What Are the Safest Indianapolis Neighborhoods for Renters in 2025? (Crime & Rent Data)

Indianapolis is home to many safe neighborhoods for renters in 2025, including Allisonville, South Franklin, and Broad Ripple. Safety is a big consideration for many renters, and it’s essential to know what crime rates are in different neighborhoods, how much you can expect to spend on rent in safer neighborhoods, and an area’s overall vibe for security and community.

From lakeside homes to historic homes close to Downtown, these are the safest areas to live in Indianapolis in 2025, according to crime data. Here, you’ll find data-led information about each neighborhood, including current Indianapolis rent prices and safety rankings.

Is Indianapolis Safe for Renters?

Indianapolis is relatively safe for renters in 2025, and data from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) indicates a decrease in crime year over year. According to IMPD’s 2023 Annual Report, the city saw a 13.7% decrease in aggravated assault, a 5.4% decrease in robbery, and a 4.0% decrease in homicides.

Even with these citywide decreases, it still carries a C+ overall crime grade. The city ranks in the 51st percentile, meaning it's safer than 51% of other U.S. cities.

CrimeGrade.org data shows that Indianapolis’ crime grade is significantly lower than the state of Indiana as a whole, which earns an A- overall crime grade. Strong initiatives, such as the Division of Community Violence Reduction, aim to reduce violent crime at the neighborhood level.

While programs like that help to increase overall safety, local safety varies. That’s why we gather data at the neighborhood level to help renters find the safest places to live in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Crime Trends

• Aggravated assault dropped from 820 incidents in 2022 to 708 in 2023, representing a 13.7% decrease.
• Robbery decreased from 1,616 reported incidents in 2022 to 1,528 in 2023, representing a 5.4% decrease.
• Homicides also went from 226 incidents in 2022 to 217 in 2023, a slim but noticeable difference of 4.0%.
• The cost of crime per resident in Indianapolis is around $386 per year, $78 less than the national average and $16 less than the Indiana average.
• Forecasts from IMPD and analysts suggest that violent crime has decreased in Indianapolis in 2025, due to factors such as holding repeat offenders accountable, stronger enforcement, and youth outreach programs.

These trends suggest that while Indianapolis faces elevated crime challenges, the downward trajectory, especially in violent and property-related offenses, reflects effective policing initiatives and community partnerships.

Violent vs. Property Crime Breakdown

Theft is Indianapolis’ largest overall crime, accounting for over 9.701 per 1,000 residents out of the city’s crime rate of 17.218 per 1,000 people.

Other crime rates to consider include “other crime,” which includes kidnapping (0.2967), drug crimes (4.7410), vandalism (0.9008), identity theft (0.4697), and animal cruelty (0.0883), adding 6.4960 to the total crime rate in Indianapolis.

How Safer Neighborhoods Compare to Citywide Averages

Indianapolis has many neighborhoods with average or above-average safety, where renters prioritizing security may choose to live. These neighborhoods outperform citywide averages on violent and property crime benchmarks. While Indianapolis’ city average crime rates sit at 3.008 per 1,000 residents for violent crimes and 14.2100 per 1,000 residents for property crime, many neighborhoods score well below this.

Geist, a quiet neighborhood with lake views, has a combined crime rate of 11.2670 per 1,000 people, which is 34.6% below the Indianapolis average. Police presence for commercial activities and the nearby marina ensures a higher level of awareness and safety in the neighborhood.

South Franklin is an area that is even safer as a whole, with a violent crime rate of 1.0230 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 4.1360 per 1,000 residents. South Franklin’s combined crime rate of 5.1590 is a whopping 70% below the citywide average.

How We Identified Indianapolis’ Safest Neighborhoods

To find the safest neighborhoods in Indianapolis for renters in 2025, we scoured the data, looking at relevant crime statistics alongside population data and local rent prices. This approach emphasizes the accuracy of data and its relevance to renters.

Violent and property crime rates benchmarks were set against citywide and national averages. We focused on having a low crime rate per capita, not just the raw total, for an accurate representation of safety for daily life in these neighborhoods. Cross-referencing this with 2025 rent data enabled us to identify neighborhoods that are both safe and affordable. Last, we factored in walkability, access to amenities, and school rating to offer other quality-of-life indicators that matter to renters.

