Relocation questions (Indianapolis: apartments, rental, lofts)

[SnoopyVSRedBaron]

Hi there, I'm relocating to Indy from Chicago and was hoping to get some feedback from the locals on a few things.

1. Neighborhood. I'm considering two main rental options, one in Fountain Square and one near Mass Ave. From what I've read, these seem to be safe areas. If you have any tips/precautions, please let me know!

2. There's a few options (train, buses) for commuting to Chicago's Union Station. Does anyone have a preference/experience with any of the services?

3. A few years back, I heard that downtown Indy had a bad reputation for crime. I'm not sure where I heard that, but when I visited recently, the downtown area seemed really clean compared to some of the other metropolitan cities I've visited/lived in. The streets did seem a little empty compared to what I'm used to though so I'm wondering if urbanites here feel comfortable/find it convenient walking around the city for errands and such (i.e. groceries, jogging, dining). Or do you guys tend to bike or bus? Would it be worth it bring my bike?

4. Parking downtown. Is it generally metered, free on certain days/after certain hour?

Thanks for your time and help!

[sweetana3]

Parking is generally free after 6pm and on Sat/Sun. Cheap parking in the Circle Center underground lots.

30 years ago I took the bus every day from 52nd to downtown. Now i never get on it. Time is too valuable. It simply takes too long. A young friend bikes and our younger neighbor used to bike commute. You need to make sure you have secure storage at both locations as bikes are a popular target for theives. I live 1 mile north of downtown and walk. Winter storms are a b**ch for either walking or much of anything else. Only one or two businesses from my home to downtown shovel their sidewalks and for those days with a lot of snow coming down, it can be treacherous. Doable but not enjoyable and exhausting but doable.

If the cost is the same, pick the area somewhere inside 65/70. We have a great grocery and hardware store right downtown that would be walkable. There is another one on 16th. I am not aware of a good walkable grocery in Fountain Square but i dont go there much.

It is really quiet when everyone goes home for the night. Weekends can vary from quiet to very busy if a convention is in town. It is not Chicago. I feel crime is less than in parts of Chicago and I feel safer in Indy. A big plus here are the opportunities to get to know the police department and officers.

Let me know if there are other things you would like to know.

[dave.dawsn]

Originally Posted by SnoopyVSRedBaron

Hi there, I'm relocating to Indy from Chicago and was hoping to get some feedback from the locals on a few things.

1. Neighborhood. I'm considering two main rental options, one in Fountain Square and one near Mass Ave. From what I've read, these seem to be safe areas. If you have any tips/precautions, please let me know!

Depends on price range. If you're planning to spend Chicago money, you're in for a treat: you can rent a palatial loft or condo downtown for between $1000 and $1500/month. Start here:

Live Backgrounder

I would also check out Craigslist, but use your common sense when dealing with people to avoid being scammed. I rented an awesome condo via Craigslist from a really nice guy, so its definitely possible to find a deal.

Finally, you might consider coming here for a day or two during the week and walking around downtown. There are several buildings with storefronts on the first floor and lofts or apartments above. They usually have signs, so you might consider just going inside and inquiring. Those tend to be a little more expensive, but not compared to Chicago downtown standards.

Originally Posted by SnoopyVSRedBaron

2. There's a few options (train, buses) for commuting to Chicago's Union Station. Does anyone have a preference/experience with any of the services?

The Mega Bus is a good option. Amtrak takes forever because the trains stop in every little town with a platform between the cities. It's also surprisingly affordable to fly, so you might consider that.

Originally Posted by SnoopyVSRedBaron

3. A few years back, I heard that downtown Indy had a bad reputation for crime. I'm not sure where I heard that, but when I visited recently, the downtown area seemed really clean compared to some of the other metropolitan cities I've visited/lived in. The streets did seem a little empty compared to what I'm used to though so I'm wondering if urbanites here feel comfortable/find it convenient walking around the city for errands and such (i.e. groceries, jogging, dining). Or do you guys tend to bike or bus? Would it be worth it bring my bike?

Downtown Indy is one of the safest CBDs in America. It is clean and well lit, which is beneficial because you don't spend a lot of time wandering dark, empty blocks to get from place to place.

Back in the 80s, the sidewalks were rolled up in downtown Indy at 5:00, and only criminals and bums hung around there. Since then, the city has made a concerted effort to change that, and has pulled it off beautifully. I'm sure coming from Chicago, you know to take common sense precautions as you would in any urban area, but violent crime isn't a problem downtown.

Originally Posted by SnoopyVSRedBaron

4. Parking downtown. Is it generally metered, free on certain days/after certain hour?

Parking on the streets is metered during the day on weekdays and free from Friday evening until Monday morning. There is an abundance of pay lots all over downtown as well; each highrise has an accompanying parking structure, underground garage, or lot of some kind, and the Circle Centre Mall has several very cheap (think under $5 for up to 3 hours) garages. Expect parking to go up when there is an event downtown, though.

Originally Posted by SnoopyVSRedBaron

Thanks for your time and help!

No problem, welcome to Indianapolis.

[SnoopyVSRedBaron]

Thanks you guys! That was really helpful in a lot of ways. Also, thanks for the reassurance. I can't wait to get to know this city!

[domergurl]

Yea, I wouldn't take Amtrak ever again from Indy to Union Station ... mega bus is the way to go. I remember I also had excellent luck flying southwest to Midway on the cheap.