How safe is Champaign (Peoria, Urbana: apartment, renting, violent crime)

[Momof2_0406]

We have recently started going to Champaign for shopping. We have prevosuly went to Lafayette IN for anything we could not get in Danville IL. We have only been to Champaign a few times. We are not yet familiar with it. I am just wondering how safe is the area around the mall, resturants and other stores right off 74.

[S_the_OWL]

Completely safe. Most of the town shops there. Do lock your car though, there is some property crime in town, particularly ghetto kids coming onto campus to rip off college kids bikes and stuff. The bad area is south of I-74 down to around University Avenue, with Bradley at the railroad crossing being the epicenter.

[linicx]

Champaign is jus as as safe as another college town its size in America.

If yuu wamt tp drive a little farther for a different experiece B-N and Peoria both have 2 malls.

[petsitter1]

Do you live in Danville?

I personally feel that Lafayette is a better place to shop than Champaign, but your definitely closer to Champaign.

I wouldn't worry about not being safe while shopping, you'll be fine.

[CPT Puffy]

The Market Place Mall (Neil St.) and North Prospect St. areas are very safe places to shop. I can't remember the last time the local newspaper or one of the local TV or radio stations reported a shopper in either location being subject to crime aside from items stolen from an unlocked vehicle. If you live near Danville, I think you'll find coming to C-U must less time consuming than traveling to Lafayette-West Lafayette. Champaign-Urbana is a much more populous community and supports what I perceive to be proportionally more retail establishments than L-WL. However, if you live in Hoopeston or more than 20 minutes East of Danville, I would probably continue to shop in L-WL on a regular basis. While C-U offers more retail options, the difference between C-U and L-WL does not merit sacrificing convenience by adding travel time. L-WL is a great place to shop and like C-U, has plenty of great restaurants.

[pianist1972]

Originally Posted by CPT Puffy

The Market Place Mall (Neil St.) and North Prospect St. areas are very safe places to shop. I can't remember the last time the local newspaper or one of the local TV or radio stations reported a shopper in either location being subject to crime aside from items stolen from an unlocked vehicle. If you live near Danville, I think you'll find coming to C-U must less time consuming than traveling to Lafayette-West Lafayette. Champaign-Urbana is a much more populous community and supports what I perceive to be proportionally more retail establishments than L-WL. However, if you live in Hoopeston or more than 20 minutes East of Danville, I would probably continue to shop in L-WL on a regular basis. While C-U offers more retail options, the difference between C-U and L-WL does not merit sacrificing convenience by adding travel time. L-WL is a great place to shop and like C-U, has plenty of great restaurants.

Lived in Champaign for 20 years, now in St. Louis area. Champaign has occasional violent crime, but is on the whole very safe, even in the rougher areas, which are few. Urbana has a larger area of more rundown areas, especially east of downtown and south of 150, and west of Vine or so. Of course, no comparison to Danville - worked there pt and saddened by what I saw.

[ucrox]

been here for one year. felt safe. you will be easily able to identify wrong neighborhoods. if you are just sticking to shopping areas, you are pretty ok. Nothing to worry.

[slp2b]

Can anyone advise me on the safety of the 200 block of W. Vine St? I checked a crime map already, but input from people who've actually been there would be appreciated. I'm thinking of renting an apartment there and would like to be able to take my dog for walks in the morning and evenings.

[Nimbus09]

Originally Posted by S_the_OWL

Completely safe. Most of the town shops there. Do lock your car though, there is some property crime in town, particularly ghetto kids coming onto campus to rip off college kids bikes and stuff. The bad area is south of I-74 down to around University Avenue, with Bradley at the railroad crossing being the epicenter.

this is spot on.

though, i DO remember one day on the news seeing a drive by purse snatching at the meijer in champaign. it was one of the funniest and saddest things i've ever seen. but yeah, it really is safe. that particular incident was really late at night too.

[CPT Puffy]

Originally Posted by slp2b

Can anyone advise me on the safety of the 200 block of W. Vine St? I checked a crime map already, but input from people who've actually been there would be appreciated. I'm thinking of renting an apartment there and would like to be able to take my dog for walks in the morning and evenings.

The 200 Block of W. Vine St. is on the eastern periphery of an area of Champaign that historically has had its share of problems. The Champaign Police Dept. has done a good job of reducing crimes against persons and property crimes in this area to low levels. The most notable criminal activity that takes place in this area is prostitution. This area is much safer than areas just a few blocks further West or North. Even so, you'll always want to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The location is conveniently close to downtown Champaign.