How dangerous is Indianapolis (Marion, Portland: crime, house, safe area)

[kattygirl27]

The only city I have ever lived in is Portland, Oregon. Portland while having a few problems doesn't have any neighborhoods you cant go into or really even walk around. Now my aunt who lives in Milwaukee, WI talks all the time about how she won't even drive in certain areas of the city because they are dangerous. So for those moving to Indianapolis are there any parts of the city you shouldnt go walking around in at night? Also I keep hearing "it's a bad neighborhood" does that mean meth addicts everywhere bad or going to be shot while trying to get into your house bad? I have grown up small town all my life and when I looked up the stats on crime it is triple what Portland was and that has me a little worried. Any information would be great. Thank you.

[benjaminooo]

Indy is not really a dangerous place.. There are some potentially dangerous places to stay away from, but there are also some wonderful safe places as well. I suggest visiting if you can driving around during the day and night, if it looks and feels safe.. it usually is. There is no definitive side of town that is awful..

There are a lot of people that think that the entirety of Marion county, especially inside 465 is dangerous and full of crime, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

[sweetana3]

Lived here 30 years. Yes, there are some places I would not go at night. But I have felt much more in physical personal danger in downtown San Francisco.

There are a few neighborhoods that are struggling with crime but these are generally well known. There are far more that are full of ordinary people trying to live ordinary quiet lives.

Even the neighborhood that used to be called "Dodge City" a decade ago is cleaned up and "gentrified".

[1914BU]

I wouldn't pay much attention to those crime stats that you mention. Those can be really deceiving because each metro area is so different. Indianapolis is a rather safe area on the whole - I would say it is as safe as Portland. There are a lot of areas that I would avoid walking around in at night - but then I'm a little paranoid about that.

Inside I-465 the best areas are northeast and north central (of course I'm talking in general terms, there are nice safe areas scattered throughout).

if there is a particular area you are looking at, I'm sure we could help you a lot better

[Teach07]

Indianapolis is no Milwaukee thats for sure. Overall the comments above are true, this city is generally safe. The crime stats are usually in concentrated pocket areas and they are usually related to spats, drugs ....not too much of it just random crime, give or take a few instances. If you were on the outside looking in at these stats, you'd be terrified, but living here I do not feel harmed. While there are places that are much safer, I think Indy is trying to handle their crime problems and I have seen crime rise and drop here in 10 year spurts.
I will be moving in 2 weeks however to a place that is much safer...and that wasnt a factor, because I do think Indy is safe. Just wanted to be by the beach!

[Fishtacos]

Originally Posted by Teach07

Indianapolis is no Milwaukee thats for sure. Overall the comments above are true, this city is generally safe. The crime stats are usually in concentrated pocket areas and they are usually related to spats, drugs ....not too much of it just random crime, give or take a few instances. If you were on the outside looking in at these stats, you'd be terrified, but living here I do not feel harmed. While there are places that are much safer, I think Indy is trying to handle their crime problems and I have seen crime rise and drop here in 10 year spurts.
I will be moving in 2 weeks however to a place that is much safer...and that wasnt a factor, because I do think Indy is safe. Just wanted to be by the beach!

Actually Milwaukee is no different. Most of Milwaukee is safe. It is same few pocket areas where all crimes are committed, far away from downtown, away from popular lower East Side and away from Warehouse Third Ward area....The bad areas are where no one goes anyway except those hwo live in them. Walking around downtown Milwaukee at night is very safe. If it wasn't I'd definitely say so.

[Mdevera2]

Originally Posted by Teach07

Indianapolis is no Milwaukee thats for sure. Overall the comments above are true, this city is generally safe. The crime stats are usually in concentrated pocket areas and they are usually related to spats, drugs ....not too much of it just random crime, give or take a few instances. If you were on the outside looking in at these stats, you'd be terrified, but living here I do not feel harmed. While there are places that are much safer, I think Indy is trying to handle their crime problems and I have seen crime rise and drop here in 10 year spurts.
I will be moving in 2 weeks however to a place that is much safer...and that wasnt a factor, because I do think Indy is safe. Just wanted to be by the beach!

Where is the beach in Indiana? Is it the Indiana Dunes?

[Teach07]

I am moving to North Carolina. Not sure about "beaches" in Indiana. I would think the dunes and the related area is the closest thing.

[domergurl]

Indiana Beach in Monticello

[Southside Shrek]

Domergurl
did you say *Indiana Beach*? what a joke.