Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Charlotte
Go Back To Previous PageCharlotte is a rapidly growing city known for its vibrant economy and numerous attractions. However, like many large cities, it also has areas with high crime rates. Here are the twelve most dangerous neighborhoods in Charlotte to help you stay safe while visiting or considering a move to the city.
1. Pinecrest
The most dangerous neighborhood in Charlotte is Pinecrest, often considered the worst area to live in. With a small population of only 227 residents, Pinecrest’s crime rate is 529% higher than the Charlotte average.
Locals frequently report issues with rampant property crime, and violent incidents, including shootings, are also common. Additionally, the presence of active gangs contributes significantly to the crime in the neighborhood.
2. Lincoln Heights
Lincoln Heights is one of the most troubled neighborhoods in Charlotte because of its disproportionately high violent crime rate. With a population of 2,376, its total crime rate is
449% higher than the average for Charlotte. The area has an active gang presence, and shootings are a frequent occurrence.
Many residents feel that the police are unable to patrol the neighborhood effectively. Other types of crimes, such as property theft, car theft, and burglary, are also prevalent.
3. Lakewood
Lakewood is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Charlotte. With a population of 887, its crime rate is 435% higher than the city average. While Lakewood has historically been unsafe, some areas have recently undergone gentrification.
However, much of the neighborhood still experiences high rates of violent and property crime. Although residents may feel secure in certain parts, many areas become dangerous after dark.
4. Tryon Hills
Tryon Hills is known to be one of the most problematic neighborhoods in Charlotte. With a population of approximately 1,600, it has a crime rate of 391% higher than the national average. Many residents live below the poverty line, contributing to the neighborhood’s low-income status.
Violent crime is prevalent in Tryon Hills, with incidents of homicides, robberies, and various forms of property theft being common.
5. Grier Heights
One of Charlotte’s most dangerous neighborhoods is Grier Heights. With a population of 2,958, Grier Heights’s crime rate is 365% higher than the national average. The area struggles with a high property crime rate, particularly burglaries and theft.
While violent crime does occur, much of Grier Heights has undergone gentrification, which has pushed some criminal elements out of the neighborhood.
6. Seversville
Seversville is a hazardous neighborhood in Charlotte, with a population of just 603 residents and a crime rate that exceeds the national average by 323%. Although some areas have undergone renovation, many still face significant issues with violent and property crimes.
Many residents report that Seversville becomes more unsafe at night. However, as the area begins to gentrify, crime rates are decreasing.
7. Smallwood
Smallwood is a neighborhood near downtown Charlotte with a population of 1,183. The area has a violent crime rate of 3,168 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 305% higher than the city average. The most common types of crime in Smallwood include property theft, robbery, car theft, and sexual assault.
Many schools in the area receive poor ratings and lack adequate funding. Despite these challenges, some residents choose to live in Smallwood because of its low rent prices and proximity to downtown.
8. Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Charlotte. Located between US Route 29 and I-85 in northeast Charlotte, this residential area is close to several parks and local businesses. While it was a middle-class neighborhood until the 1970s, Hidden Valley has since become a central hub for drug and gang activity.
The total crime rate in the area is 9,211 incidents for every 100,000 residents. This is 299% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is 584% higher than the national average. In this neighborhood, your chances of being a crime victim are 1 in 11.
9. Plaza-Shamrock
One of Charlotte’s most dangerous neighborhoods is Plaza-Shamrock, located in the northeastern part of the city. This area has a reputation for high crime rates but is currently undergoing gentrification. With a population of 3,078, Plaza-Shamrock’s crime data is 297% higher than the average in Charlotte.
Historically, it has been recognized as one of the city’s most dangerous areas. However, many new and renovated homes are being built in the neighborhood. Both property crimes and violent crimes tend to be more prevalent near East Sugar Creek and the Giant Penny.
10. Washington Heights
Washington Heights is located just north of downtown Charlotte and has a population of 2,018. Law enforcement agencies report that the violent crime rate in Washington Heights is 3,082 incidents for every 100,000 people, which is 294% higher than the national average.
Despite recent renovation efforts, the neighborhood faces challenges with property crime and motor vehicle theft. Violent crime is often concentrated in specific areas of the community.
11. Enderly Park
Enderly Park is a neighborhood in northwestern Charlotte that has gained a notorious reputation for crime. With a population of 3,249, the area experiences a violent crime rate that is 292% higher than the national average.
Gentrification has not yet affected Enderly Park, resulting in many neglected places lacking essential services. Crimes such as murder, theft, and robbery are prevalent in certain parts of the neighborhood, contributing to its reputation as one of the least desirable places to live in Charlotte.
12. Beatties Ford-Trinity
Beatties Ford-Trinity is regarded as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Charlotte.
Located in north Charlotte, about 9 miles from downtown, Beatties Ford-Trinity is primarily a residential neighborhood adjacent to Hornets’ Nest Park. Although showing signs of improvement, Beatties Ford-Trinity still suffers from a high crime rate. Beatties Ford Road is known for being a hub of drugs, gun violence, and prostitution, and there have been several documented shootings since 2022.
The total crime rate in Beatties-Ford Trinity is 4,611 crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% higher than the rest of Charlotte and 98% higher than the rest of the US.
Violent crime is 71% higher than the national average, and you have a 1 in 22 chance of being the victim of a crime in the neighborhood.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
