What are the 6 reasons why Hikarigaoka is said to be "dangerous"?

Hikarigaoka, located in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, is a town that at first glance seems like a nice place to live, with plenty of nature and large commercial facilities. However, some people have negative opinions, such as "It's dangerous" and "I don't want to live there." The reasons for this are many, including the inconvenient access, the atmosphere unique to housing complexes, concerns about public safety, and the lack of entertainment for young people.

Here, we will explain in detail the six main reasons why Hikarigaoka is said to be ``awesome'' based on real word-of-mouth reviews and statistical data.

Access is inconvenient as it is only accessible via the Toei Oedo Line

Hikarigaoka Station is located at the end of the Toei Oedo Line, and it is often pointed out that it takes a long time to access major areas.

For example, it takes more than 30 minutes to get to Shinjuku, and you need to transfer once to get to Tokyo Station. Since there are many areas in Tokyo where multiple lines are available, many people find the fact that it is only the Toei Oedo Line to be a problem.

In particular, people who value convenience when commuting to work or school tend to have the impression that "Hikarigaoka is somewhat inconvenient to access," and this is one of the reasons why they feel it is "bad."

There are many large housing complexes and they have a unique atmosphere.

Hikarigaoka is known as one of the largest housing complexes in Tokyo, with apartment complexes such as "Hikarigaoka Danchi" spreading out around the station. Many people find it difficult to adapt to the unique scenery and community atmosphere of this housing complex.

On social media, there are also comments such as "it feels like the Showa era" and "it has a closed-off atmosphere," and young people and single people in particular tend to avoid them. In addition, there are also opinions that the buildings in densely populated areas are close to each other, which causes privacy concerns and noise issues.

The reason why people think that "having a lot of housing complexes is bad" is because they feel uncomfortable about this unique lifestyle and culture.

There are not enough restaurants and entertainment facilities

There is a large shopping mall called "Hikarigaoka IMA" around Hikarigaoka Station, but there are not many restaurants or entertainment facilities. Most of the stores are family restaurants and chain stores, and there are only a few privately owned cafes and trendy gourmet spots.

Additionally, there are few entertainment facilities for young people, such as karaoke, game centers, and movie theaters, so some people say they have to go out of their way to other areas on weekends.

Especially for those seeking excitement and an active lifestyle, Hikarigaoka is easily perceived as an unsatisfying town, which is one of the reasons why it is rated as "terrible" and "boring."

Are you worried about public safety? Some people say the streets are dark at night.

Hikarigaoka is an area of Nerima Ward that is rarely considered to be dangerous, but some people who have actually lived there say that the streets are dark and scary at night.

It is true that some people feel uneasy about crime, especially in areas with many large housing complexes and parks and little foot traffic. There are limited streetlights in some areas around Hikarigaoka Park, and visibility can be poor at night. Although the crime rate itself is low, there are a certain number of people who feel that the area is "unsafe" or "dark and unsettling," including the atmosphere and psychological sense of security, which has led to the image that "Hikarigaoka is dangerous" being spread.

Some people feel that the rent is too high

While Hikarigaoka is popular as a redevelopment area, it has been pointed out that the average rent is by no means cheap, even though it is only serviced by a single line, the Toei Oedo Line.

There are properties in the 80,000 to 90,000 yen range for a 1K and over 150,000 yen for a 2LDK, and many people feel that it is "a little expensive" compared to other areas in Nerima. Also, many of the properties are in housing complexes or old apartment buildings, and they are sometimes evaluated as "not worth the rent."

For young people and single people who place importance on value for money, the rent levels in Hikarigaoka are a source of dissatisfaction, and are one of the reasons they feel it is "not worth it" and "bad."

A little too calm for young people

Hikarigaoka is rich in nature and parks, and is a popular town for families with children and seniors, but at the same time, there are also many young people who say that it is "too quiet" and "not stimulating enough." There are few places to play or night spots, and the commercial facilities are mainly aimed at families.

People in their 20s and 30s who live alone tend to feel that the entertainment options and liveliness of the town are lacking. There are also opinions such as "It's easy to live in, but boring" and "It's hard to invite friends over", and as a result, it is a town that is not often chosen by young people. This point has led to the evaluation that "Hikarigaoka is not suitable for young people = it's dangerous".

Reviews and experiences from people who have actually lived there

The evaluation of Hikarigaoka is not only negative, such as "It's terrible" or "I don't want to live there." People who currently live there or have lived there in the past have a wide range of opinions, including dissatisfaction with accessibility, mixed opinions about the housing complex, and positive comments about the rich natural environment.

Here, we will focus on the "gaps" in the living environment of Hikarigaoka that are evident from real word-of-mouth reviews, and summarize the actual situation that can be seen by living there.

