Phoenix, Arizona, consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in America and seems to be surrounded by fans at every turn. However, Phoenix has so many wonderful neighborhoods that not everything can be perfect. What about Phoenix’s poorest areas?
Phoenix is not crime-free, but it’s close enough to avoid large proportions. Familiarize yourself with good and bad neighborhoods for better safety. So here’s a list of the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ. (Photo: TravelSafe Abroad)
There will always be a few places that are, let’s just say, a little less than savory in a city this size. Sure, the entire city seems to radiate easel-worthy sunsets and tacos at every turn, but let’s look at the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix if you’re considering making it your home.
Why is it that people advise against residing in southern Phoenix?
A large portion of Phoenix’s southern region has a negative “look” to it. A lot of that is related to dilapidated housing that needs work, junk-filled yards with chain-link fences around them, and cracked and split sidewalks. However, many of the older neighborhoods in the city’s south are just that—old.
Many of these homes are occupied by people who have been there for 60 years or more and have no intention of moving. Neighborhoods like Alahambra and Encanto are home to many blue-collar families and elderly families, and once you get to know the area, you often realize that it is generally safe as long as you exercise caution. Let’s take a look at some of the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix.
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CENTRAL CITY
A 36,903-person neighborhood in Phoenix, Central City offers an urban-suburban mix with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, and its residents tend to lean liberal. However, it is still included as one of the Worst Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ.(Photo: iStock)
It is known as the urban village of Phoenix and is situated in the city’s historic district. The downtown area, which has a population of about 56,000, is also included. But is Phoenix’s downtown safe? There used to be a lot of crime in this area, but that was decades ago. Today’s frequent crimes are those that are common in sprawling urban areas. Among them are muggings, car break-ins, panhandlers, open shootings, and panhandling. 9,988 crimes are committed per every 100,000 people, with violent crime being 508% higher than the national average that’s why it is being considered as one of the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix.
There are different levels of safety in this area. Going further East from Central Avenue or further North from Van Buren will make you feel safer. Similarly, if you travel further West or south from Central Ave, you might start to feel unsafe.
Phoenix’s central business district has the most police officers per capita in the entire city.
ALAHAMBRA
The crime rate in Alhambra is 165% higher than the national average. Much of the crime here is theft. As a rule of thumb, locals say the safest part of Alhambra is east of highway 17. That’s why it is included on list of the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ. (Photo: Trulia)
Here, 134,116 people live in a predominantly working-class neighborhood with strict boundaries. The majority of locals lament the prevalence of shooting and drug trafficking that’s why it is being considered as one of the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix. With the constant cop shakedowns, the loud racing cars, and Grand Theft Auto, it looks like a GTA scene. 6,825 crimes are committed overall per 100,000 people, including 5,489 property crimes. Alahambra’s crime rate is 165% higher than the national average. One of Phoenix’s worst neighborhoods is listed here.
You would feel safest in this neighborhood to the east of 17. The Grand Canyon University Hotel has consistently received positive feedback regarding its security.
The police are obviously present in this area, which is significant.
ENCANTO
Phoenix’s Encanto neighborhood, with 54,980 residents, is a top Arizona destination. However, it is still included as one of the Worst Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Around 54,600 people live in this quiet neighborhood. Home invasion attempts and small-scale property crimes are the kinds of crimes that occur in this area. This is reflected in the crime report as 5,205 crimes compared to the overall crime rate of 6,328 crimes per 100,000 residents. With 2,384, theft accounts for a larger portion of property crimes. However, the crime rate is 145% higher than the national average that’s why it is being considered as one of the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix. .
In this neighborhood, the majority of the people power walk everywhere but west. It seems risky to cross 15th west. For women in particular, it is advised to avoid it after 9 o’clock at night or to walk in groups.
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