I'm a little concerned about these drug problems--or is it media hype? (Fort Wayne: home)

[GypsySoul22]

We're kicking around the idea of Louisville or rather living outside the city either on the Kentucky side or the Indiana side.
I keep reading about Indiana (particularly Corydon) and meth problems in Harrison county. I live outside Metro NY and know that drugs are EVERYWHERE but meth is not a big thing in my town yet. It seems to be, however, in all these nice country/rural places I am considering.
The thing is, I like the look of Indiana/Louisville. I think there would be a good chance to own a small home (impossible now where I live without 2 fabulous salaries).
But we have a school aged child and I am worried about these stories I keep reading.
Do you guys think it's media hype? I mean, you can seek drugs out anywhere or just totally never come in contact with them by avoiding people who use (unless they rob you for $$)...
What's the local perspective? Thanks for any replies.

[domergurl]

Media hype? I don't think so. Chances are you'll never know it's around though. It's in a lot of rural areas because one of the components used to cook the meth is liquid amonia, which is found on farms in tanks. I think with the restrictions on purchasing pseudo-ephedrine from pharmacies, it's not as bad as before the restrictions. I also think that law enforcement is much more aware of what to look for.

I don't know, check out the towns, go with your gut instinct.

[mbuszu]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

We're kicking around the idea of Louisville or rather living outside the city either on the Kentucky side or the Indiana side.
I keep reading about Indiana (particularly Corydon) and meth problems in Harrison county. I live outside Metro NY and know that drugs are EVERYWHERE but meth is not a big thing in my town yet. It seems to be, however, in all these nice country/rural places I am considering.
The thing is, I like the look of Indiana/Louisville. I think there would be a good chance to own a small home (impossible now where I live without 2 fabulous salaries).
But we have a school aged child and I am worried about these stories I keep reading.
Do you guys think it's media hype? I mean, you can seek drugs out anywhere or just totally never come in contact with them by avoiding people who use (unless they rob you for $$)...
What's the local perspective? Thanks for any replies.

Meth is growing in popularity all around the country at a rate previously seen by crack. It's bad, really bad news. I haven't seen any evidence of it in or around the Fort Wayne area other than in the downtown areas I've seen people that kind of fit the profile/look of addicts. The US Govt just started an antidrug campaign which uses fear much more so than previous ads and they appear to be working in the major meth areas such as Billings Montana.

As long as you have taken responsibility to educate your child about drugs, as you should also about sex and alcohol, I'd say the risk is no more than anywhere else in the country right now. If you like the area, then pursue moving there. The meth problem and horror stories are real, but it isn't unlike any of the things which we faced when we were younger. Just an opinion. - go with your instincts as a parent.

[GypsySoul22]

Thanks for the replies. I like to get the local perspective on things. Sometimes you can get only so far with statistics and Chamber of Commerce websites.