Is Falls safe?
Wake Forest, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Falls as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Falls
“Go. Falls and the surrounding Wake Forest community is an exceptionally safe, scenic, and peaceful area ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Low crime rates and quiet residential streets make it very comfortable to visit at any time of day.”
About the area
Falls is a historic, semi-rural community nestled along the Neuse River and the Falls Lake Dam on the edge of Wake Forest and North Raleigh. It is characterized by lush woodland, historic mill village roots, and immediate access to extensive regional greenways.
- Scenic & Wooded
- Historic Village
- Quiet & Suburban
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Falls
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no municipal bike-share stations, but the area connects directly to the paved Neuse River Greenway Trail, offering premier long-distance recreational cycling.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent and property crime rates are among the lowest in the Raleigh-Wake Forest metropolitan area.
- High household median incomes and strong rates of homeownership maintain well-kept properties.
- Direct trailhead access to the 30-plus mile Neuse River Greenway and Falls Lake recreation.
- Tranquil natural environment with minimal commercial congestion.
Cons
- Extremely car-dependent layout with minimal retail or dining within walking distance.
- Narrow, winding secondary roads with poor lighting and limited pedestrian sidewalks.
- No direct access to fixed-route public transit options.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in the Falls area, and there are no encampments or panhandling around the trailheads or neighborhoods.
What Falls is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Crisp and serene, with early-morning runners, anglers, and dog walkers populating trailheads in complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-friendly, with light outdoor recreational traffic along the river and very safe residential streets.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and peaceful as outdoor activity winds down and the area transitions into quiet neighborhood life.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and deserted with virtually no crime, though drivers should watch for deer and unlit rural road turns.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit service is not available directly in the Falls area; GoWake and GoRaleigh operate limited commuter services several miles away in central Wake Forest and North Raleigh.
Parking is free and widely available at park access lots, trailheads, and local businesses, with no metered spaces or parking decks.
Things to do in Falls
- Hike, run, or cycle starting at the Falls Lake Dam trailhead along the paved Neuse River Greenway.
- Fish or launch a canoe and kayak at the Falls of the Neuse canoe launch site.
- Take a self-guided stroll around the historic Falls of Neuse village district to see original mill houses.
Local favorites
- Over the Falls · American Restaurant · 4.6★ (1850)Beloved local gathering spot serving specialty sandwiches, pizzas, and craft beer in a relaxed setting.
- Norse Brewing Company · Brewery & Restaurant · 4.6★ (1100)Viking-themed craft brewery offering Scandinavian-inspired pub fare and outdoor seating.
- Shorty's Famous Hot Dogs · Hot Dog Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)Historic, century-old counter-serve joint famous for traditional North Carolina red hots and chili.
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.