Indianapolis ranks among the 50 'worst' places to live in America

Jessica Hice | IndyStar

Show Caption Hide Caption Indy doesn't rank well in these things Indiana and its heart of Indianapolis have topped lists for its restaurant scene and impressive airport. Unfortunately, we fall to the bottom when it comes to gender equality, parks and fitness.

Indianapolis is among the "50 worst American cities to live in," according to 24/7 Wall St., an online financial news and opinion website.

Indianapolis ranked 39th. Two other Indiana cities, Gary (No. 29) and South Bend (No. 47), also appear in the ranking.

"One of the most dangerous cities in the country, there were 1,288 violent crimes for every 100,000 Indianapolis residents in 2015, far more than the violent crime rate nationwide of 373 incidents per 100,000 Americans," the website said. The site also said "serious financial hardship" is more common in Indianapolis than in other cities in the state.

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Such national rankings, best and worst, are commonplace for Indianapolis, but a city official didn't dispute the assessment.

Taylor Schaffer, communications director for the city, said she understands why Indianapolis is on the 24/7 Wall St. list.

"It’s undeniable that the 2015 public safety statistics and poverty rates were unacceptable," Schaffer said in an email. "These issues are what motivated Mayor Hogsett to run for mayor."

Schaffer said the mayor is working toward safer and more prosperous neighborhoods.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed data on the 551 U.S. cities with a population of 65,000 or more. Based on a range of variables, including crime rates, employment growth, access to restaurants and attractions, educational attainment and housing affordability.

South Bend made it on the list because the cities poverty rate is 25.9 percent, according to 24/7. The typical household earns almost $20,000 less a year than the $55,775 national figure.

Gary had a poverty rate of 29.8 percent. According to 24/7 Wall St., the city has a "stagnant" job market and a "relative lack of business."

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said she understands why the city ranked poorly.

"There is no question that the city has struggled in most categories," Freeman-Wilson said in an email.

"But like most legacy cities where leaders have had to re-calibrate their economy and address years of challenges precipitated by the decline of manufacturing, Gary officials are working together to address those factors."

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg was unavailable for comment.

But not all is bad for Indiana.

Carmel was ranked the best place to live in America, according to Niche.com in April. Nearby Fishers ranked as the 16th best place to live.

Also earlier this year Indiana's government was rated by U.S. News & World Report as the best in the nation.

That ranking came out shortly after U.S. News & World Report ranked Indianapolis as the No. 55 best place to live in the U.S.

Indy is feeling the love Gone are the days of Indianapolis being overlooked as a top American city. Indy is getting more and more recognition for being one of the best places to be.

Jessica Hice is a Pulliam Fellow at the Indy Star. Call her at (317) 444-7437. Follow her on Twitter @Jess_Hice