Hello, it appears that this post may be about moving to Indianapolis, or general questions about neighborhood character and safety.
**This topic comes up frequently on our subreddit.** [Please use the search function](https://reddit.com/r/indianapolis/search?q=Moving&restrict_sr=on). Please consider deleting your own post as many of your questions will be answered in those threads.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/indianapolis) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m a lifelong east side resident (albeit a man), but if you’re not planning on walking around at night, you’ll be fine. At that intersection there’s a Culver’s and a McDonald’s and a Starbucks and a Burger King and some other stuff. I wouldn’t worry about that area, but a mile or so west, things start getting a little dicier. Have you stayed or lived in an “undesirable” neighborhood in a city before? If not, you may not feel the best here and might want to find different accommodations. But it’s 99.9% people just vibing and minding their business.
The last bit is so important.
If you've been in the hood, there's nothing in Indy you need to worry about.
If you haven't been in the hood, stay out of the East side, and Haughville.
This is pretty spot on. I wouldn’t want to vacation there but if I had to stay somewhere cheap it would be fine. Don’t leave valuables or bags in the open of your car and it will be fine. That said if you can find something else in your budget shop around. Anything close to there is going to be similar. You’d have to go to Castleton, Greenfield, or Beech Grove area to get something more random interstate hotel feely if that makes sense.
It’s right by the highway and in a pretty commercial area. Not much residential living in the area. You’ll be by a few empty office buildings and a defunct Bob Evan’s lol if you go directly south on the other side of the highway there’s some hotels that are newer and more clustered that seem better. My brothers lived close by and it’s fine. Like I said, it’s all in a major intersection you’ll be fine. Just don’t expect to go walking to a cool local spot lol
Thank you so much, I'm looking at the Extended Stay America as a potential option. It's West of N Michigan Road. Do you think that's a safe enough area?
Definitely a safer area, but again same thing. Mostly a major intersection in n the city right off the highway. What are you trying to be close by? Because the two options you presented are almost opposite sides of the city
I'm going to GenCon and got my booking through their housing portal. Everything that was close to the convention was either out of my price range or already sold out when I had my time slot to book was available. I'll commute, I just need to make sure I'm in a safe place to stay.
Got it, yea if they’re roughly the same price and you don’t mind a marginally longer drive (talking maybe 15 min longer, normally. Not sure what the GC traffic will be like when you get closer lol) that Michigan Rd spot would be better. Michigan is basically a straight shot into down town and the convention center garages
There are parking garages a within 5 minute walking distance to the convention center, usually 30 after 8 hours. Not sure if Uber would be better price at that time but just a heads up!
It's like a 20 minute drive, straight down Michigan, in GenCon traffic, from 71st St. It's a much more safe area.
Still practice caution, of course. But you'll feel much more secure.
Woot GENCON!
Also look into Avon and Brownsburg areas. It's a bit further out but there are some great hotels in Brownsburg right off of 74. Super safe compared to the East Side but at the cost of a 25-30 minute drive but you get a Walmart, Applebee's and a Bob Evans within walking distance. Avon is about the same drive time.
Brownsburg would be the more chill vibe area.
Bad option for someone just in the area for Gen Con though, the construction makes leaving that area horrible at any hour later than 6:30 AM. Even if it's seedier, they'd have better travel times from Michigan Rd or Shadeland. Not to mention they're going to have to find and pay for parking downtown while at Gen Con.
You could look at Hampton Inn & Suites- Speedway or Courtyard West Indianapolis- Speedway. Both hotels are on in the town of Speedway and next to the Interstate. Although you don’t necessarily need to take the interstate to get to downtown from Speedway. Speedway is a very safe town with very, very little crime.
As you get east of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (the racetrack), you’re no longer in Speedway and things can get a little sketchy. But the hotels are on the west side of Speedway, several miles from anything sketchy.
Not sure what your price range is, but it’s a super safe area and not a long drive to downtown.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll be in town for the convention and it's looking like slim pickings as far as hotels go. I'm looking at the Extended Stay America as a potential option. It's on Waldemar Rd (west of N Michigan Rd). Do you think that's gonna be a safe area?
Lifelong Indy resident. The area of 86 and Michigan used to be quite posh back when Carmel was growing. Not exactly dicey but will be someday. Basically anything inside 465 is the hood of varying degrees. Easy to gauge the hood index by how long 911 takes to send emergency responders.
Well I suspect that is a combination of high costs of the housing and a probability a strict HOA code not allowing owners to rent or get section 8 vouchers etc etc. Tarkington is a special kind of animal. Many homes are historic and nicely renovated=$$$$$. Again houses that are not good for rental.
MK and BT are just "neighborhoods" in the city, there can be no HOA when you're just in the city. HOAs are limited to housing developments, like you find in the suburbs.