Dissatisfaction with access and convenience

The most common opinion among reviews is that it is inconvenient to get to the city center. Hikarigaoka Station is the last stop on the Toei Oedo Line, and many people are dissatisfied with the long travel time to major areas.

for example,

• "It takes 30 to 40 minutes to get to Shinjuku or Shibuya."
• "Commuting is a hassle because there are so many transfers"

These kinds of comments have been posted on social media and review sites. The lack of JR or other private railways in the area also seems to be seen as a negative factor in terms of convenience. For those who value access to transportation, this is likely to lead to reviews such as "Hikarigaoka is a town that lacks convenience," which is one of the reasons why it is considered "bad" and "difficult to live in."

On the other hand, there were also positive reviews such as "There is a lot of greenery and it is comfortable."

While there are negative comments, there are also many positive comments such as "Hikarigaoka has a lot of greenery and is a comfortable place to live." The area's natural surroundings, including Hikarigaoka Park, are highly popular among families with children and seniors.

for example,

• "It feels so good that a morning walk becomes a daily routine."
• "It's rare to have this much nature in Tokyo."

We have received comments like these. The fact that there is a lot of greenery not only in the park but throughout the town, and that you can live while feeling the change of seasons, is a big attraction for people who seek a peaceful lifestyle. In particular, Hikarigaoka is rated as a "comfortable and ideal town" for people who want to avoid noisy downtown areas or who lead a lifestyle centered on remote work.

People have different impressions of housing complexes and parks

When talking about Hikarigaoka, the presence of large housing complexes and a vast park is an essential part of the area. However, impressions of the area vary greatly from person to person.

While there are negative comments such as, "There are too many housing complexes and it feels too residential," and "It gives off an old, dark impression," there are also positive reviews such as, "Even the housing complexes are clean and well-maintained," and "The relationships between people are warm and traditional."

In addition, while Hikarigaoka Park has been praised for being "large and perfect for families" and "convenient for having barbecues," there have also been comments such as "it's unsettling at night when there aren't many people there" and "it's prone to flooding so care must be taken."

In other words, major city features such as housing complexes and parks are points on which opinions differ depending on lifestyle and values, and this is the background to the polarized word-of-mouth that says "Hikarigaoka is amazing" and "It's easy to live in."

Check out the real situation in Hikarigaoka | Public safety, rent, shopping environment, etc.

While there are voices saying "Hikarigaoka is terrible" and "I don't want to live there," what is the actual living environment like there?

Here, we will objectively check factors that directly relate to real life, such as the safety of the area around Hikarigaoka Station, average rent, and ease of shopping. Based on data and surrounding facilities, we will look at the real attractions and issues of Hikarigaoka that you should know before moving in.

The security situation is actually average within Nerima Ward.

People tend to have the impression that Hikarigaoka has dark streets at night and many housing complexes that make it unsafe, but when you look at the actual number of crimes that occur, it is roughly average for Nerima Ward.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's public safety statistics, the public safety around Hikarigaoka Station is not significantly different from other areas considered to be safe, and serious crimes such as snatch thefts and robberies tend to be very rare. In particular, there are regular patrols and patrols around Hikarigaoka Park and the housing complex, which provides a certain sense of security for families with children and the elderly.

Whether an area is safe or not depends on personal perception, but looking at the numbers, it seems fair to say that Hikarigaoka is a relatively safe area, contrary to the impression that it's "dangerous."

Shopping facilities are abundant, including "Hikarigaoka IMA"

Hikarigaoka has a very good shopping environment, and the large shopping mall "Hikarigaoka IMA" directly connected to the station is a prime example. There are supermarkets, drug stores, 100 yen shops, fashion stores, restaurants, electronics stores, and more, so you can get almost everything you need for daily life here.

In addition, large facilities such as "Livin Hikarigaoka" and "Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital" are dotted around the area, and the infrastructure for daily life is very well developed. Although there are few shopping streets, the fact that you can shop efficiently at chain stores is a big attraction. In terms of convenience for shopping, Hikarigaoka is one of the most livable towns in Tokyo.

The average rent in Tokyo is medium to slightly higher.

The average rent in Hikarigaoka is slightly higher than in the entire Nerima ward.

• One-room apartment/1K: Approximately 80,000 yen
• 1LDK to 2LDK: Approx. 130,000 to 150,000 yen

In particular, properties in the Hikarigaoka housing complex, UR rental properties, and public corporations are popular, and even if a vacancy occurs, it tends to be filled quickly. In addition, there are also newly built condominiums and tower apartments, so properties aimed at families tend to be in the higher price range.

On the other hand, it is true that some people feel it is "overpriced" when considering the balance between the convenience of transportation access and the age of the building. For those who value cost performance, other areas in Nerima Ward (Heiwadai, Hikawadai, etc.) may be an option.

For those who are still unsure! 3 recommended stations near Hikarigaoka

While Hikarigaoka has its charms, many people have concerns about the poor accessibility and the atmosphere of the housing complex, which they don't like.

Here we will introduce three carefully selected "livable stations" that are relatively close to Hikarigaoka, convenient for commuting and daily life, and have good public safety. All of them are located in Nerima Ward or its surrounding areas, and are easy to compare with Hikarigaoka. Please use this as a reference to find the lifestyle that suits you.