Whether you’re moving to Indianapolis for the first time or relocating within the city, this list contains the safest places to live in Indianapolis, supported by data.

Data Sources and Time Frames

Our rankings are built from a multisource dataset covering the most recent crime and rent trends in Indianapolis:

• Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department 2023 Annual Report
• FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Crime Database (finalized 2023 data)
• Apartment List rent estimates (Q2 2025, >8,000 active listings). We also cross-referenced Apartment List data with neighborhood data from Apartments.com and RentCafe.com to give you the most accurate snapshot of rents across Indianapolis as of mid-2025.
• U.S. Census American Community Survey (2024 population estimates)

Ranking Factors (Crime Rate, Rent, Amenities, Commute)

Each Indianapolis neighborhood was analyzed with the following factor weightings:

Factor Weights

• Crime rate (50%): Based on combined violent and property crime per 1,000 residents; lower rates score higher.
• Rent affordability (20%): Average one‑bedroom rent compared to city average ($1,452); neighborhoods below the average score are better.
• Amenities (20%): Composite metric including:
  • Parks per square mile (scored 0-10)
  • Walk score (0-100)
  • Grocery stores within one mile (0-5)
• Commute (10%): Average peak-hour drive time to Downtown Indianapolis; shorter commutes yield higher scores.

Each neighborhood on this list received the best scores compared to the overall neighborhoods in Indianapolis.

Crime-to-Rent Ratio Explained

Crime‑to‑rent ratio: The number of reported crimes per $1,000 of average annual rent. Lower ratios mean you get more safety for every dollar you spend on housing costs.

For example, if a neighborhood reports 100 crimes per year and the median rent is $1,500 per month ($18,000 annually), the crime-to-rent ratio would be 5.56 crimes per $1,000 of rent.

The crime-to-rent ratio is helpful for renters seeking affordable housing in the safest neighborhoods. The ratio allows you to consider both and shows which areas offer the best value.

7 Safest Indianapolis Neighborhoods for Renters

Interested in safe areas in Indianapolis? These are the seven best neighborhoods offering a mix of renters’ favorite features, like low crime rates, approachable prices, and strong communities. Our selection of seven neighborhoods is backed by 2025 data on violent and property crimes, rental prices, and safety initiatives.

Allisonville

Affordable, steady, family-friendly

• Violent crime: 2.007/1,000
• Property crime: 14.280/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,080
• Crime‑to‑rent ratio: 1.26

Allisonville is a quiet, northeast neighborhood with mature trees, established housing, and convenient access to shopping centers like Castleton Square. The area offers residents a suburban feel, featuring family-friendly streets and local parks.

A visible police presence and active neighborhood watch programs help keep crime rates low. Violent crime is 2.007 per 1,000; property crime is 14.280 per 1,000, with theft at 7.301 per 1,000 and vehicle theft at 5.507 per 1,000. The neighborhood’s well-lit streets and community patrols contribute to safety. The average commute time to Downtown Indianapolis is 25 minutes by car.

Geist

Lakeside suburb with security

• Violent crime: 1.711/1,000
• Property crime: 9.556/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,216
• Crime‑to‑rent ratio: 0.77

Geist surrounds a large reservoir and offers lakefront homes, trails, and scenic roads. It attracts both families and retirees looking for outdoor space and quiet streets. Commutes to Downtown Indianapolis take 30 to 35 minutes by car.

Violent crime is just 1.711 per 1,000, and property crime is 9.556 per 1,000. Gated communities and homeowners association patrols are standard in many subdivisions. Police maintain active surveillance in the marina and adjacent commercial areas.

South Franklin

Quiet, budget-conscious safety

• Violent crime: 1.023/1,000
• Property crime: 4.136/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,274
• Crime‑to‑rent ratio: 0.34

South Franklin is a residential area characterized by a low cost of living, low crime rates, and proximity to neighborhood parks and schools. It’s roughly 20 to 25 minutes from Downtown Indianapolis by car, offering a suburban lifestyle with manageable commute times.