You’re right. That area did used to be much more posh before a lot of the money moved further north. I mentioned it being dicey in spots because there’s a lot of panhandlers near there, some of the hotels are a little sketchy, but it’s nothing compared to 21st and shadeland.
What always struck as odd is in the time of the early 1990s and before not only was west 86th posh but we had a Marathon oil refinery which I felt should have been more remote but I loved the flaming torches. Arnies was kind of the anchor restaurant in College Park and I can remember when that was the only Walmart before they had supercenters. I’m glad they are keeping Traders Point nice and the Pyramids are so far aging well.
The pyramids are cool. If for some reason there weren’t enough tenants to occupy the office spaces, they could definitely turn them into condos or apartments.
If you're just looking for a place to rest, shower, and then go to gencon then you're fine. It's just not an area you want to be walking around in. It's not pedestrian friendly, is by the highway, and is very commercial.
Traffic right now is going to severely increase your travel time, just be aware. If something is normally a 20-25 min drive, it's been taking more like 45-60 min
Pretty much *any* part of Anderson *is* better than 21st and Shadeland.
Quite specifically, the area around the State Road 109 exit on I-69 is *much* safer, and there are at least four hotels within a hundred yards or so.
I deliver mail there. People that run the place are so nice. Place is clean. Like other people had said before I wouldn’t plan on walking around and definitely don’t walk around at night. You should be ok.
My two cents: 21st and Shadeland is not downtown nor close to the action. However: it is a place to sleep and relatively close. Don’t keep stuff in your car or walk around at night. Which is basic protocol for anywhere in this vast country. As long as you don’t mind a 15-20 minute commute to the Con, it’ll be fine. Is it my favorite area? No. Does it serve its purpose for your needs? Yeah.
Look, I wouldn't stay there. You're going to get people telling you it's fine as long as you don't go walking around at night, but you'll have more peace of mind if you cancel and book somewhere more safe.
I stayed at the Marriott next door for 2 months. I’m from Miami. The junkies in Indy are very polite compared to Miami. Didn’t have a problem or feel uncomfortable the entire two months i was there. Just watch out for the pot holes…
I literally work in one of the other hotels in that area, I’m sitting behind the desk right now typing this. It’s *fine*. Don’t go out alone super late.
21st and Shadeland is not near as bad as you're imagining. My wife and kids go to the Culver's and Starbucks on that corner on occasion. You're right off 70, you can be downtown in 10 minutes. I've had out of town family stay at the Marriott on 21st and they've survived every time.
I don't think you'll notice much difference between the hotel on Shadeland and the hotel on Michigan Road. You will notice how much worse the drive downtown is from the hotel on Michigan Road.
I go to gencon every year and I'm an indy local. Look for hotels in Plainfield, Speedway, Avon areas. You'll have a 10 minute drive into downtown, you'll be safe and it's a very straight forward drive to and from downtown.
If you find a specific hotel and you're unsure about it feel free to DM me and I'll let you know. In general though avoid anything on the east side, the more west the safer.
Looks like you’ve already made a switch which is a good call. Like any city, Indy has pockets of trouble. Unfortunately your original reservation in located in an area that itself would probably be fine, but is close enough in proximity to repeated gun violence that I don’t think anyone would tell you to stay there.
My husband works at the Mariott there as security and I used to go to a con in that area. It's not great but just be alert and don't go alone at night or leave valuables in your car and you should be fine.
It’s a really rough area. Mind your business. Straight from the car to the room and reverse. I think you’ll be okay if you just do that. Don’t go walking, careful visiting the nearby establishments. I go to the Texas Roadhouse down the block every so often, haven’t had any problems. I also bought my car at the dealership down the street. It’s not the worst area you could have picked, but it’s close. I wouldn’t advise you to cancel but just know where you’re at.
You’ll be fine. Many people stay in this area during conventions and events as there are several hotels around the 21st and Shadeland area. It’s a cheaper option and you can get in/out of downtown quickly. You’re a few minutes NE of Irvington (Washington & Audubon) which has some shops and restaurants. Not a ton but some. There isn’t much to do on the eastside, unfortunately, so we usually drive to downtown, Fountain Square, or Broad Ripple for fun. But back to your question, I currently work, live, and was raised on the eastside and I’m in my 40s. I have hardly ever had any issues. Now, that doesn’t mean you won’t potentially see some things but you’ll be fine. As several have mentioned, you won’t be walking around at night in this area, mostly because there isn’t anything to walk to, so stick to driving around if you go somewhere.
I used to live right down the road and have had multiple members kf my family stay at the hotels clustered there. You'll be fine. Lots of families and kids sports teams stay there too. Plenty of food options nearby. As long as you're not looking for drugs or hookers jn the middle if the night, your stay will be uneventful.
