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Asheville Celebrates Crime Drop While Raleigh Faces Challenges

Scenic view of Asheville, North Carolina

News Summary

Asheville, known for its artistic culture, boasts a 33% drop in violent crime rates, enhancing its appeal as a desirable city. In contrast, Raleigh struggles with rising crime rates, including a 6.3% increase in violent crime and a 31% jump in property crime. This contrasting crime landscape highlights the differing living conditions and challenges faced by residents in these North Carolina cities.

Asheville Celebrates Crime Drop While Raleigh Grapples with Rising Rates

Asheville, the gorgeous mountain city known for its artsy vibe and rich culture, just received a significant boost in its reputation as one of the most desirable cities in the U.S. A recent report from MoveBuddha, a moving and storage company based in Georgia, ranks Asheville as the fourth most popular destination for movers in 2025! This is great news for the city that has seen a dramatic 33% drop in violent crime rates from 2020 to 2024.

On the flip side, Raleigh isn’t having the same luck. While it has enjoyed its rank in the spotlight—as recent as sixth place in the Best Places to Retire list—it has also seen a surprising uptick in crime. The same report highlights a 6.3% increase in violent crime and a whopping 31% rise in property crime during the same period from 2020 to 2024. It seems that what was once hailed as one of North Carolina’s safest cities is facing some challenges.

The Crime Landscape Shift

MoveBuddha did some digging, analyzing cities with over 50 search inquiries and combining that data with the latest crime statistics from the Real-Time Crime Index. The result is a comprehensive score reflecting how various cities measure up when it comes to crime reduction. In 2024, Raleigh did manage to report a 7.7% decrease in violent crime incidents from the previous year, but the overall increase in crime remains a pressing issue for its residents.

Local Incidents and Community Response

In a rather troubling development, a deadly shooting incident captured attention in Raleigh earlier this year, which left a police officer critically injured and a suspect dead after a gunfire exchange. As multiple officers were involved, they have been placed on administrative leave per standard procedures, while investigations continue.

Asheville, on the other hand, maintains its relatively peaceful status despite occasional incidents. Recently, local police made some significant arrests concerning drug trafficking, including fentanyl—a substance that has become a significant concern in various regions. Two arrests were made during a traffic stop, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes even in areas experiencing overall declines in violence.

Living in Asheville vs. Raleigh

It’s not just crime rates that are playing a role in how folks view these towns. Living conditions also heavily influence decisions for movers. The rising cost of living in Raleigh is becoming a deterrent; estimates say residents need an average salary of about $102,752 to live comfortably, while most residents are earning around $47,003 for single women and $50,955 for single men. Home prices in Raleigh are also climbing higher with a median home valuation of about $474,750, over $100,000 more than the regional median. These numbers paint a picture that is causing potential movers to consider alternatives.

Asheville’s Growing Recognition

With accolades stacked high, Asheville is not only basking in its improved crime stats but continues to shine brightly in terms of its overall appeal. Recently, it landed the 15th position in Travel & Leisure’s list of favorite U.S. cities for 2023 and was also featured as a top-budget-friendly destination. The city’s unique charm—often described as fun and a bit funky—resonates with many people considering a change of scenery.

At the end of the day, it seems both cities are charting their paths based on contrasting crime rates and living experiences. Asheville, with its appealing lifestyle and reduced crime numbers, is rising in popularity. Meanwhile, Raleigh is confronting rising crime and living expenses, making it an intriguing time for movers, residents, and city leaders alike as they navigate this evolving landscape in North Carolina.