Murphysboro Apartment (Carbondale, Walnut, Williamson: apartments, rentals, high crime)

[CrazyHorsePete]

Hi all,

First off, I want to say thank you for all the responses I posted on a previous thread about the Carbondale area. I will be starting law school in a couple weeks at SIU - Carbondale, and have not made a final decision on a place to live. I am considering an apartment in Murphysboro as it appears to be a very good deal. The 10 mile commute will not be a problem as I am bringing a car. Can anyone tell me about the area near 8th and Mulberry in Murphysboro? I looked at Google Street View and it appears okay, but looks can be deceiving. My main concern is safety. I grew up in an urban environment and have street smarts, though it appears that Murphysboro has a somewhat high property crime rate. Is 8th and Mulberry considered a high crime area? Any help would be appreciated!

[tlw]

It's closer to 7 miles from Murphysboro to Carbondale, plus the main SIU campus is on the western side of Carbondale. It's easily doable, but still adds up in convenience, gas, and miles on your car over a months time and with extra round trips.

Mulberry is only 2 blocks off of Rt. 13 (Walnut Street), to get to Carbondale. Fairly modest area but probably isn't any worse than a lot of neighborhoods. Beware of the speed traps on Rt. 13 though as they are pretty common and quite a cash cow. Another option is Old Rt. 13 to get to Carbondale, which actually brings you into town a few blocks closer to SIU.

I personally would opt for living in Carbondale simply for convenience, walking, biking places. Being able to dash home between classes. There is a glut of rental housing in Carbondale with the drop in enrollment since the early 90's and with overbuilding of apartments. Many rentals sitting empty now.

[CrazyHorsePete]

Thanks for the reply and warning about the speed traps! After a visit, neither the apartment nor the neighborhood seemed particularly appealing. I decided on a place in Carbondale.

[Swampmonster]

Yes..WATCH your speed ANYWHERE along 13 and especially if you cross over into Williamson county...they are 3 times worse than Jackson county ever thought about being on gouging you for speeding ticket money.