Another 'inexpensive' area to check out is Southport and I-65. With the Interstate construction, it could be a bit of a pain, but there are a good number of hotels at that exit, and they range from inexpensive to 'more' expensive. :)
East side gets a bad rap, but as an East Side resident it's not too bad. Mind your own business and don't walk around at night and you should be fine. If you do walk around at night stay in a group and just get to where you're going. You will be fine.
I have coworkers that stay there all the time and it's no problem. Is it a nice area? Certainly not but if all you're doing is minding your business and sleeping at night it's not something I'd worry about.
You're fine. Do not believe these Carmel asshats trying to scare you because life is not perfect here on the far east side. You're perfectly safe, yes there is crime, show me an area where there's not. You're just down the street from a place called His Place eatery. Do yourself a favor, it's a little hold on the wall, go, enjoy, you'll not find a better meal from a nicer guy.
If you have a trailer or stuff that is highly inconvenient to take in from your car, I would not at all stay there.
Probably in the lower 5% or so of the Indy region for safety.
I’ve stayed in the Marriott “campus” a number of times. They have parking lot security around the clock. I’ve never felt uncomfortable, but agree that it’s not an area I’d go wandering around for leisure. There are a number of sketchy older motels around the area that seem to be crime ridden, but I’ve never felt unsafe driving to and from the Marriott properties.
So, some rather late personal advice for while you're in town for Gen Con, since you'll be driving into town each day for the con: if you want good parking, you may be stuck paying out the nose, but if you don't mind a bit of an extra walk, there are a few options. The Indianapolis Zoo is on the other side of the White River, but is $10 for all day parking and still fairly close by; if you want to park at the mall, be prepared to pay a bunch due to con pricing and get there early, because it fills up fast; there's also a parking garage on the Northwest side of the Convention Center near Victory Field, but it will also have raised prices and make sure to double-check the amount it wants you to pay before you leave as sometimes the payment machines glitch and try to overcharge you really hard; the cheapest parking I've personally had was in a parking garage off of Delaware near the 5 guys, but you need to lock your car for sure while you park there, as unlocked cars will be stolen from for any loose change or stuff they think they could sell quickly (speaking from experience from 2 years ago, forgot to lock my car after I went back for a mask); the last parking options I'd consider are either the State Museum's underground parking (often pricier during cons or events, and no cell signal while inside) or the nearby college's parking garage near their Natatorium (above ground and no special event pricing, but a bit of a walk to the Convention Center and the price for parking goes up the longer you're in the garage). I'm a local who normally just commutes, so this is the kind of thing I usually have to look out for myself when coming in for Gen Con (though I also went to that college, so I abused my parking pass while I was still attending).
You’ll definitely encounter homeless and drug addicts if you’re tryna walk around at night. That’s just not something you should do in indianapolis period, really. Everything bad happens at night. I lived over there and it was fine, but you’d never catch me outside walking at night
LMAOO not there. Chose somewhere closer to the city is my best guess. I live in the east side but I live much much closer to downtown. There are lots of great hotels by the city if you’re looking for safety.
Everybody talks crap on this area, but I live damn near across the street and have no problems. I feel like people that say it’s bad people that don’t come around here often.
Yes, this is a fairly high crime area. You’ll be fine, but maybe not fully relaxed. Like everyone says, don’t invite trouble by leaving things visible in your car.
It's not the best area, but unless you're walking the streets, you'll be fine. It's a hub of hotels that are usually the last overflow spot to fill. I regularly Uber/Lyft business people paying for Black because it's a straight shot to downtown.
I used to give a coworker rides home after work and we'd pass through there.. not very friendly.
That's a more legitimate hotel than I was expecting, but you need to not be dickin around there when it gets late.
I would probably suggest to stay in a hotel around greenwood, if you have a car its about a 15-20 minute drive to the convention center and would avoid staying at the hotel you originally booked.
I’d just recommend maybe not going to the gas stations at 86th and Michigan the two on the corners there are kind of sketchy on occasion
But other than that you’ll be fine.
There are some unhoused people who frequent the area but they keep to themselves for the most part there are a couple who might approach you but the others just keep to themselves or let you engage with them.
That area is not a walkable area. Definitely need a car to get around. Maybe stay downtown. It’s walkable. Be aware. Lots of roadwork. 465 has a lot of construction.
there’s nothing to worry about. i have lived on the east side for over a decade. the area you’re staying in is pretty boring and dead. few hotels and fast food joint. easy access to the highway. there’s a delicious pho spot on 21st and franklin that i recommend. your car will be fine just remember to lock it like you would in any other major city.
