Here Are the 7 Most Dangerous Places in Indianapolis After Dark

We’ve talked extensively about all the trendy neighborhoods, restaurants, parks, and activities that Indianopolis, Indiana has to offer. However, no city is perfect and, although we love Indy, let’s be hornets, the vibrant city is home to some dangerous areas. In fact, some of the most dangerous places in Indiana are right here in Indy, and you may want to avoid them, especially after dark. Here are seven of what many consider to be the worst neighborhoods in Indianapolis.

1. Haughville

On the west side, you'll find Haughville. Although it's known as a close-knit community, unfortunately, it has become an area filled with drug activity, high unemployment rates, and poverty, making it one of the most dangerous places in Indiana. The good news is, community leaders and locals have been meeting to improve conditions in the neightborhood.

2. West 29th and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.

Bar-B-Q Heaven, one of our picks for the best barbecue in Indiana, is in this neighborhood. Unfortunately, this is yet another community affected by high instances of both violent and property crimes. Local leaders have voiced concerns about homelessness and home vacancies as part of the ongoing issue. Fortunately, several groups have been working with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to lower crime in the neighborhood.

3. Tuxedo Park

Located just four miles from downtown, Tuxedo Park is a neighborhood known for beautiful historic homes dating back to the early 1900s. There is a small community park, Grace Tuxedo Neighborhood Park, with benches and green spaces for walking in the neighborhood. This area has a high crime rate when it comes to theft, burglary, and assault, and locals advise staying away from certain areas when the sun goes down.

4. Massachusetts Ave. and East 34th Street

Ranked on the 2017 list of most dangerous neighborhoods in America, this stretch has terribly high rates of property and violent crime. A large number of the homes in the neighborhood have been empty for years, which has not helped to improve conditions here. Aside from the crime rate, you'll find Big Dan's Hamburgers here, an old-fashioned joint serving the "juiciest burger in town."

5. West 30th to Fall Creek Boulevard

In 2013, the stretch of road was ranked the 20th most dangerous in the United States, based on national statistics compiled by the FBI. It's home to the Fall Creek Greenway, an 11-mile paved trail that runs along Fall Creek, popular for hiking, biking, fishing, and birdwatching. In recent years, locals have voiced concerns about safety along the trail, and as a result, police have increased bike patrols here.

6. East 34 St. and Sutherland Ave.

According to Neighborhood Scout, a website that ranks the most dangerous neighborhoods in America, this area of Indy can be one of the most dangerous places in Indiana. The neighborhood is not too far from the Fall Creek Greenway; in fact, the trail winds past the community. It's also about five miles away from downtown Indianapolis.

7. East 42nd and Post Road

According to statistics, this area has one of the highest violent crime rates, including homicides, in the city, and many gang and drug-related arrests take place in this part of Indy. Recently, the city, with the help of local leaders, has stepped up efforts to improve the neighborhood and has worked with residents to continue to clean up the area.

Sadly, as with any major city in the United States, Indianapolis is not immune to crime. But there's also some good news: There are some truly lovely places to visit in Indy as well as throughout the Hoosier State! So, be sure to get out and enjoy some of the great ones that are hailed as the safest and most peaceful places to live in Indiana.

And let's not forget that Indiana is the best place to live. We even listed some reasons why retirees are falling in love with Indiana. When you're ready to explore more of the state, find places to eat, shop, stay, and play on the Travel Indiana website.