best Places to Live” picks, are designed to make moving easier by providing accurate and comprehensive information on various metro areas across the country. We consider factors like cost of living, job opportunities, local attractions, education, and more to help those looking to move make an informed decision. Discover more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes, Redfin, and RentCafe