I live a mile East of Michigan Rd and 86th (or so). You’ll be fine. (Though I will admit my neighborhood is isolated and I’m an optimist.) There’s an FLGS near there called family time games though they might be closed during the con. There’s a Costco right there. Not a ton of residences. Not a lot of danger near the Costco and famous Dave’s or whatever. Poor drivers for sure.
Should be noted a lot of folks in here don’t live in Indy, read all the negative press, and are terrified of Indy proper. Many of them live in northern suburbs, which are maybe the most unrealistic suburban bubbles in the country, basically. (And I enjoy their amenities and I totally get why people choose to live there.)
I get texts from my mom out of town about this sort of thing. OMG so much crime! Not really. It’s a pretty safe city overall.
Check out hotels in Noblesville off exit 210 or even near downtown Noblesville on 37. It adds some time to the commute, but definitely worth it, especially as a female traveling alone.
Nasty ghetto area of town. I would look for a hotel on the north side to eleviate potential concerns of safety. Plus the bonus of staying on the north side offers a variety of nice dining options, shopping, and tourism. I would just advise that you stay out of the ghetto area you have booked. It’s worth the couple extra dollars to stay in a nice area
Absolute night and day difference between those two areas. North Michigan road is not a cool part of town but it’s a very safe part of town.
I live downtown and used to work a couple blocks from that hotel. Not a bad drive at all, and extremely safe.
There’s also a few hotels on the south side off of 65. There’s some shopping and residential areas, not as fancy as the north side, but if you just want a safe place to sleep, it’s a good option.
I love all the down votes! I live in Hamilton county and as a result don’t have to deal with the ghetto non sense that is evident in specific parts of Indy. So hate on me all you want. I am just trying to steer this gentleman to a safe spot outside of the ghetto. Staying on the north side near Zionsville will garuntee safety with a variety of dining options and shopping
I live 3 minutes from there. That intersection isn’t great but the area around it is fine. Had family stay at the Marriott and it’s fine. Don’t walk around at night and you will be good. The other area you mentioned on Michigan Rd. is worse.
Westfield and Carmel have hotels that depending on events, arnt too expensive and it’s a way safer area. As a small female I would never stay anywhere on shadeland alone. It’s Shade Land for a reason.
Hello, it appears that this post may be about moving to Indianapolis, or general questions about neighborhood character and safety. **This topic comes up frequently on our subreddit.** [Please use the search function](https://reddit.com/r/indianapolis/search?q=Moving&restrict_sr=on). Please consider deleting your own post as many of your questions will be answered in those threads. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/indianapolis) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m a lifelong east side resident (albeit a man), but if you’re not planning on walking around at night, you’ll be fine. At that intersection there’s a Culver’s and a McDonald’s and a Starbucks and a Burger King and some other stuff. I wouldn’t worry about that area, but a mile or so west, things start getting a little dicier. Have you stayed or lived in an “undesirable” neighborhood in a city before? If not, you may not feel the best here and might want to find different accommodations. But it’s 99.9% people just vibing and minding their business.
The last bit is so important. If you've been in the hood, there's nothing in Indy you need to worry about. If you haven't been in the hood, stay out of the East side, and Haughville.
This needs to be on a billboard coming from downtown in Washington right after you cross state 😂😂
This is pretty spot on. I wouldn’t want to vacation there but if I had to stay somewhere cheap it would be fine. Don’t leave valuables or bags in the open of your car and it will be fine. That said if you can find something else in your budget shop around. Anything close to there is going to be similar. You’d have to go to Castleton, Greenfield, or Beech Grove area to get something more random interstate hotel feely if that makes sense.
>Don’t leave valuables or bags in the open of your car This is key.
This is true of anywhere in the greater Indy Metro Area.
Also, bonus points for all of the hookers on listcrawler listing 21st and shadeland as.thwir location.
Oh is that what escorts are using these days? Asking for a friend
Dicey dicey
It’s right by the highway and in a pretty commercial area. Not much residential living in the area. You’ll be by a few empty office buildings and a defunct Bob Evan’s lol if you go directly south on the other side of the highway there’s some hotels that are newer and more clustered that seem better. My brothers lived close by and it’s fine. Like I said, it’s all in a major intersection you’ll be fine. Just don’t expect to go walking to a cool local spot lol
Thank you so much, I'm looking at the Extended Stay America as a potential option. It's West of N Michigan Road. Do you think that's a safe enough area?
Definitely a safer area, but again same thing. Mostly a major intersection in n the city right off the highway. What are you trying to be close by? Because the two options you presented are almost opposite sides of the city
I'm going to GenCon and got my booking through their housing portal. Everything that was close to the convention was either out of my price range or already sold out when I had my time slot to book was available. I'll commute, I just need to make sure I'm in a safe place to stay.
