Known as the “racing capital of the world”, Indianapolis is home to around 900k residents.
Indy has come a long way since it was incorporated in 1821 with 1,000 people calling the town home.
These days, the capital city of Indiana has a lot more going on than just racing.
However, sports are a big part of local fanfare.
Indianapolis is also home to Lucas Oil Stadium, the largest of its kind in the US, where the Colts play in the NFL.
The city also has a great economy with only 3% unemployment and 700 businesses.
There are even a few global headquarters here, too.
With as happening as Indianapolis sounds, what’s it like to live there?
Here, we’re going to check out the safest neighborhoods throughout Indianapolis.
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10 Safest Neighborhoods in Indianapolis
1. Meridian Hills
As far as crime goes, Meridian Hills is safer than almost every other city in Indiana.
That might be why it’s so popular with families and retirees.
The retirement communities are very active and thrive off budget-friendly accommodations.
2. Meridian-Kessler
Just a handful of miles north of downtown, Meridian-Kessler has been a place for families since just before the turn of the 20th century.
That history has made it a very attractive neighborhood, combined with the almost non-existent crime.
3. Carmel
It’s not every day a city can claim the top spot for places to live.
Carmel has been voted #1 place in Indiana more than once.
It probably has to do with the well below-average crime rate.
4. Zionsville
Golf fans, this might be the neighborhood for you.
Safer than 95% of Indiana, Zionsville has a lot of outdoor and nature-themed things to do.
From the nature center and preserve to Zionsville Golf Course, there’s no time to be mischievous.
5. Geist
The crime rate is low here, which might be in direct relation to it being a wealthy area.
Residents around Indianapolis know Geist for its waterfront properties and activities.
6. Plainfield
Most residents can get to things within walking distance pretty easily.
Having that kind of convenience might be what helps keep crime below the Indiana average.
7. Westfield
A family-oriented, close-knit community is the descriptor for Westfield.
Crime rates here are a fraction of the national average.
8. Fishers
The national average for murder is six per 100k.
In Fishers, it’s one.
Each category of crime is well below the national average.
Thanks to great education, diversity, and even nightlife, Fishers is a top place to live.
9. Noblesville
The national average for theft is over 2,000 per 100k people.
In Noblesville, it’s 686.
Of course, in a perfect world, that number would be zero.
However, Noblesville has worked hard to keep crime as low as possible.
10. Southport
Safer than 77% of cities in the state, Southport is only 20 minutes from downtown.
With a strong community vibe, this neighborhood keeps locals active with activities throughout the year.
Staying busy shopping is also a favorite in the area.
There are a multitude of food varieties and unique boutiques.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Indianapolis
1. Use Caution
If you happen to find yourself with plans to get out and about at night, pause first.
Ask yourself a few questions in preparation.
First, does this activity have to be done at night?
Waiting until daylight can make the situation completely different.
Next, is this area trustworthy?
If you have to go out at night, be sure to check some stats, so you have an idea.
Whether you feel good about an area or not, stay in well-lit areas.
When possible, stay near crowds at night.
2. Check the Stats
One way to see if where you are is high in criminal activity is to go online.
The police department will have information about what’s going on locally.
Other places you can check are social media sites.
Some police departments are great at updating Twitter and Facebook with up-to-date info.
These are also good places to ask questions.
Typically, these accounts will answer.
It also never hurts to search for crimes in the neighborhood you’re staying in.
You never know what will come up.
You also never know when a tidbit will become useful.
30 Birds of a Feather
If you’re a solo traveler, especially a female, please be extra vigilant.
If possible, have at least one person to be close to while out at night.
Going online once you’re there or just ahead of the trip to find a buddy might be a lifesaver.
Social media sites or apps specific for connecting with locals could keep you from experiencing the night alone.
If you are heading out to be with that person, try to avoid walking much on the streets.
Especially when there is a lack of lighting.
Always remember you can call a ride-share program that will take you to and from safely.
4. Check the Vehicle
Whether driving in your car or using a rental, do a check.
Part of a vehicle check involves walking around the car and doing an inspection.
Are the tires tight?
Do the blinkers work?
Are the brake lights showing up bright enough?
The last thing you need is to have a light that is out and someone using it as an excuse to come up and chat.
It doesn’t hurt to include an emergency kit somewhere in the vehicle.
That way, you will feel less uncomfortable on the side of the road while waiting for help.
The goal is to have the best car health you can.
When an issue pops up, you’re prepared for how to move forward.
Even if the solution is to call a tow truck.
5. Map it Out
Most travelers rely on map apps these days to find what they need at the moment they need it.
However, it can only add an extra sigh of relief later to do a little pre-trip research.
Something helpful to do is pull up where you’ll be staying and the places you plan to stop while in Indianapolis.
Then, locate the closest hospital, car repair shop, and police station.
Even if you lose reception or the phone dies, you will have already gotten a mental picture in case of a problem.
Bonus points if you print the map out in advance, so there’s always a paper copy.
Indianapolis Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Indianapolis Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from racing, what else is Indianapolis known for?
We’ve all heard the phrase “This is the best thing since sliced bread.”
That must say some nice things about Indianapolis, where the first bread was sliced.
Yep, revolutionizing the baking world started right here in Indiana.
The Children’s Museum is the largest museum for kids on the planet.
Something adults might find a novelty.
The oldest bar in Indiana is the Slippery Noodle Inn.
Visitors have been getting drinks and enjoying live entertainment here since before the Civil War.
Also, it might be fitting that the most popular song to sing at a baseball game, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, was written by a local.
On a sad note, many remember Elvis’ last concert which was performed here.
What's the most dangerous neighborhood in Indianapolis?
The highest crime rate is in the Near Northwest.
Unfortunately, both violent and property crime percentages rate high here.
Robbery, rape, and murder are happening way too often for police to be able to control it.
It would be wise to avoid this side of town.
Other places to avoid are Martindale-Brightwood, Near Eastside, and Northwest Indianapolis.
These are also typically the lowest-income areas.
If you don’t have a reason to visit, avoid driving through.
Is Indianapolis a good place to retire?
Indiana’s capital has a lot to offer any resident, especially one looking to make the most of their free time.
Retiring is about stretching your dollars.
Can that be done successfully be done in Indianapolis?
Yes!
Compared to other major cities, Indianapolis is very affordable.
Not only are the basic needs budget-friendly, but so are the modes of entertainment.
Technically, you can live and enjoy it without losing your savings.
The goal is to have a nice life in the end.
Indianapolis has a lot of culture, too.
Free events are a fun way to get out and about without spending too much.
Of course, you may want to consider any ailments.
For example, if you suffer from arthritis, Indianapolis might be tough during the winter.
Heavy snow and frigid temperatures could impact your quality of life.
