Is Six Forks safe?
Raleigh, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Six Forks as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Six Forks
“Go. Six Forks is a very safe, affluent suburban corridor in North Raleigh characterized by quiet residential neighborhoods and modern mixed-use developments. Violent crime is extremely low, making it welcoming for all travelers, though standard precautions against opportunistic property theft in shopping lots still apply.”
Local law enforcement periodically conducts awareness campaigns targeting opportunistic vehicle break-ins in commercial parking decks along the corridor.
About the area
Stretching across North Raleigh, Six Forks centers on major commercial amenities like the North Hills district alongside well-established, wooded neighborhoods. Visitors appreciate its safe streets, premier dining, and quick connection to parks and greenways.
- Affluent Suburban
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
- Commercial Hub
Walking and biking in Six Forks
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Biking directly on Six Forks Road is not recommended due to high vehicle speeds, but cyclists can connect to the Capital Area Greenway System via the Mine Creek Trail nearby.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than state and national medians
- High median household incomes and strong civic investment maintain clean, well-lit spaces
- Proximity to premier shopping, healthcare facilities, and Capital Area Greenway trailheads
Cons
- Car-dominated arterial roads with heavy commuter traffic at peak hours
- Occasional vehicle break-ins and retail larceny in commercial shopping plazas
- Poor pedestrian infrastructure outside master-planned commercial centers
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low throughout the area, with only occasional panhandling observed near major arterial intersections and freeway off-ramps.
What Six Forks is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and busy with commuters, early shoppers, and joggers along neighborhood cut-throughs in a very secure environment.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Thoroughfares and plazas see bustling retail and business traffic with strong daytime vitality and zero safety concerns.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Dining and entertainment spots in North Hills remain vibrant, well-patrolled, and safe for strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdivisions are exceptionally quiet and dark, while commercial lots empty out, remaining peaceful with very little foot traffic.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by GoRaleigh via Route 8 (Six Forks) connecting the corridor to downtown Raleigh, though headways can be long and there is no passenger rail service nearby.
Parking is abundant and almost entirely free across ample surface lots and multi-level garages in the commercial centers.
Things to do in Six Forks
- Browse the boutiques, department stores, and open-air plazas in North Hills
- Walk, jog, or cycle the nearby paved loop and nature paths around Shelley Lake Park
- Catch a movie or attend seasonal outdoor concerts and farmers markets at Midtown Park
Local favorites
- The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar · Fusion Restaurant · 4.6★ (5300)Lively, popular eatery celebrated for inventive custom burgers, creative sushi rolls, and craft cocktails.
- Coquette Brasserie · French Restaurant · 4.5★ (1450)Upscale French bistro serving classic steak frites, mussels, and wine in a polished North Hills setting.
- Jubala Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (1150)Specialty coffee hub renowned for artisanal pour-overs, espresso drinks, and fresh-baked sweet biscuits.
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.