by Nimbus Couzin » Wed Feb 15, 2012 11:51 pm
While I don't think it is extremely dangerous, there is certainly a lot more crime in Old Louisville (and downtown) than where I live now (the Highlands). When I lived on First street, between St. Catherine and Oak, my car had its window broken out and was ransacked while parked right outside my house on First street. Also, my garage was broken into on multiple occasions. And my house itself was broken into (items stolen included stove and fridge!). Someone tried to steal a copper pipe from my washing machine connection, leading to a flooded basement! Crack addicts, most likely. Aggravating, and expensive. I grew up in Chicago, and consider myself fairly streetwise, and there were several guys in the surround blocks who I'm pretty sure had significant drug problems. Drugs are expensive, and addicts can't hold down a job, thus they turn to petty theft typically.
In the Highlands, nothing. If I forget to lock my car doors at night, no problem. I can leave kids bikes out front, strollers on the porch, basketballs in the driveway, etc, no problems. You should lock your doors still, but it is nice to know it probably wouldn't matter if you forgot.
Oh. Also, in Old Louisville, the college students I ended up renting my house too were mugged in the neighborhood. It was after midnight, and they were girls, so probably not super wise to be out, but again the danger/risk levels are significantly higher than a few miles away where I live now.
I'm not trying to be a downer on living downtown, but you need to go in there willing to realize dangers increase after dark, and you'd better keep your belongings locked up tight. Do a little research before you sign the lease.
Dr. Nimbus Couzin