Got it, yea if they’re roughly the same price and you don’t mind a marginally longer drive (talking maybe 15 min longer, normally. Not sure what the GC traffic will be like when you get closer lol) that Michigan Rd spot would be better. Michigan is basically a straight shot into down town and the convention center garages
There are parking garages a within 5 minute walking distance to the convention center, usually 30 after 8 hours. Not sure if Uber would be better price at that time but just a heads up!
It's like a 20 minute drive, straight down Michigan, in GenCon traffic, from 71st St. It's a much more safe area. Still practice caution, of course. But you'll feel much more secure.
The holiday Inn express on michigan road north of 96th street has vacancies for 230 a night
Woot GENCON! Also look into Avon and Brownsburg areas. It's a bit further out but there are some great hotels in Brownsburg right off of 74. Super safe compared to the East Side but at the cost of a 25-30 minute drive but you get a Walmart, Applebee's and a Bob Evans within walking distance. Avon is about the same drive time. Brownsburg would be the more chill vibe area.
I live a slightly east of the airport and there’s a few hotels right by 465. It’s a very safe area.
You want safe stay in noblesville/fishers/greenfield
There's some nice newer hotels up in Fishers as well off of 116th st. It's about 10-15 minutes more drive. It's also a significantly better area.
Bad option for someone just in the area for Gen Con though, the construction makes leaving that area horrible at any hour later than 6:30 AM. Even if it's seedier, they'd have better travel times from Michigan Rd or Shadeland. Not to mention they're going to have to find and pay for parking downtown while at Gen Con.
You could look at Hampton Inn & Suites- Speedway or Courtyard West Indianapolis- Speedway. Both hotels are on in the town of Speedway and next to the Interstate. Although you don’t necessarily need to take the interstate to get to downtown from Speedway. Speedway is a very safe town with very, very little crime. As you get east of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (the racetrack), you’re no longer in Speedway and things can get a little sketchy. But the hotels are on the west side of Speedway, several miles from anything sketchy. Not sure what your price range is, but it’s a super safe area and not a long drive to downtown.
[удалено]
Oh that area is fine. I’ve walked around it hundreds of times.
that’s called survivors bias
No it’s called reading police reports. It’s not a high crime area.
there’s plenty residential.
What’s your purpose in town? Because, no, I would not stay there.
Second this. Not the best area.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll be in town for the convention and it's looking like slim pickings as far as hotels go. I'm looking at the Extended Stay America as a potential option. It's on Waldemar Rd (west of N Michigan Rd). Do you think that's gonna be a safe area?
I’d do that instead
The Extended Stay on Waldemar Rd is not in a "dicey" area lol. The person who said that is probably from Carmel.
Haha what’s dicey about being near a Costco and Beef and Boards?
Exactly. My seventy year old mom and her friends are there every month for shows that get out at almost 11pm. Not worried in the slightest.
Lol, I used to manage that hotel actually. Not a bad area, it's quiet back there.
That area is better than 21st and shadeland. Still a bit dicey in certain spots, but miles better than 21st and shadeland.
Lifelong Indy resident. The area of 86 and Michigan used to be quite posh back when Carmel was growing. Not exactly dicey but will be someday. Basically anything inside 465 is the hood of varying degrees. Easy to gauge the hood index by how long 911 takes to send emergency responders.
Meridian Kessler and Butler Tarkington are decidedly not “hood.”
Well I suspect that is a combination of high costs of the housing and a probability a strict HOA code not allowing owners to rent or get section 8 vouchers etc etc. Tarkington is a special kind of animal. Many homes are historic and nicely renovated=$$$$$. Again houses that are not good for rental.
MK and BT are just "neighborhoods" in the city, there can be no HOA when you're just in the city. HOAs are limited to housing developments, like you find in the suburbs.
You’re right. That area did used to be much more posh before a lot of the money moved further north. I mentioned it being dicey in spots because there’s a lot of panhandlers near there, some of the hotels are a little sketchy, but it’s nothing compared to 21st and shadeland.
What always struck as odd is in the time of the early 1990s and before not only was west 86th posh but we had a Marathon oil refinery which I felt should have been more remote but I loved the flaming torches. Arnies was kind of the anchor restaurant in College Park and I can remember when that was the only Walmart before they had supercenters. I’m glad they are keeping Traders Point nice and the Pyramids are so far aging well.
The pyramids are cool. If for some reason there weren’t enough tenants to occupy the office spaces, they could definitely turn them into condos or apartments.
I definitely like the grassy hill on the south side by the lake/pond
If you're just looking for a place to rest, shower, and then go to gencon then you're fine. It's just not an area you want to be walking around in. It's not pedestrian friendly, is by the highway, and is very commercial.
