15 Areas to Avoid in Phoenix, AZ [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As an avid traveler and tourist, I’ve had the chance to explore many different cities across the country. One place that always stood out to me was Phoenix, Arizona. With its beautiful desert landscape and sunny weather year-round, it seems like the perfect vacation destination. However, like any major metropolitan area, Phoenix has some neighborhoods that are better to avoid, especially for visitors who aren’t familiar with the layout of the city. As someone who has spent time exploring Phoenix as a tourist, I wanted to provide a helpful guide to the areas you may want to avoid when traveling to this Southwestern gem.

When visiting a new city, safety should always be a top concern. While Phoenix has plenty of safe, vibrant communities, there are certain parts of town that tourists and newcomers may want to steer clear of. In this article, I’ll outline some of the key areas to avoid in Phoenix if you want to have a hassle-free trip. Having prior knowledge of the city’s potentially dangerous pockets can help travelers avoid unsafe situations and focus on enjoying the abundance of cultural and natural offerings this desert city provides.

See Also:

• Things to do in Phoenix
• Best Hotels in Phoenix

Areas to Avoid in Phoenix

1. Central City/Central Village

Central City, sometimes referred to as Central Village, is a neighborhood located just north of downtown Phoenix. Many years ago, this area was a thriving residential and business district. However, as development stretched further out into the Valley, Central City fell into decline and poverty. Unfortunately, high rates of crime and gang violence persist in this area today. As a tourist, I would avoid spending time in Central City, especially after dark. There isn’t much to see in terms of attractions, and the risk of becoming a victim of crime is too high.

2. Alahambra

Bordered by Interstate 10 to the north and Interstate 17 to the east, Alahambra is another Phoenix neighborhood that is best avoided. The crime rate in Alahambra is amongst the highest in the metro Phoenix area. Violent crimes like aggravated assault and robbery occur at a rate of over double the national average. Illicit drug trade is also a major issue. As a visitor unfamiliar with this area, I felt quite unsafe walking the streets. Unless you have a specific reason to visit someone in Alahambra, I would avoid this neighborhood altogether. The risk of being caught in the midst of criminal activity is too severe.

3. Encanto

Encanto is a residential area located in central Phoenix, just northwest of Sky Harbor Airport. Given its proximity to the airport, tourists may find themselves passing through Encanto when coming in and out of town. However, Encanto is one area where you don’t want to linger. Crime rates here are very high, with violent crimes occurring at nearly 4 times the national average. Gang violence and drug trafficking are persistent issues. As a visitor, I would only travel through Encanto when absolutely necessary. Taking safety precautions like keeping doors locked and avoiding walking alone at night are a must in this high-crime zone.

4. South Mountain

Known for the iconic South Mountain Park, this area’s natural beauty belies some unsafe conditions. The neighborhoods that border the southern slopes of the mountain are collectively referred to as South Mountain. High rates of gang activity and drug-related crimes make many parts of this area dangerous. As a tourist, I would stick to enjoying hiking and outdoor activities within South Mountain Park itself during daylight hours. Venturing into surrounding residential areas of South Phoenix is not advised. Getting lost in unfamiliar neighborhoods could put you in a dangerous situation fast. Stick to the scenic trails within the park for a safe outdoor experience.

5. Maryvale

Located on the west side of Phoenix, Maryvale is a lower-income residential area with high crime rates that exceed the already high averages for the city. Substance abuse and gang violence are ongoing issues in this urban neighborhood. As a visitor unfamiliar with Maryvale, I would avoid spending prolonged time there. Basic sightseeing and traveling through the area by car during the day is generally safe. However, walking around Maryvale, especially at night, puts you at risk of becoming a victim. Unless you have a specific reason to visit someone in this area, it’s best to avoid lingering.

6. Laveen

Laveen sits towards the outer southern region of Phoenix city limits. While not as dangerous as some central Phoenix neighborhoods, Laveen has higher than average crime rates for Arizona as a whole. As a tourist, I found that many parts of Laveen felt deserted and isolated. Outsiders traveling through could become targets for theft, violence, or other crimes. For this reason, I would avoid hanging around Laveen for extended periods. Passing through by car during the day is fine, but nighttime brings increased risks. Visitors and tourists should steer clear of dimly lit side streets and other potentially dangerous situations.

7. North Mountain

The urban neighborhoods that border North Mountain Park to the north of downtown Phoenix have always had high rates of crime and poverty. As an outsider traveling through North Mountain, I encountered drug activity, gang violence, and a general sense of danger. Hiking and enjoying North Mountain Park during daylight hours is fine. However, I would avoid the surrounding neighborhoods, especially after dark. The mix of isolation, poverty, and criminal activity in North Mountain makes it an area tourists should avoid for their own safety.

