Is Southport a good place to live while attending college? (Indianapolis: apartment complexes, rentals)

[YourEmbers]

Im from northwest Indiana near the lakeshore, and I know nothing about Indy, yet want to move there to attend school. Not so sure if that is such a good idea though. Im currently searching the Southport and surrounding areas for apartments/condos etc in the 500-600 price range. I know there are quite a few ghettos in Indy, and I want to make sure that I stay away from them. Can someone please tell me anything about these areas, including the area in which the University of Indianapolis is located? Thank you very much!

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by YourEmbers

Im from northwest Indiana near the lakeshore, and I know nothing about Indy, yet want to move there to attend school. Not so sure if that is such a good idea though. Im currently searching the Southport and surrounding areas for apartments/condos etc in the 500-600 price range. I know there are quite a few ghettos in Indy, and I want to make sure that I stay away from them. Can someone please tell me anything about these areas, including the area in which the University of Indianapolis is located? Thank you very much!

In that price range, I can only say that it would depend on the apartment complex. Overall, though, the Southport-Homecroft area is safe and nice. The area around UIndy is a bit older, and north of the campus your have are low-to-moderate income area, but not one that most would consider unsafe. Certainly not the worst area of the city.

Have you considered living on campus? I know UIndy has constructed many new dorms in the last decade. Good luck.

[dave.dawsn]

Originally Posted by YourEmbers

Im from northwest Indiana near the lakeshore, and I know nothing about Indy, yet want to move there to attend school. Not so sure if that is such a good idea though. Im currently searching the Southport and surrounding areas for apartments/condos etc in the 500-600 price range. I know there are quite a few ghettos in Indy, and I want to make sure that I stay away from them. Can someone please tell me anything about these areas, including the area in which the University of Indianapolis is located? Thank you very much!

Live downtown. You're only 10 minutes away from school that way, and you'll have ten times as much fun. I don't know what you'll find for $600/month, but I would encourage you to make a day trip and just walk around and check stuff out. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Also, I would check out craigslist. There are far better deals there than at any of the commercial complexes, and you'll be in a house/condo rather than an apartment.

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by dave.dawsn

Also, I would check out craigslist. There are far better deals there than at any of the commercial complexes, and you'll be in a house/condo rather than an apartment.

Not necessarily, a lot of apartment complexes advertise on Craigslist as well.

[dave.dawsn]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

Not necessarily, a lot of apartment complexes advertise on Craigslist as well.

True. I should have been more specific; OP, I suggest looking for private homes/condos for rent on Craigslist. In my experience they are a better deal than commercial complexes because they don't load you up with fees. As long as you meet the person you're renting from ahead of time and take care of the place, pay on time, etc., most individuals are much easier to deal with than a commercial complex.

[maybemover96b]

I was in the same situation moving from another state and settled in Greenwood.
I was looking for the Southside of Indy to start because, in general, you get more apt for your money. I'm in a $529 one bedroom (plus utilities - about $150 for cable, hi speed internet, electric and water).

I was told to be aware that gas heat can be expensive.
Now Greenwood for the most part is suburban feel. Seems safe. If you use rent.com or another online apartment search, it will come up with a few places. I choose not to live at Polo Run and Winchester after I visited them.

U of Indy is about a 20-30 min drive from Greenwood.

Be aware that if you are young, there is not much down here to do (of course I have no idea what you like). I'm just saying the impression that I've gotten about Greenwood so is it is a nice safe bedroom community with a lot of families. I like it, the people are friendly and curteous and have been very helpful.

I have also been around Southport and I agree with others that it seems like a nice area. Fairly safe and you are closer to U of I and also to Indy downtown and Mass. Ave where there is a lot to do.

I would strongly urge you to contact every source at U of Indy to access information and possible rentals.

It is difficult finding non corporate owned apartment listings. Unfortunately Craigslist is inundated with the apt complex ads, but if you are patient there are privately owned apts listed.

Good luck.