Unveiling the Top 10 Most Challenged Neighborhoods: Charlotte’s Safety Concerns

Lakewood’s Safety Concerns Shed Light on Charlotte’s Urban Challenges

Concerns Mount as Lakewood Takes the Unenviable Title of Charlotte’s Most Dangerous Neighborhood

A recent study looked at lots of different neighborhoods in Charlotte. They wanted to figure out which one is the most dangerous to live in. Lakewood came out as the worst neighborhood in 2024. This means it’s not doing as well as other areas in terms of safety and other important things.

Lakewood being labeled as the most dangerous highlights bigger issues Charlotte faces. Even though Charlotte is known for being a lively city with different neighborhoods, some areas like Lakewood struggle more. People living in Lakewood might worry more about crime, jobs, and getting the help they need. It’s important for the city and its people to work together to make things better for neighborhoods like Lakewood.

READ ALSO: Illinois Cities Under The Spotlight: Uncovering High-Risk Areas And Crime Trends

Unveiling the Top 10 Most Challenged Neighborhoods: Charlotte’s Safety Concerns. (PHOTO: Patch)

Investing in Lakewood to Foster a Safer and Inclusive Charlotte

Charlotte can improve by putting more focus on fixing problems in places like Lakewood. This means investing in things like better roads, programs to help people, and getting everyone involved. Even though Lakewood has its challenges, calling it the worst neighborhood can push everyone to make positive changes. It’s about making sure all parts of Charlotte are safe and welcoming for everyone who lives there.

10 Most Challenged Neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC

1. Lakewood. In Lakewood, a neighborhood in Charlotte with 649 residents concerns rise as it emerges as the most dangerous area facing alarming rates of crime. With 4,188 violent crimes per 100,000 people and 10,314 property crimes per 100,000 safety is a major issue for its residents. Additionally, Lakewood struggles economically with a median home value of $85,500 ranking it among the fourth worst and a median income of $33,581, making it the 13th worst in the city. These statistics highlight the challenges residents face in maintaining a secure and stable community.
2. Tryon Hills. Tryon Hills, a neighborhood in Charlotte with 855 residents faces concerning safety and economic challenges. Despite its proximity to city amenities like stores and parks Tryon Hills struggles with high crime rates with 3,837 violent crimes and 8,814 property crimes per 100,000 people. The neighborhood’s median home value of $151,050 ranks it as the 49th worst while its median income of $26,519 places it as the 3rd worst in the city. Residents grapple with limited job opportunities reflected in the high unemployment rate of 10.4% exacerbating financial hardships for the community. These issues underscore the need for support and resources to improve the quality of life in Tryon Hills.
3. Pinecrest. Pinecrest, a small neighborhood in Charlotte with 213 residents faces challenges despite its notable landmarks like the New Shiloh Baptist Church and Carolina Golf Club. While these spots offer leisure opportunities Pinecrest struggles economically with an unemployment rate of 8.7% and low-wage job opportunities contributing to a median income of $37,206 which ranks as the 24th worst in the city. With limited retail space and amenities residents contend with a lack of resources. Additionally, high crime rates further compound the neighborhood’s difficulties,with 4,917 violent crimes and 5,563 property crimes per 100,000 people. These issues highlight the need for support and revitalization efforts in Pinecrest to improve living conditions for its residents.
4. Smallwood. In Smallwood, a vibrant neighborhood in Charlotte with 1,495 residents community spirit thrives amidst economic challenges. With landmarks like Martin Luther King Jr. Park and the historic Savona Mill undergoing revitalization residents find pride in their surroundings. However, the neighborhood grapples with a tough economic landscape marked by an 8.8% unemployment rate and a median income of $36,891 ranking it as the 22nd worst in the city. The predominantly residential area also faces a shortage of amenities highlighting the need for further development efforts. Despite these obstacles Smallwood’s strong sense of community underscores its resilience and potential for growth with the right support.
5. JT Williams. In JT Williams, a neighborhood in Charlotte with 389 residents safety concerns persist alongside economic challenges. Despite relatively lower crime rates compared to other areas with 1,299 violent crimes and 5,032 property crimes per 100,000 people residents face difficulties with housing affordability and income levels. With a median home value of $88,100 ranking it as the 5th worst and a median income of $35,625 placing it as the 19th worst in the city financial stability remains elusive for many. These statistics shed light on the ongoing struggles of JT Williams residents emphasizing the need for support and resources to improve living conditions and opportunities in the neighborhood.
6. Jackson Homes. In Jackson Homes, a small community in Charlotte with 217 residents, residents face persistent safety concerns and economic hardships. While violent crime rates are relatively lower compared to other neighborhoods with 1,335 incidents per 100,000 people property crime remains a significant issue with 5,172 incidents per 100,000. The median home value of $92,600 ranking it as the 9th worst and a median income of $30,179 placing it as the 8th worst in the city highlight the financial challenges residents encounter. These statistics underscore the pressing need for support and interventions to address the underlying issues affecting the well-being of Jackson Homes’ residents.
7. Reid Park. In Reid Park, a neighborhood in Charlotte with a population of 1,714 safety concerns and economic struggles persist despite its green spaces and amenities like Reid Park and the Carolina Golf Club. While violent crime rates are relatively lower compared to other areas with 2,549 incidents per 100,000 people property crime remains a significant issue with 5,269 incidents per 100,000. The neighborhood’s median home value of $110,767 ranking it as the 19th worst and a median income of $35,703 placing it as the 20th worst in the city highlight the financial challenges residents face With a high unemployment rate of 9.2% residents continue to grapple with limited job opportunities and financial instability emphasizing the need for support and interventions to improve living conditions in Reid Park.
8. Todd Park. In Todd Park, a neighborhood in Charlotte with a population of 1,617 residents face persistent safety and economic challenges. While violent crime rates are relatively lower compared to other areas with 2,328 incidents per 100,000 people property crime remains a significant concern with 7,810 incidents per 100,000. The neighborhood’s median home value of $122,400 ranking it as the 28th worst and a median income of $29,432 placing it as the 6th worst in the city underscore the financial difficulties residents encounter. With limited job opportunities and a high proportion of low-income households Todd Park continues to struggle economically emphasizing the urgent need for support and resources to improve the well-being of its residents.
9. Druid Hills North. In Druid Hills North, a neighborhood in Charlotte with a population of 669 residents contend with safety and economic challenges. While the violent crime rate is relatively lower compared to other areas with 1,299 incidents per 100,000 people, property crime remains a significant concern with 5,032 incidents per 100,000. The neighborhood’s median home value of $92,600 ranking it as the 9th worst and a median income of $36,080 placing it as the 2nd worst in the city highlight the financial struggles faced by residents. With limited job opportunities and a high proportion of low-income households Druid Hills North continues to grapple with economic instability emphasizing the need for support and initiatives to enhance the community’s well-being.
10. Capitol Drive. In Capitol Drive, a neighborhood in Charlotte with a population of 573 residents face ongoing safety and economic challenges. While the violent crime rate is relatively lower compared to other areas with 1,335 incidents per 100,000 people property crime remains a significant concern with 5,172 incidents per 100,000. The neighborhood’s median home value of $92,600 ranking it as the 9th worst and a median income of $30,179 placing it as the 8th worst in the city highlight the financial hardships experienced by residents. With limited job opportunities and a high proportion of low-income households Capitol Drive continues to struggle economically underscoring the importance of implementing support measures to improve the community’s quality of life.

READ ALSO: Escaping Areas In Atlanta’s Hustle: The Top 10 Suburbs To Avoid In 2024