In the last few years, Charlotte's crime rate has dropped, but it remains above national averages. Visitors shouldn't be alarmed, but they should be attentive and always lock car doors. The number of people living in Uptown, the business center, has grown considerably in the past few years. It's common to find many people strolling the streets there during the evening and on the weekend. Destinations of interest to most tourists are well-policed and generally safe. However, visitors should still take normal precautions.
Dos & Don'ts
Do refer to Charlotte's downtown as Uptown, as Charlotteans do. You'll be less likely to be identified as a visitor.
Do ask people you meet where they are from. It can be a friendly ice-breaker in this city where practically everyone is originally from elsewhere.
Do specify "unsweetened tea" if that's what you want. As elsewhere in the South, iced tea often arrives loaded with sugar.