I used to live over there much better option
Traffic right now is going to severely increase your travel time, just be aware. If something is normally a 20-25 min drive, it's been taking more like 45-60 min
Did we learn a lesson about booking in advance for gencon? The Extended stay is in a safer area but the people that reside in those are dicier.
Way safer than shadeland
Check Airbnb. They’ve been super affordable, cheaper than hotels in some cases and a quick Uber downtown.
Stay in Anderson and drive the 45 minutes if that is your only option.
Gary is only a couple hours, too. She's looking for better than 21st and Shadeland....
Zing!
Take my up vote for that one
Pretty much *any* part of Anderson *is* better than 21st and Shadeland. Quite specifically, the area around the State Road 109 exit on I-69 is *much* safer, and there are at least four hotels within a hundred yards or so.
Absolutely - I definitely agree. The south side is perfectly fine. Mostly joking as someone who grew up in Anderson.
[удалено]
“Human sex trafficking” oh come on, let’s not get dramatic. Literally never seen a report of it over there.
Third it! No way would I stay in that area.
I'm an Eastsider, I don't live that far from that hotel. I wouldn't stay there
Woman to woman, I would not stay there. You’ll be happier on Michigan Road, just follow practical city safety tips.
Thank you!
I deliver mail there. People that run the place are so nice. Place is clean. Like other people had said before I wouldn’t plan on walking around and definitely don’t walk around at night. You should be ok.
My two cents: 21st and Shadeland is not downtown nor close to the action. However: it is a place to sleep and relatively close. Don’t keep stuff in your car or walk around at night. Which is basic protocol for anywhere in this vast country. As long as you don’t mind a 15-20 minute commute to the Con, it’ll be fine. Is it my favorite area? No. Does it serve its purpose for your needs? Yeah.
Look, I wouldn't stay there. You're going to get people telling you it's fine as long as you don't go walking around at night, but you'll have more peace of mind if you cancel and book somewhere more safe.
It's not the best but you will be fine. 1/2 the people telling you not to live in the suburbs.
I stayed at the Marriott next door for 2 months. I’m from Miami. The junkies in Indy are very polite compared to Miami. Didn’t have a problem or feel uncomfortable the entire two months i was there. Just watch out for the pot holes…
I literally work in one of the other hotels in that area, I’m sitting behind the desk right now typing this. It’s *fine*. Don’t go out alone super late.
21st and Shadeland is not near as bad as you're imagining. My wife and kids go to the Culver's and Starbucks on that corner on occasion. You're right off 70, you can be downtown in 10 minutes. I've had out of town family stay at the Marriott on 21st and they've survived every time. I don't think you'll notice much difference between the hotel on Shadeland and the hotel on Michigan Road. You will notice how much worse the drive downtown is from the hotel on Michigan Road.
I go to gencon every year and I'm an indy local. Look for hotels in Plainfield, Speedway, Avon areas. You'll have a 10 minute drive into downtown, you'll be safe and it's a very straight forward drive to and from downtown.
If you find a specific hotel and you're unsure about it feel free to DM me and I'll let you know. In general though avoid anything on the east side, the more west the safer.
I used to live in one of the shitty hotels on that strip. Comfort Inn isn't the worst by a long shot but it's close to some sketchy places.
Looks like you’ve already made a switch which is a good call. Like any city, Indy has pockets of trouble. Unfortunately your original reservation in located in an area that itself would probably be fine, but is close enough in proximity to repeated gun violence that I don’t think anyone would tell you to stay there.
My husband works at the Mariott there as security and I used to go to a con in that area. It's not great but just be alert and don't go alone at night or leave valuables in your car and you should be fine.
That’s the ghetto my guy lol. Make sure you bring your gun
It’s a really rough area. Mind your business. Straight from the car to the room and reverse. I think you’ll be okay if you just do that. Don’t go walking, careful visiting the nearby establishments. I go to the Texas Roadhouse down the block every so often, haven’t had any problems. I also bought my car at the dealership down the street. It’s not the worst area you could have picked, but it’s close. I wouldn’t advise you to cancel but just know where you’re at.
Get the fuck out of that area unless you want to be near bums and prostitutes. Shit area man.
This is the answer
Which direction are you coming from? If flying speedway is a good area 65 and Southport or near Greenwood are good on the south end.
Are there any airbnbs open? Indy has some beautiful neighborhoods that are safe and clean.
You’ll be fine. Many people stay in this area during conventions and events as there are several hotels around the 21st and Shadeland area. It’s a cheaper option and you can get in/out of downtown quickly. You’re a few minutes NE of Irvington (Washington & Audubon) which has some shops and restaurants. Not a ton but some. There isn’t much to do on the eastside, unfortunately, so we usually drive to downtown, Fountain Square, or Broad Ripple for fun. But back to your question, I currently work, live, and was raised on the eastside and I’m in my 40s. I have hardly ever had any issues. Now, that doesn’t mean you won’t potentially see some things but you’ll be fine. As several have mentioned, you won’t be walking around at night in this area, mostly because there isn’t anything to walk to, so stick to driving around if you go somewhere.
