Portland Now, Inc.

im a local in louisville but I live on the farther east side of the highlands and looking for a new place to live I have never really been or walked around portland so I dont know much about it but I have a 14 year old son and would he be safe taking tarc walking around in the daytime and night whats portland crime like I would just like to know all of the safety issues and preventions for portland thanks

Portland is as safe as any place can be now. We occassionally have some issues arise, but the First Divison of LMPD are on it very quickly. I have raised 5 children in Portland and they have had more safety concerns in their schools than in the neighborhood. As far as I know no one has had any problems with safety at tarc stops--just that they do not run very often. My 15 year old son has been wandering around the neighborhood day and night and has not complained of feeling unsafe. We do have  many liquor stores in the area as well as grocery stores that sell beer. But I do not think too much of a problem has come from that. The First Divison of LMPD is located in the neighborhood, so Police presence is very strong. They do stop kids if they are out too late. Most of this results in a trip to the substation and a call for parents to come and get them.  We have seen an increase in use of Crack in the neighborhood--but the police are taking them down pretty quickly also. I will say in the 70's and 80's I did not have a problem walking around the neighborhood any time night or day--but in the last ten years I have some concerns about this.  We have had many new people move in from the projects that have closed and in some cases they have brought the problems from there. Usually, the Police stop things really quickly. The Police work closely with the Neighbohood Association and reports are passed between the two--which means people feel a little better by reporting it to a Portland NOW member who then passes it on to the Major or Liaison officer.  

Portland NOW is doing a lot of things to improve the neighborhood and there are rumors that this neighborhood will be in demand before long. So, we have a lot of city departments and private people working to make Portland a neighborhood that is welcoming and wanted. I think this is the only place where you can have a coop full of birds and not get into trouble. Gardening also is popular. Truthfully, my thoughts on Portland is that it is a neighborhood of people who enjoy a rural setting--they like their privacy and their space but also are there when someone is in need--without being in the country. 

I have lived in other areas and have always returned to Portland. Housing is much more affordable than in other neighborhoods and we may not have a lot of shopping opportunities but there are plenty of grocery stores and most of the necessities are met in the neighborhood.  

Hi I have lived in portland for 42 years and it use to be the best place to live in louisville, but now I can't wait to get out. I have raised three of my four sons here with no problem but my fourth son makes me worry when he walks to the store. This would not be a safe place for your 14 year old, there is a lot of drugs and robberies around here and no the police do not help anyone. I am afraid to go to the local kroger alone in fear of being robbed or beat. Yes they have been doing that a lot here lately and no you will not here of any of this on the news for some unknown reason. It is up to you but I would find somewhere else for my son to be raised.

I am very sorry that you are fearful of the neighborhood. As a resident and someone who talks to other residents regularly I am surprised that I have not heard of a lot or robberies. Even in the crime reports I don't see that much more here than in any other neighborhood. I have never heard of anyone getting robbed or beaten at the local kroger, there is a substation there also. Portland Now would like to hear your comments about the safety issues if you care to attend. When I have had to call the police they have always been very helpful. Just recently the young men who were shooting people down her with bb's were caught the next evening. These young men were not residents of the neighborhood. So, it is people coming in from other areas that seem to be causing the problems. I hope that if you choose to move that you do find a very safe and affordable neighborhood.