Irvington for a young professional? Expectations for neighborhood? (Carmel, Washington: real estate, rent)

[chinab]

Hi all. I recently moved to Indy for a position from the NW (Seattle, WA). I have been moving around the country quite a bit over the last 5 yrs, and am planning to be here for a while now (at least 3 yrs). I dislike paying rent ($ wasted IMO), and am aggressively househunting. Currently I am residing in Carmel, but I appreciate the charm of the Irvington-area as it reminds me of past neighborhoods I have lived in. It doesn't appear sterile and cold, and has a down-to-earth feel.

HOWEVER, I have heard comments that the neighborhood is unsafe and property values are declining. I'm not sure it this banter holds much substance, but I have found a cozy home available for purchase in the area... and would REALLY appreciate honest non-biased opinion.

The area is a very quick commute to work, closer to my boyfriend, near the freeways, and downtown. I am looking for a home with character, in a historic community, that will retain resale value.

If Irvington isn't a recommended area, what are some in Indy?

[waldenellis]

I moved to Irvington this summer and love it.

I can't speak to property values, as I'm renting, but can talk about safety. My sense is that this is a wonderful neighborhood surrounded by some less-than-savory neighborhoods. I'm a woman, and won't walk by myself after dark here, but then, I'm an extremely cautious type and probably wouldn't do that anywhere in a city this size. With others after dark, and in the daytime by myself, I walk everywhere here and feel perfectly safe.

Washington Street is the most visible part of Irvington and, unfortunately, IMO it is also the least-attractive part, so do make sure you've seen the nice back streets on either side of Washington. (I assume you have if you've already found a house.)

This is a great neighborhood and I'm really glad I'm here. Check out this book for some of Irvington's interesting history:
Amazon.com: HISTORIC IRVINGTON (Images of America) (9780738552118): Julie Young: Books

[chalcedony]

I would imagine that if Irvington's property values are decreasing, the declines are modest and more reflective of the real estate bust engulfing the whole country than any broader trends. Irvington in general is a remarkable neighborhood because it has overcome its rough spots and remained a desirable area despite feeding into the worst school district in the state (IPS). No doubt most families send their kids to private schools or join the huge wait lists for magnet/charter schools, but the fact that it can remain such a strong 'hood while being in close proximity to some really bad neighborhoods to the west is a testament to its ability to endure. I don't know much about the crime there, but the friends/family I've known living in the area have never had a problem. The bad parts East Side is going to receive buckets of housing grants in the upcoming years, which might precipitate a revival a la Fall Creek place, which only stands to benefit neighborhoods like Irvington.