Indianapolis Investing

[Jasmine C.]

I am trying to research more about investing in Indianapolis.  On home facts it says that Indianapolis has a high crime rate.  should I stay out of that area and find something on the outskirts? Could any investors in the area share their experiences?

Thank you for your help

[Matthew Schroeder]

@jasmine calio @David Y.  

Posts like this are always humorous because you have to put all data information into proper context.  

Note:  I am not trying to convince you whether Indianapolis is good or bad or to sell you anything - you can make up your own mind, but consider the following facts.

Consider that the Indianapolis MSA (metropolitan statistical area) is, in terms of size/area, approximately 5 times greater than the entire Island of Oahu!  

In terms of population, the Indianapolis MSA is approximately 2x greater than the Honolulu MSA. 

Now, if someone asked you about the crime rate on the entire island of Oahu, how would/could you answer?  What would you include in your answer in terms of determining if it was high/moderate or low crime - Kahala or Waimanalo, Kapolei or Chinatown, Waikiki/Diamond Head or Mililani?

In terms of David's comments, Sugar Land is part of the greater Houston area.  Last year, I spent time looking at investment properties in Missouri City (which is very close to Sugar Land), and I think Houston is a great market for investing.  If someone sent you the following story about Houston crime, would you say that you shouldn't invest in Houston?

Houston Homicides Up 59% in the 1st Quarter of 2015

http://www.breitbart.com/texas/2015/04/05/hold-houston-homicides-up-59-in-first-quarter-of-2015/

Once again, I am not trying to convince you that Indianapolis is a good or bad market!  I am just pointing out that you need to put the information into proper context.

Good luck!