8. Estrella

Found in the outer western region of Phoenix, Estrella is characterized by lower-income housing, strip malls, and sparse amenities. Crime rates are high in this predominately residential area, with violent crimes occurring at nearly double the rates of surrounding areas. As a visitor, the barren landscape of Estrella made me feel isolated and vulnerable when driving through. I would advise tourists to avoid this area. The risk of car theft or violence is simply too high in Estrella to justify visiting. There are no attractions worth seeing that necessitate braving this bleak and potentially dangerous part of town.

9. Camelback East

Camelback East flanks the upscale neighborhood of Paradise Valley and contains its own mix of incomes and demographics. Some parts of Camelback East are perfectly safe. However, you want to be cautious around the areas east of 20th Street down to around 40th Street. Gang activity, drug use, violent crimes, and theft are more prevalent in these specific borders. As a whole, Camelback East is safe during the day. But as a tourist unfamiliar with the area, I would avoid spending time here at night when criminal activity spikes. By being cautious and avoiding poorly lit side streets, you can safely travel through the safer western half of Camelback East during your Phoenix visit.

10. New Village

Bordered by Interstate 17 to the west and 7th Street to the east, New Village is a small central Phoenix neighborhood with high crime rates. The streets feel eerily empty and neglected. As an outsider driving through, I felt very out of place and unsafe. Impoverished conditions and high frequencies of drug use and gang violence make New Village an area I would strongly recommend tourists avoid. There is no reason for visitors to spend time here. New Village should be passed through cautiously via major roads during the day or avoided altogether after dark for your own safety.

11. Deer Valley

Deer Valley refers to the far northern stretch of Phoenix that blends into unincorporated county land. Lower-income housing and relative isolation characterize much of the area. Parts of northern Deer Valley have especially high rates of violent crimes. Gang activity and drug use are ongoing issues. As a visitor unfamiliar with Deer Valley, I did not feel safe spending prolonged time there due to a lack of infrastructure, isolation, and the prevalence of crime. I would recommend that tourists avoid this area or drive through it very cautiously during daylight hours at the minimum. But venturing into Deer Valley after dark poses unnecessary risks.

12. Paradise Valley

Despite its elegant, upscale name, parts of Paradise Valley pose safety risks to visitors and tourists. The neighborhoods between 32nd Street and 40th Street, as well as from Cactus down to Thunderbird, have higher crime rates fueled by gang violence and drug activity. Petty theft and property crimes also frequently occur in these borders. As a whole, Paradise Valley is quite safe during the daylight hours. However I would avoid spending prolonged time in the aforementioned high crime zones, especially at night when risk increases. By practicing general street smarts, tourists can still safely enjoy most of Paradise Valley’s luxury resorts and amenities during their Phoenix vacations.

13. North Gateway

North Gateway refers to the area along Interstate 17 between 7th and 7th Avenue north of downtown Phoenix. It contains a mix of businesses and lower-income housing. As a visitor, I found North Gateway to feel eerily deserted and rife with criminal activity, even during the day. Steering clear of dimly lit side streets and keeping your car doors locked is crucial in North Gateway. The high incidence of drug use, violent crime, and theft make North Gateway an area I’d implore tourists to avoid if possible. There are no pressing reasons for visitors to spend time here. Drive through cautiously during the day or avoid completely to maximize safety.

14. Desert View

Desert View encompasses Maryvale’s eastern neighborhoods, sitting west of Interstate 17 near the area’s northern edge. Chronic substance abuse issues among residents fuel high local crime rates. As an outsider traveling through, I encountered groups loitering about and sensed potential danger even during the daytime. Desert View’s relative isolation yet the density of lower-income housing creates unsafe conditions. Visitors should avoid spending unnecessary time here, especially after dark. Maintain vigilance, keep doors locked, and avoid stopping if you have to drive through Desert View. But staying away completely is the safest option.

15. Ahwatukee Foothills

Finally, the scenic Ahwatukee Foothills region contains some isolated danger zones. Although mostly upscale, areas east of 48th Street down to around 56th Street have more crime related to gang violence and drug trafficking. As a visitor, I still felt safe enjoying Ahwatukee’s amenities during the day. But avoiding the far eastern residential stretches near Chandler at night. Overall, following basic safety precautions will allow tourists to continue enjoying Ahwatukee’s upscale offerings. Simply remain vigilant after dark and avoid isolated areas far from the center of town.

Conclusion

Phoenix, AZ offers visitors endless amenities, attractions, and natural beauty to enjoy year-round. However, as with any major city, tourists should take precautions and avoid spending unnecessary time in certain high-crime areas. By staying away from the neighborhoods outlined in this article, travelers can focus on safely enjoying everything else wonderful Phoenix has to offer. Being informed on areas to avoid in Phoenix allows tourists to maximize their safety and enjoy peace of mind while experiencing this southwestern gem. Just use common sense, stick to well-lit crowded areas, follow your intuition, and exercise basic street smarts. Practicing these simple safety measures will allow you to have an amazing Phoenix getaway free from worry.