A consistently low crime rate supports its reputation as a secure neighborhood. Violent crime occurs at just 1.023 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 4.1361 per 1,000. Local law enforcement maintains a strong presence, and street lighting is widespread.

Hill Valley

Quiet southside living

• Violent crime: 2.996/1,000
• Property crime: 16.380/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,092
• Crime‑to‑rent ratio: 1.48

Hill Valley is a residential area on the south side of the city, offering affordable and

family-friendly living. Homes in this area tend to have larger yards, and the mix of midcentury character with modern updates makes it an appealing neighborhood for both renters and buyers.

While overall safety is good, Hill Valley experiences some scattered incidents, mostly related to property crime. Violent crime is 2.996 per 1,000; property crime is 16.380 per 1,000. There’s a visible police presence, and most streets are well lit. Commute times to Downtown average 25 to 30 minutes via Interstate 65 or South Meridian Street.

Broad Ripple

Youthful cultural hub

• Violent crime: 2.385/1,000
• Property crime: 15.400/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,510
• Crime‑to‑rent ratio: 0.98

Broad Ripple is a vibrant neighborhood known for its nightlife, arts scene, and access to the Monon Trail. It draws young professionals and students, creating a lively atmosphere.

Crime is moderate, with violent crime at 2.385 per 1,000 and property crime at 15.400 per 1,000. Theft (7.920 per 1,000) and vehicle theft (6.005 per 1,000) are more common near entertainment spots. The commute to Downtown is roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car.

Nora-Far Northside

Green, family-friendly, walkable

• Violent crime: 1.992/1,000
• Property crime: 14.930/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,163
• Crime‑to‑rent ratio: 1.21

Nora-Far Northside is a quiet neighborhood north of Broad Ripple known for its green spaces, walkability, and proximity to the Fashion Mall at Keystone. It offers well-maintained homes and access to good schools.

Community patrols and neighborhood associations support safety, with violent crime at 1.992 per 1,000 and property crime at 14.930 per 1,000. Theft and vehicle break-ins occur but are generally infrequent. Commute times to Downtown are 25 to 30 minutes by car.

Meridian-Kessler

Historic Gem

• Violent crime: 5.976/1,000
• Property crime: 19.070/1,000
• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,356
• Crime‑to‑rent ratio: 1.54

Meridian-Kessler combines historic homes with walkability and proximity to Butler University and the downtown area. It’s popular for its local shops and green streets.

Crime rates are higher than in many neighborhoods, with violent crime at 5.976 per 1,000 and property crime at 19.070 per 1,000. Theft and burglary are more common in commercial corridors. Active neighborhood associations and police engagement help mitigate risks. Commute times to Downtown average 15 to 20 minutes by car.

Neighborhood Comparison: Crime, Rent, Commute at a Glance

Average Rent Differences Across Ranked Neighborhoods

In Indianapolis, rent prices remain moderate across the board, with one-bedroom apartment averages ranging from $1,080 in Allisonville to $1,514 in Nora-Far Northside. That’s a difference of $434 per month, even though both neighborhoods offer high safety scores and family-friendly amenities.

However, higher rent doesn't always guarantee lower crime. For example, while Meridian-Kessler has one of the highest average rents at $1,356, it also has the highest violent and property crime rates among the ranked neighborhoods. Meanwhile, South Franklin, with one of the lowest crime rates, has a middle-tier rent of $1,226, making it a great value for safety-conscious renters.

Average Commute Time to Downtown Indianapolis

We calculated Indianapolis commute times (2025) from each ranked neighborhood to Downtown Indianapolis. Car times reflect typical weekday traffic (8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.), and public transit estimates use official route data.