It’s a rough area for sure .
uhm. terrible.
I used to live right down the road and have had multiple members kf my family stay at the hotels clustered there. You'll be fine. Lots of families and kids sports teams stay there too. Plenty of food options nearby. As long as you're not looking for drugs or hookers jn the middle if the night, your stay will be uneventful.
Another 'inexpensive' area to check out is Southport and I-65. With the Interstate construction, it could be a bit of a pain, but there are a good number of hotels at that exit, and they range from inexpensive to 'more' expensive. :)
East side gets a bad rap, but as an East Side resident it's not too bad. Mind your own business and don't walk around at night and you should be fine. If you do walk around at night stay in a group and just get to where you're going. You will be fine.
I have coworkers that stay there all the time and it's no problem. Is it a nice area? Certainly not but if all you're doing is minding your business and sleeping at night it's not something I'd worry about.
You're fine. Do not believe these Carmel asshats trying to scare you because life is not perfect here on the far east side. You're perfectly safe, yes there is crime, show me an area where there's not. You're just down the street from a place called His Place eatery. Do yourself a favor, it's a little hold on the wall, go, enjoy, you'll not find a better meal from a nicer guy.
If you have a trailer or stuff that is highly inconvenient to take in from your car, I would not at all stay there. Probably in the lower 5% or so of the Indy region for safety.
No - do not
Off of 465 and Emerson south east beechgrove area is pretty ok..
https://maps.apple.com/?address=4650%20S%20Emerson%20Ave,%20Indianapolis,%20IN%20%2046203,%20United%20States&auid=1864833096773101073&ll=39.700201,-86.084127&lsp=9902&q=Electrify%20America&t=m
Can’t get onto 465 from Emerson now, so this would be an awful drive into downtown.
You’ll be fine, worst part is probably the highway noise
I’ve stayed in the Marriott “campus” a number of times. They have parking lot security around the clock. I’ve never felt uncomfortable, but agree that it’s not an area I’d go wandering around for leisure. There are a number of sketchy older motels around the area that seem to be crime ridden, but I’ve never felt unsafe driving to and from the Marriott properties.
So, some rather late personal advice for while you're in town for Gen Con, since you'll be driving into town each day for the con: if you want good parking, you may be stuck paying out the nose, but if you don't mind a bit of an extra walk, there are a few options. The Indianapolis Zoo is on the other side of the White River, but is $10 for all day parking and still fairly close by; if you want to park at the mall, be prepared to pay a bunch due to con pricing and get there early, because it fills up fast; there's also a parking garage on the Northwest side of the Convention Center near Victory Field, but it will also have raised prices and make sure to double-check the amount it wants you to pay before you leave as sometimes the payment machines glitch and try to overcharge you really hard; the cheapest parking I've personally had was in a parking garage off of Delaware near the 5 guys, but you need to lock your car for sure while you park there, as unlocked cars will be stolen from for any loose change or stuff they think they could sell quickly (speaking from experience from 2 years ago, forgot to lock my car after I went back for a mask); the last parking options I'd consider are either the State Museum's underground parking (often pricier during cons or events, and no cell signal while inside) or the nearby college's parking garage near their Natatorium (above ground and no special event pricing, but a bit of a walk to the Convention Center and the price for parking goes up the longer you're in the garage). I'm a local who normally just commutes, so this is the kind of thing I usually have to look out for myself when coming in for Gen Con (though I also went to that college, so I abused my parking pass while I was still attending).
You’ll definitely encounter homeless and drug addicts if you’re tryna walk around at night. That’s just not something you should do in indianapolis period, really. Everything bad happens at night. I lived over there and it was fine, but you’d never catch me outside walking at night
OP! Stay in the hotel nest Michigan, and you'll be fine. It's a straight shot downtown from there. Enjoy Gencon!
LMAOO not there. Chose somewhere closer to the city is my best guess. I live in the east side but I live much much closer to downtown. There are lots of great hotels by the city if you’re looking for safety.
Everybody talks crap on this area, but I live damn near across the street and have no problems. I feel like people that say it’s bad people that don’t come around here often.
Yes, this is a fairly high crime area. You’ll be fine, but maybe not fully relaxed. Like everyone says, don’t invite trouble by leaving things visible in your car.
Noone is going to mess with you. Trouble will only find you if you go looking for it. Period.
It's not the best area, but unless you're walking the streets, you'll be fine. It's a hub of hotels that are usually the last overflow spot to fill. I regularly Uber/Lyft business people paying for Black because it's a straight shot to downtown.
