We Found the 5 Safest Towns Around Raleigh (Nobody's Talking About #1)

If safety is one of your top priorities when choosing where to live around Raleigh, you’re not alone. It’s one of the questions we hear regularly from people relocating to the Triangle, and in our latest YouTube video, we took a closer look at five of the safest towns around Raleigh.

Click here to watch: We Found the 5 Safest Towns Around Raleigh (Nobody's Talking About #1)

We compared violent crime and property crime statistics to see which communities stood out, and our #1 pick might not be the town you expect! Here’s a quick breakdown of the five towns we covered. 

5. Cary

Cary may be one of the first towns that comes to mind when you think about safety around Raleigh, but it came in at #5 on our list.

Cary ranked safer than 81% of towns nationwide for violent crime and safer than 51% for property crime based on the statistics we discussed. Cary is also significantly larger than the other communities on our list, with nearly 200,000 residents, which can naturally mean more opportunities for property crime simply because there are more people, businesses, and activity. 

That said, Cary remains one of the most desirable places to live in the Triangle. We love its thoughtful planning, beautiful parks, extensive greenway system, shopping, restaurants, and overall convenience. In fact, Cary has more than 100 miles of greenway trails, making it especially appealing for families and people who enjoy spending time outdoors.

4. Wake Forest

Coming in at #4 is Wake Forest, which is also where we filmed the video.

Wake Forest ranked safer than 77% of towns for violent crime and 71% for property crime. Beyond the statistics, one of the things we really love about Wake Forest is how it feels when you're there. It has a strong family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful parks, growing neighborhoods, and a community where things generally feel clean and well cared for. 

We often describe Wake Forest as a little bit like Cary on the other side of Raleigh, but with a more affordable price point. If you’re looking for a community with plenty of families, new construction, parks, and amenities, Wake Forest is definitely one we think is worth exploring. 

3. Apex

At #3, we have Apex.

Apex ranked safer than 89% of towns for violent crime and 78% for property crime, putting it firmly among the safest communities we discussed. 

Apex has also been experiencing significant growth, which has brought a newer feel to many parts of the town. Newer shopping centers, neighborhoods, parks, and greenways are all part of what makes Apex appealing.

We also love how well the town has incorporated parks and greenway trails into its continued development. It has some of the same qualities people love about Cary while offering a distinctly newer feel.

2. Holly Springs

Coming in at #2 is Holly Springs, and its safety statistics are impressive.

Holly Springs ranked safer than 94% of towns for violent crime and 84% for property crime. 

When we drive through Holly Springs, it has that feeling of being clean, safe, and well maintained. Neighborhoods such as 12 Oaks and Sunset Ridge offer beautiful homes and tree-lined streets, while newer construction and commercial development continue to bring more amenities to the area.

Holly Springs is still growing, and while its park and greenway system isn't quite as developed as some of the other towns on this list, there are already plenty of outdoor spaces—and more improvements planned.

1. Rolesville

And now for the town that surprised us: Rolesville!

Rolesville came in at #1 safest town around Raleigh based on the statistics we reviewed. It ranked safer than 91% of towns for violent crime and an impressive 93% for property crime. 

What makes Rolesville especially interesting is the combination of safety and affordability.

At the time of our video, the median price we discussed was around $430,000, which was at least $100,000 less than Wake Forest and roughly $200,000 less than some of the other towns on our list. 

Rolesville is also growing quickly, with the video noting approximately 40% population growth since 2020. There’s new construction and a growing commercial scene, while its location next to Wake Forest means residents can take advantage of many of Wake Forest’s amenities while maintaining a lower price point.

So, Which Town Is Right for You?

Safety is an important factor when choosing where to live, but it shouldn't be the only factor.

Your budget, commute, schools, home style, amenities, neighborhood feel, and lifestyle all play a role in finding the right Triangle community. That's why we always encourage buyers to look beyond a list and consider how a town actually fits their individual needs.

And one of the biggest takeaways from this list? You don't necessarily have to spend the most money to find a safe community. Rolesville and Wake Forest both demonstrate how safety and affordability can go hand in hand. 

Want the Full Breakdown?

Watch our YouTube video to hear us compare all five towns, talk through the numbers, and explain what we love about each community.

If you're thinking about moving to Raleigh or anywhere around the Triangle and aren't sure which town is the best fit, reach out to us! We're Zach and Cindi Honeycutt, local real estate agents, and we'd love to help you explore your options and find the community that fits your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. 

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