Triangle towns earn spots on national safest places list
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- Four North Carolina cities, including two in the Triangle, have been named among the nation's safest midsize communities in a new SmartAsset analysis released Tuesday.
The study evaluated more than 300 U.S. cities with populations between 65,000 and 250,000, using metrics such as violent crime, property crime, traffic fatalities, and natural disaster risk.
Chapel Hill and Cary both ranked in the Top 75.
"I've always felt very comfortable. It's a great place," said Chapel Hill native Danielle Vidic.
Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew said the town's strong community relationships play a key role in public safety. Lehew, the first woman to lead the department, said those connections help officers address issues before they escalate.
"Policing is in the business of relationships, and you've got to have those relationships before a crisis hits," Lehew said. "I think that we do that really, really well. And we have great partnerships with our community, and just great, those great relationships mean so much."
Lehew said overall crime is down, though property crimes remain a challenge. Residents pointed to schools, parks, and local investment as reasons the town stands out.
"Having a great school system is a huge draw off ... and having the city that puts back into a community with sidewalks and renovated parks," Vidic said. "That just makes all the difference."
Cary ranked 73rd in the national list. Concord and Mooresville also earned recognition among the safest midsize cities. Broomfield, Colorado, ranked first, according to the study.
