What do you think of the neighborhoods in 85042 ? (Phoenix: low income, for rent)

[cruul]

Hi Guys,
We are a family of 4 with two small kids (5 and 3 yrs old). Planning to relocate to Phoenix in September from WA state. My future workplace sent me some info on houses for rent from some of their (former) employees. We have been looking at some pictures of a house in zip code 85042 area and like the layout. Just wondering what you guys think about that area. We are thinking of renting, perhaps rent to own. My eldest will start school next year too. Any opinions, observations are very much appreciated.
Thanks!

[Robert A]

Originally Posted by cruul

Hi Guys,
We are a family of 4 with two small kids (5 and 3 yrs old). Planning to relocate to Phoenix in September from WA state. My future workplace sent me some info on houses for rent from some of their (former) employees. We have been looking at some pictures of a house in zip code 85042 area and like the layout. Just wondering what you guys think about that area. We are thinking of renting, perhaps rent to own. My eldest will start school next year too. Any opinions, observations are very much appreciated.
Thanks!

As a general rule, I'd pass on 85042. There are new developments, but it is South Phoenix - higher crime than you'd likely be comfortable with. What cross-streets exactly?

[Bungle]

I've lived in 85042 for over 4 years and have no problems with crime or property damage...in fact this is the longest I've lived in one place in the Phoenix metro area where I have not had a break-in or damage done to a vehicle. I love how centrally located the area is...less than 10 minutes to downtown and the freeways...right by South Mountain for hiking, biking...also within a couple miles of some great golf courses (Legacy, Raven, Vistal). My wife and I do not have kids so I can't help with schools and such.

Anything else you'd like to know about the area feel free to ask.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Robert A

As a general rule, I'd pass on 85042. There are new developments, but it is South Phoenix - higher crime than you'd likely be comfortable with. What cross-streets exactly?

It's south, yes, but not "south Phoenix" in the sense that term has been used for as long as I can remember to describe the low income, higher crime area of south central Phoenix.

Originally Posted by Bungle

I've lived in 85042 for over 4 years and have no problems with crime or property damage...in fact this is the longest I've lived in one place in the Phoenix metro area where I have not had a break-in or damage done to a vehicle. I love how centrally located the area is...less than 10 minutes to downtown and the freeways...right by South Mountain for hiking, biking...also within a couple miles of some great golf courses (Legacy, Raven, Vistal). My wife and I do not have kids so I can't help with schools and such.

Anything else you'd like to know about the area feel free to ask.

This sounds more like what I have only observed about this area. Those who actually live there, like Bungle, are the best sources.

[Robert A]

Originally Posted by observer53

It's south, yes, but not "south Phoenix" in the sense that term has been used for as long as I can remember to describe the low income, higher crime area of south central Phoenix.



This sounds more like what I have only observed about this area. Those who actually live there, like Bungle, are the best sources.

You'll notice I asked for cross-streets. There are some legitimately rough neighborhoods in that zip code. It's no 85040 (on that we likely agree), but it's not all picket-fences and hopscotch, either.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by Robert A

You'll notice I asked for cross-streets. There are some legitimately rough neighborhoods in that zip code. It's no 85040 (on that we likely agree), but it's not all picket-fences and hopscotch, either.

I'm not arguing with you, but your first post and the above post are quite different. No one is saying it's all picket fences and hopscotch, but I think we need to be careful about perpetuating an impression that all of what is GEOGRAPHICALLY south Phoenix is presumed to be part of "south Phoenix" as we've all known it for years, unless the crime logs prove otherwise.

85042 is a VERY large area, looking at the map. Generally, I'd say the eastern end of that ZIP (which I am guessing is closer to where Bungle lives) would be quite different from, and preferable to, the western end.

More detail from the OP will help.

[cruul]

Guys, it's around S. 16th St. and Baseline Rd.
Some of what I heard about the area agrees with what bungle said. I also heard that in certain areas good/bad neighborhoods are pretty close to each other.

One more thing I heard is that when you get close to the metro Phoenix area, the heat never drops during the night. I am not too worried about the heat, just to be clear. But would be nice if it drops by few degrees by being further away.

[thedreamteam]

i live in 85041 near the cross streets mentioned and you should have no problems as long as you are south of baseline. there are many million dollar homes and gated communities in that vicinity. we are at 19th ave and Olney which is south of Dobbins. the hiking and wilderness of south mountain park is very close by and we feel very safe walking around the area at night. the phoenix police acedemy is also nearby and we actually spoke with some officers before we moved into the neighborhhod and they said they receive very little calls from the area, most of the trouble is closer to downtown (the broadway area). hope this helps.

[cruul]

Thanks thedreamteam. Good to get a perspective from a person living there.