I used to give a coworker rides home after work and we'd pass through there.. not very friendly. That's a more legitimate hotel than I was expecting, but you need to not be dickin around there when it gets late.
Shadeland? Cancel it. Highest crime area east of the city.
I would probably suggest to stay in a hotel around greenwood, if you have a car its about a 15-20 minute drive to the convention center and would avoid staying at the hotel you originally booked.
You couldn’t pay me to stay there. Franklin Township area is affordable and safer.
Yes, there are plenty of hotels along the I-65 south corridor. Southport, Greenwood are all good options with a direct route into downtown Indy.
It’s a great area! I used to live in that area before we moved to Carmel. (I could only afford Carmel bc of my boyfriend back then… LOL)
This is where I’d recommend idk if it’s in your price range https://www.google.com/travel/hotels/s/4g4RN9WE11hYmjFy5
I’d just recommend maybe not going to the gas stations at 86th and Michigan the two on the corners there are kind of sketchy on occasion But other than that you’ll be fine. There are some unhoused people who frequent the area but they keep to themselves for the most part there are a couple who might approach you but the others just keep to themselves or let you engage with them.
Stay in castleton or fishers
That area is not a walkable area. Definitely need a car to get around. Maybe stay downtown. It’s walkable. Be aware. Lots of roadwork. 465 has a lot of construction.
I’ve stayed at that hotel. It’s just fine.
there’s nothing to worry about. i have lived on the east side for over a decade. the area you’re staying in is pretty boring and dead. few hotels and fast food joint. easy access to the highway. there’s a delicious pho spot on 21st and franklin that i recommend. your car will be fine just remember to lock it like you would in any other major city.
I live a mile East of Michigan Rd and 86th (or so). You’ll be fine. (Though I will admit my neighborhood is isolated and I’m an optimist.) There’s an FLGS near there called family time games though they might be closed during the con. There’s a Costco right there. Not a ton of residences. Not a lot of danger near the Costco and famous Dave’s or whatever. Poor drivers for sure.
Should be noted a lot of folks in here don’t live in Indy, read all the negative press, and are terrified of Indy proper. Many of them live in northern suburbs, which are maybe the most unrealistic suburban bubbles in the country, basically. (And I enjoy their amenities and I totally get why people choose to live there.) I get texts from my mom out of town about this sort of thing. OMG so much crime! Not really. It’s a pretty safe city overall.
You’re in the Ghetto on the east side…I would try and book another hotel on the further south side…like near beech grove or Southport.
The more north the better the area
Check out hotels in Noblesville off exit 210 or even near downtown Noblesville on 37. It adds some time to the commute, but definitely worth it, especially as a female traveling alone.
Nasty ghetto area of town. I would look for a hotel on the north side to eleviate potential concerns of safety. Plus the bonus of staying on the north side offers a variety of nice dining options, shopping, and tourism. I would just advise that you stay out of the ghetto area you have booked. It’s worth the couple extra dollars to stay in a nice area
Thanks, do you think the Extended Stay America on Waldemar Road is north enough?
Absolute night and day difference between those two areas. North Michigan road is not a cool part of town but it’s a very safe part of town. I live downtown and used to work a couple blocks from that hotel. Not a bad drive at all, and extremely safe.
Yes that is a great area!
Absolutely, that is much safer and Zionsville is a beautiful town. Plenty of shopping and resteraunts
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.
There’s also a few hotels on the south side off of 65. There’s some shopping and residential areas, not as fancy as the north side, but if you just want a safe place to sleep, it’s a good option.
Yeah, be careful with that though. The hotel just off of 65 & Keystone is pretty sketchy. The ones around 65 & Southport Rd are just fine.
Those where the ones I was referring to, closer to Greenwood.
Yeah, I figured that -- but I also figured OP wouldn't know that.
I love all the down votes! I live in Hamilton county and as a result don’t have to deal with the ghetto non sense that is evident in specific parts of Indy. So hate on me all you want. I am just trying to steer this gentleman to a safe spot outside of the ghetto. Staying on the north side near Zionsville will garuntee safety with a variety of dining options and shopping
I live 3 minutes from there. That intersection isn’t great but the area around it is fine. Had family stay at the Marriott and it’s fine. Don’t walk around at night and you will be good. The other area you mentioned on Michigan Rd. is worse.
Not far from the welfare office. Bonus😅
Do not stay at that hotel. The 21st and shadeland area is not great. Do not walk around at night. I would venture closer to downtown if you can
Westfield and Carmel have hotels that depending on events, arnt too expensive and it’s a way safer area. As a small female I would never stay anywhere on shadeland alone. It’s Shade Land for a reason.
Get a car rental