Nerima Station | Good access and safe environment

Nerima Station is a major transportation hub on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Toei Oedo Line, and Seibu Yurakucho Line, and offers excellent access to Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya.

Unlike Hikarigaoka, it is served by multiple train lines, making it extremely convenient for commuting to work or school. There are also plenty of shopping streets, supermarkets, and restaurants around the station, making it popular with a wide range of people, from singles to families.

In addition, with a police box and police station nearby, there is a sense of security, and many people say they feel less anxious when returning home at night. It is popular as a "highly integrated town" that has a good balance between distance from the city center, convenience for daily life, and security.

Shakujii Park Station | A relaxing atmosphere surrounded by nature

Shakujii Park Station is an express stop on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and is easily accessible, taking just 10 minutes to Ikebukuro. The area is also surrounded by lush greenery, including Shakujii Park, which is also in the station's name, making it the perfect area for those looking for a quiet and peaceful lifestyle.

The streets are well-maintained, the security is good, and there are stylish independent shops such as cafes and bakeries scattered around. It is popular with a wide range of people, from families with children to single people. Rental properties are a little expensive, but it is a very satisfying choice for those who value the quality of their living environment.

It's a town that combines convenience and relaxation, and can be said to be a hidden gem that is an alternative to Hikarigaoka.

Narimasu Station | Low rent with access to the Tobu Tojo Line

Narimasu Station is an express stop on the Tobu Tojo Line, and is easily accessible with Ikebukuro only a 10-minute train ride away. The area has relatively low average rent prices even within Tokyo. Furthermore, Narimasu Station on the Yurakucho Line and Fukutoshin Line is within walking distance, so the many options for routes to the city center are another attraction.

There are supermarkets, drugstores, and chain restaurants around the station, so you will hardly feel inconvenienced. The area is also generally safe, making it a more affordable place to live than Hikarigaoka for single people and young families who value cost-effectiveness.

This is an excellent area with a good balance of access, rent, and convenience.

FAQ

While researching Hikarigaoka, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that we come across on the Internet and on social media. We will explain in an easy-to-understand Q&A format the points of concern when actually living there, such as the conditions for moving in to the housing complex, the current state of security, and the child-rearing environment.

Q. Can anyone enter Hikarigaoka Danchi?

There are several types of housing in Hikarigaoka Danchi, including UR rentals, metropolitan housing, and condominiums. There are no restrictions on income or occupation for UR rentals, so anyone can apply, but you must meet certain conditions, such as income screening and a guarantor.

On the other hand, since metropolitan housing is "for low-income households," there are annual income restrictions and a lottery system, and for single people, there are conditions such as living in Tokyo for a certain period of time. Condominiums can be purchased or rented as in normal real estate transactions.

In other words, it is not necessarily the case that "anyone can easily move in," and it is important to be aware that the conditions vary depending on the type of property.

Q. Is Hikarigaoka really unsafe?

Some people say that "Hikarigaoka has a bad reputation," but looking at the actual statistical data, the crime rate is not particularly high within Nerima ward, and is within the average level. In particular, the area around Hikarigaoka Park and the housing complexes is highly crime-conscious, with patrols by local residents and the local government.

However, it is true that some people find the area dark and scary due to factors such as the densely packed housing complexes and the lack of people in the parks at night. If you are concerned about safety, it is a good idea to check the atmosphere at night and whether or not there are street lights when choosing a property to feel safe.

Q. Is it suitable for families with children?

Hikarigaoka is a very attractive area for families with children. There are many spacious green spaces such as Hikarigaoka Park, so children can play freely. The shopping mall "Hikarigaoka IMA" directly connected to the station has supermarkets and medical facilities, making it convenient for daily life.

There are also many nurseries and elementary schools, and the area is highly regarded for its educational environment. On the other hand, the area is slightly less convenient for transportation than the city center, but considering the balance between the calm living environment and the cost of living, it is especially popular as a place where you can raise children with peace of mind.

summary

While there are a certain number of negative reviews about Hikarigaoka, such as "it's dangerous" and "I don't want to live there," the area is actually highly rated for its convenience and living environment. It's true that it's somewhat inconvenient to access, with only one line on the Toei Oedo Line, and some people are put off by the large number of large housing complexes. Also, depending on your lifestyle, there are some points that can be viewed as negative, such as the darkness of the streets at night and the lack of entertainment facilities.

On the other hand, it has an environment that combines nature and convenience, such as Hikarigaoka Park and a shopping mall directly connected to the station, making it a very attractive town for families with children and those looking for a calm lifestyle. Statistics also show that public safety is average within Nerima Ward, so it is premature to conclude that it is "dangerous" based on only a few images.

If you are unsure about Hikarigaoka, you can consider alternative areas such as nearby Nerima Station, Shakujiikoen Station, or Narimasu Station, which are easy to live in. Ultimately, it's a good idea to compare the pros and cons of Hikarigaoka and make a decision based on your lifestyle and the points you want to prioritize.