Irvington (Washington: apartment, renting, crime)

[waldenellis]

Hi, All,

I am relocating to Indy this summer and am looking for a great neighborhood. I'll be renting an apartment or small house. I have a friend in Irvington, and I admit that when I visited I fell completely in love with all that pre-war architecture, the sense of community, the big shade trees, and the bike-friendly proximity of all the important stuff (library, coffeehouses, farmers' market--what more do you need in life? )

But of course I've also heard that it's not very safe. I am a single 30-something woman and I need to feel that I can be out in my neighborhood by myself and be ok.

Can anyone give me any advice here? If Irvington isn't the safe neighborhood for me, any other suggestions on areas that might have some of the above qualities?

Thank you!

[Toxic Toast]

Irvington is on the east side; so naturally it gets ripped apart by people who have never been east of Sherman Drive. Irvington really is a great neighborhood. The community festivals there are great. The sense of community is tighter than anything I have seen in this city.

The area right by Ellenberger Park is pretty safe. You will definitely need to be proactive about crime prevention in Irvington; but this is the case in most urban neighborhoods. I have felt a little uneasy at times when visiting businesses along Washington Street after dark; but that is the extent of it. I have played tennis (and loitered on the courts after dark) at Ellenberger Park without any problems. Just stay vigilant and proactive about not making yourself an easy target, and you will help your odds tremendously. This won't make you immune, but it will help. You should also be advised that while Irvington itself is a nice neighborhood that people have fought to keep intact; there is a reason they have to fight to keep it that way. Some of the areas that border Irvington are pretty rough; and this does have a spill over effect in Irvington on occasion.

[sweetana3]

Generally the area of and around the designated historic area is probably fine but watch Washington Street. When you start going a little east, for example Emerson Heights, there are some personal crime issues. My hairdresser was mugged in front of her house, prostitutes walk the area, etc. She would like to move out since she does not feel safe any longer. The prices in this area generally reflect these concerns so beware the deal that is "too good to be true" and carefully check it out.

The police are usually able to talk to you about crime and locations. I used to attend the monthly Community Crime meetings with the police.