Is Downtown Houston safe? (Austin, Post: apartment, lofts, low crime)

[MFHarlow]

Moving into the Post Rice Lofts at the end of January. I have few questions for the Houston Forum members. My friends and family tell me downtown is very dangerous. Is this true? Is it safe to walk to Minute Maid Park or the Theater district from the Rice lofts? How reliable is the light rail?
Thank you, Mike

[modster]

At one point in the recent past downtown supposedly had a very low crime rate. Not sure what it is now. I don't think it is that dangerous though.

[jfre81]

Can you deal with a homeless person trying to bum money from you every now and then? If so, you'll be fine.

The light rail is as reliable as public transportation gets in this sprawl.

[Grunn]

Safe enough if you keep your wits about you and carry. I walk there all the time and never feel threatened by anything.

[MFHarlow]

Thank you modster, jfre81 and Grunn for your timely and thoughtful replies.
Having lived in Las Vegas and Austin I can deal with a homeless person trying to bum money from me. If there is drug dealing that’s a different story. What is it like at night in this area? I’m really looking forward to walking to a baseball or basketball game from my apartment. Is this realistic. And Grunn when you say “carry” your referring to a canceled weapon, right? Is it true you can carry on Public transportation?

[chad.roper]

normally because its full of cops. Also if people try to get money from you if you act aggressive at them they leave you alone.

[SteveArmy]

just don't surprise the car burglars, they could get provoked and get you in a situation. car theft is high in this area

[Mr. Krinkle]

I lived about 2 blocks from the Rice Lofts within the past five years until I recently moved to the Heights - I kind of miss downtown. I felt safer in downtown than I do in many other places in Houston. Like others have said, a few homless people asking for money but they aren't dangerous. Downtown has one of the lowest crime rates in the city.

I think you will like it. It's like it's own little neighborhood once you start meeting people. Have fun walking to the ballgames and concerts. Become a regular at a few of the bars and you will make friends.

The light rail is great if want to go where it goes. I also miss taking the rail to the Texans games and not having to worry about drinking and driving after tailgating.

[AcresHomes44]

Central Houston has triple the police force of other sides of Houston. 10-15 years ago, Downtown Houston resembled a ghost town and had minor crime issues such as drug dealing and murders on occassion but now it's like Mayberry. Nobody's stupid enough to do crime in Downtown because they will be caught with the quickness. Yes, downtown is very safe. I go there every day and stroll through at night, sometimes past midnight and nothing happens to me.

[texas7]

Originally Posted by chad.roper

normally because its full of cops. Also if people try to get money from you if you act aggressive at them they leave you alone.

they'll leave you alone if you act normal -- acting aggressive is never a good thing. Ignore Chad ..... he likes to incite things.