11 Areas to Avoid in Indianapolis, IN [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As an avid traveler and tourist, I’ve had the chance to visit many different cities across the United States. One city that has always intrigued me is Indianapolis, Indiana. Known for its sports culture and historic landmarks, Indianapolis seems like a unique midwestern city to explore. However, like any major metro area, Indianapolis has its share of areas that are best avoided, especially for tourists and first-time visitors. In my research planning my trip to Indianapolis, I made sure to learn about the areas to avoid in Indianapolis in order to have the safest and most enjoyable experience.

When visiting a new city, safety should always be a top priority. While the majority of Indianapolis is very safe, there are certain areas that have higher crime rates than others. As I planned my trip, I made sure to learn about the areas to avoid in Indianapolis. By being an informed tourist, I was able to plan a great trip that avoided putting me in potentially dangerous situations. For fellow travelers heading to Indianapolis, I wanted to share the insight I gained. Here are the top 11 areas to avoid in Indianapolis for an optimal trip.

1. Mars Hill

Located on the near southwest side of Indianapolis, Mars Hill is an area that is best avoided, especially at night. This neighborhood has long struggled with poverty and crime. Home break-ins, drug trafficking, prostitution, and gang violence are not uncommon occurrences in Mars Hill. As an obvious tourist, I did not feel safe walking around Mars Hill even during the day. Residents seemed wary of outsiders and I noticed a significant police presence patrolling the streets. While efforts are being made to revitalize the area, Mars Hill still has a long way to go. For those visiting Indianapolis, I would recommend avoiding this area altogether.

2. Westside

Westside refers to the neighborhood bordering the Indianapolis International Airport on the southwest side. Extreme poverty and crime are major issues in Westside. Illicit drug sales, prostitution, homelessness, and violence are common occurrences. The streets felt ominous even during the day as an unfamiliar tourist. I did not feel safe walking around Westside alone without a local guide. Westside has a seedy, unstable reputation that poses risks, especially to those unfamiliar with the area. It is best avoided by tourists exploring Indianapolis.

3. Wanamaker

Wanamaker is an area southeast of downtown Indianapolis that borders the dangerous Southside neighborhood. Criminal activity is quite common in Wanamaker including drugs, prostitution, gangs, and violence. The streets felt uneasy and unstable even during the afternoon. As a visitor unfamiliar with the city, I did not feel safe exploring Wanamaker on my own. Locals seem distrustful of outsiders and on edge. For those traveling to Indianapolis, Wanamaker is best avoided unless you have a specific place to visit in the area. Overall, it poses too many risks.

4. Bos

The Bos neighborhood area south of downtown Indianapolis is plagued by poverty and crime. Gangs, drugs, prostitution, and violence are commonplace throughout Bos. Make no mistake – Bos feels unsafe even during broad daylight. As a tourist unfamiliar with Indianapolis, I did not feel comfortable traveling through Bos on my own. Locals seemed suspicious of an outsider exploring. Given its reputation, Bos should be avoided by visitors to Indianapolis unless there is a specific place they need to go. Overall, it is an area that poses many risks for tourists.

5. Concord

The Concord neighborhood northeast of downtown Indianapolis struggles with crime and poverty. Abandoned buildings and vacant lots line the streets of Concord. Illicit drug trade is commonplace, especially on the corners and in alleyways. Gang violence and gun crime is problematic in parts of Concord. As a visitor unfamiliar with Indianapolis, I avoided spending time in Concord during my trip. Unless visiting a specific landmark, Concord poses too many risks for tourists exploring on their own. Caution should be taken if traveling through Concord en route to other destinations.

6. United Northeast

Comprising neighborhoods like Brightwood and Forest Manor, the United Northeast area northeast of downtown has high crime rates. Gang violence, gun crime, and drugs plague United Northeast. Abandoned buildings and decaying infrastructure create an ominous, unsafe feeling even during the day. As a tourist, I did not feel comfortable walking around United Northeast on my own. Unless you have an organized group or tour, United Northeast should be avoided. The potential risks for tourists are too high in this area.

7. Renaissance Place

Bordering the near west side of downtown Indianapolis is Renaissance Place. This housing project is known for high crime, gang violence, and drugs. Gun violence and shootings frequently occur in this neighborhood. As a tourist unfamiliar with Indianapolis, I did not feel safe walking around Renaissance Place even during the daytime. Unless you know someone living in the area, Renaissance Place should be avoided for safety reasons. Overall, it does not offer much for tourists to see and poses potential risks.

8. Near North

Bordering Midtown to the north is the Near North neighborhood. Similar crime issues exist in Near North including drugs, prostitution, homelessness, and violence. Abandoned and decaying homes line the streets of Near North. This area has a reputation for being unsafe and unstable. As a visitor unfamiliar with the city, I did not feel comfortable exploring Near North even during the afternoon. Unless you have a specific landmark to visit in Near North, it is best avoided altogether especially if traveling alone.

9. West Indianapolis

West Indianapolis refers to the neighborhoods immediately west of downtown. Areas like Haughville and Stringtown have high crime rates, gang violence, drug activity, and poverty. West Indianapolis has a reputation for being an unsafe area for tourists to explore. Unless joining an organized group tour, I avoided spending time in West Indianapolis during my visit for safety reasons. The risk of being caught in the middle of criminal activity as an outsider seemed too high in West Indianapolis based on its reputation.

10. Midtown

Midtown, or the old Northside, refers to the neighborhoods immediately north of downtown Indianapolis. While efforts have been made to gentrify Midtown, it still remains quite unsafe, especially at night. Walking alone in Midtown, even during the day, made me uneasy. This area is known for having a lot of homelessness, drug use, prostitution, and gang violence. There are some great cultural sites and architectural gems in Midtown, but tourists should only visit with a group or as part of an organized tour. Like Mars Hill, Midtown is an area I avoided after dark during my trip for my own safety.

11. Martindale

Martindale is an area on the northeast side of Indianapolis that has struggled with high crime over the years. Drug trafficking, gang violence, prostitution, and poverty plague this neighborhood. As an unfamiliar visitor, I did not feel safe walking around Martindale even during the daytime. There is a heavy police presence monitoring the area which adds to the uneasy feeling. Martindale is best avoided by tourists unless there is a specific landmark or attraction drawing them there. Overall, it poses too many risks and instability.

Conclusion

When visiting Indianapolis, I highly recommend researching the areas to avoid in Indianapolis ahead of time. Being an informed tourist helps maximize safety and enjoyment. While no large city is without some unsafe neighborhoods, these areas stood out as posing the highest risks. By avoiding Mars Hill, Westside, Wanamaker, Bos, Concord, United Northeast, Renaissance Place, Near North, West Indianapolis, Midtown, and Martindale, tourists can more safely explore all the great things Indianapolis has to offer. With some research and street smarts, Indianapolis can be an amazing city to visit and make lifelong memories. By knowing the areas to avoid in Indianapolis, you can have the best trip possible.