From Allisonville

• Downtown Indianapolis (via Binford Boulevard): 25 minutes
• Downtown Indianapolis (via public transit): N/A

From Geist

• Downtown Indianapolis (via Fall Creek Road): 33 minutes
• Downtown Indianapolis (via public transit): N/A

From South Franklin

• Downtown Indianapolis (via IN-135 N): 22 minutes
• Downtown Indianapolis (via public transit): N/A

From Hill Valley

• Downtown Indianapolis (via I-65 N): 28 minutes
• Downtown Indianapolis (via public transit): 1h 21 min (approximate)

From Broad Ripple

• Downtown Indianapolis (via Boulevard Place): 22 minutes
• Downtown Indianapolis (via public transit): 35 minutes (approximate)

From Nora-Far Northside

• Downtown Indianapolis (via North Meridian Street): 28 minutes
• Downtown Indianapolis (via public transit): 1h 8 min (approximate)

From Meridian-Kessler

• Downtown Indianapolis (via North Meridian Street): 18 minutes
• Downtown Indianapolis (via public transit): 35 minutes (approximate)

Choosing the Right Safe Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle

Finding a neighborhood that’s suitable for you requires looking at more than one category. While safety is important, you may also want to consider nightlife, walkability, or affordable housing.

Transit-Friendly Yet Safe Areas If You Don’t Own a Car

If you're car-free but still want peace of mind, these neighborhoods offer strong safety scores and public transit access:

• Broad Ripple* (walk score 70)* \ Key Routes: Access to IndyGo Red Line rapid transit, walkable nightlife and grocery stores; direct Monon Trail connection
• Meridian-Kessler (walk score 60) \ Key Routes: Served by IndyGo routes 19 and 26; many blocks near North College Avenue are pedestrian-friendly with bike lanes
• Nora-Far Northside (walk score 32) \ Key Routes: Nearby Red Line access via 91st Street connector

Many Indianapolis neighborhoods offer first-/last-mile transit, such as e-scooters (available in parts of Broad Ripple and Meridian-Kessler), neighborhood car-share services, and Indiana Pacers bike-share stations along the Monon Trail.

Up-and-Coming Affordable Pockets to Watch

Affordability doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t have to live in the middle of nowhere to feel safe. Several neighborhoods are growing in popularity and offer stronger safety levels, all with lower rents:

• South Franklin: Low violent and property crimes with an average one-bedroom rent of $1,274, and not far from Downtown.
• Hill Valley: A strong sense of community in a quiet suburb.
• Broad Ripple: An area with more nightlife, art, and a decent safety rating, with an average rent of $1,510.

Key indicators include:

• New mixed-use construction (retail + residential).
• Three-year crime trend decline in IMPD stats.
• Increased lighting, surveillance, or community patrols.

Check Block-Level Safety Before Signing a Lease

Safety varies from one street to another. Before signing a lease, check out your new address.

1. Read through community safety apps like Citizen, Nextdoor, and SpotCrime for recent reports.
2. Plan a nighttime visit to the neighborhood to look for working streetlights, foot traffic, and the overall feeling of safety.
3. Speak with the landlord about current security features, such as smart home technology like smart locks, video doorbells, or motion-sensor lights.

Planning ahead for your safety can help you avoid surprises and make you feel more comfortable in your new home.

How Apartment List’s Quiz Matches You Faster

Apartment List’s AI-powered quiz takes less than 90 seconds and uses your preferences—like price range, daily commute, and safety concerns—to offer personalized, secure listings that fit your lifestyle. It’s built to help you skip the scrolling and start leasing smarter.

Take the quiz and see your matches today. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indianapolis’ Safest Neighborhoods

Which safe Indianapolis neighborhoods offer the lowest average rent?

Allisonville and Hill Valley are the top-ranking neighborhoods for safety and affordability, with the average one-bedroom apartment rent under $1,100 and violent crime rates below the citywide average.

Are there safe neighborhoods close to Downtown Indianapolis?

Yes, South Franklin and Nora-Far Northside are safe neighborhoods near the downtown area. South Franklin has a violent crime rate of 1.023 per 1,000 people, and Nora-Far Northside has a violent crime rate of 1.992 per 1,000 people.

How current is the crime data in this guide?

All crime data reflects incidents filed between 2022 and 2023 from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, data from CrimeGrade.org from 2025, and information from the FBI’s NIBRS system.

What online tools help monitor neighborhood safety?

Renters can use real-time alert apps like Citizen to view nearby incidents or look at heat maps on CrimeGrade.org.