When it comes to visiting or moving to Phoenix, there are certain neighborhoods that should be avoided. Central City (except the area around Central Avenue), Alahambra, Encanto, South Mountain, North Mountain, Glendale, and Maryvale are all neighborhoods that should be avoided due to their high crime rates. Central City is a predominantly working-class neighborhood with extreme boundaries. With 134,116 people living there, most residents complain about drug trafficking and a lot of shooting.
It is recommended to avoid it after 9 pm or move in groups, especially for women. Alahambra has a total crime rate of 6,825 per 100,000 residents, which is 165% higher than the national average. It is labeled as one of the worst neighborhoods in Phoenix and residents should avoid walking alone in the west. Laveen is a diverse area with 55,112 people living there.
Rumor has it that there are more people involved in criminal business in Laveen than in other parts of the city. Crime is quite high in many areas here, making Laveen one of the areas to avoid in Phoenix. Maryvale has 3,553 property crimes and 784 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 24 chance of being a victim of crime here.
Tukee is known as the world's largest cul-de-sac and is located in lower Phoenix below South Mountain. With approximately 80,000 people living there, Tukee is only known for minor offenses and never violent. The total crime per resident is 1,796 and this neighborhood is safer than 84% of Arizona cities. Five Neighborhoods Top List of Places to Avoid When Visiting or Moving to Phoenix are Central City, South Mountain, Valeen, Alhambra and Encanto. Although the reports of other violent crimes are not that high, the number of rapes alone is enough to make it one of the most dangerous places to live in Arizona.