Is Banks safe?
Raleigh, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Banks as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Banks
“Go. Banks is a peaceful, low-density residential corridor on the southern outskirts of Raleigh offering a very safe and secure environment for visitors. Violent crime is rare, though having a vehicle is essential due to the lack of walkable amenities.”
About the area
Situated along the southern fringe of Wake County near Garner, Banks consists largely of quiet single-family subdivisions, open tracts of land, and light suburban commercial pockets. It functions primarily as a calm residential and commuter area removed from urban bustle.
- Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet / Residential
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Banks
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There are no local bike-share stations, and cycling along main corridors is unadvisable due to narrow shoulders, though Garner's greenway connections are accessible a short drive away.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent and property crime rates compared to the Raleigh municipal average
- High rates of homeownership and solid household incomes fostering neighborhood stability
- Peaceful, low-density residential streets with minimal through-traffic disturbances
Cons
- Severely car-dependent with almost no commercial destinations accessible on foot
- Limited street lighting and lack of sidewalks along two-lane connecting roads
- Distance from central Raleigh amenities and emergency services relative to inner-ring neighborhoods
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in this suburban area, with no established encampments or panhandling.
What Banks is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very calm and safe, characterized by morning commuter departures and school bus activity in subdivisions.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and secure with negligible pedestrian traffic along main thoroughfares.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Peaceful residential atmosphere with families returning home and safe conditions across neighborhood streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low-activity, presenting minimal crime risk but requiring careful driving on unlit secondary roads.
Transit, parking and getting around
GoRaleigh does not operate fixed-route bus lines directly through the Banks area, meaning personal vehicles or rideshares are required for all travel.
Parking is abundant and entirely free, with ample space in residential driveways, subdivision curbsides, and commercial strip center lots.
Things to do in Banks
- Enjoy lakeside trails, picnicking, and water views at nearby Lake Benson Park
- Browse local produce and seasonal treats at family farms in southern Wake County
- Explore the historic shops and community events in adjacent downtown Garner
Local favorites
- Angie's Restaurant · Southern Diner · 4.6★ (2150)Long-running community staple known for hearty Southern breakfasts, country platters, and friendly service.
- Full Bloom Coffee Roasters · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (690)Artisanal coffee roastery and cafe serving specialty espresso drinks, baked goods, and light brunch.
- Carolina Brewing Company · Brewery · 4.6★ (330)Pioneering regional microbrewery offering fresh pints, outdoor seating, and rotating local food trucks.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.