West Tucson?

[AzHuny]

(Ok, I was trying to be fair and unbiased, but I will let you know that St. Mary's, the hospital down the road, will not let their nurses or staff walk out to their cars alone because of incidents that have happened there)

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Chowhound

I had to go about 35 or 40 miles a few weeks ago and it took 2.5 hours. I'm sure it couldn't be that bad in Tucson.

This mileage easily takes 1-1.5 hours - non-rush hour. Have you not heard - there are NO cross-town freeways!

[Kim Kloes]

Hi Holamis: I'd be interested in hearing how things turn out for you. I'm in the same boat...want to relocate early next year and have never even been there. Not sure how smart that is but I feel ready to settle in somewhere and Tucson seems like a good mix of all the things I like to do. Please keep in touch and let me know what you learn. Thanks!

[dontbanme]

Originally Posted by AzHuny

(Ok, I was trying to be fair and unbiased, but I will let you know that St. Mary's, the hospital down the road, will not let their nurses or staff walk out to their cars alone because of incidents that have happened there)

Not sure where you got that info from. I have friends at that hospital who never got that memo. The Anklam side of the hospital is the main road, well lit, with cops always around the ER area. The only thing which you gotta be careful about is don't start crossing road without walk signal (as a lot of nurses there appear to do).

As for the dark back side (also called anklam), there are always a plenty of cars parked there by young people who are going hiking (or something). I have driven there at 10pm (coming back from gym) and seen young girls in short shorts and sports bra and such, so I doubt it is that bad of an area.

I live just west of greasewood and Anklam and it is a very nice area. Never heard of crime in neighborhood in past 5 years, the views are very nice (Starr Pass and all), and it is home to many fairly expensive homes.

I myself will move to North Tucson in couple of months to be near my friends and all, but have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this area.

[TucsonKent]

As a real estate agent, I can't legally tell you whether one neighborhood is "nicer" than another (and the fact that one person's definition of "nice" is different from another's) - however, these links might be helpful for you:

Tucson Police Department Interactive Crime Maps: http://tpdinternet.tucsonaz.gov/Stats/Def.aspx

Pima County Sheriff Crime Maps: http://www.pimasheriff.org/Page/506/Show.aspx

[color=Black]Just copy & paste the links into your browser - and you can get information on any address or area in the Tucson Metro.

[AzHuny]

Originally Posted by dontbanme

Not sure where you got that info from. I have friends at that hospital who never got that memo. The Anklam side of the hospital is the main road, well lit, with cops always around the ER area. The only thing which you gotta be careful about is don't start crossing road without walk signal (as a lot of nurses there appear to do).

As for the dark back side (also called anklam), there are always a plenty of cars parked there by young people who are going hiking (or something). I have driven there at 10pm (coming back from gym) and seen young girls in short shorts and sports bra and such, so I doubt it is that bad of an area.

I live just west of greasewood and Anklam and it is a very nice area. Never heard of crime in neighborhood in past 5 years, the views are very nice (Starr Pass and all), and it is home to many fairly expensive homes.

I myself will move to North Tucson in couple of months to be near my friends and all, but have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this area.

When my brother was a nurse there, he was told that and helped a lot of the female nurses to their cars every night, and that was the general rule. I don't know if it is still in place, but was going off of that knowledge.

[sandstorm6]

I have to weigh in for anyone else who's considering moving to the West Side. I live just north of Pima Community College and I love the area. It's quiet and safe and there are nice, reasonably priced neighborhoods - and upscale areas, too. It's so safe, I often forget to lock my car (in the carport) and my roommate usually leaves the front door unlocked. (She shouldn't but she does.) I've never felt unsafe.

You can find some great neighborhoods in and near Starr Pass; Desert Montage subdivision off West Anklam; the Whispering Bells area off Ironwood Hill, etc. It's a quick ride to I-10 and best of all, there are tons of hiking trails and washes in the area - some of my favorites are Starr Pass, Saguaro National Park West and the new Sweetwater Preserve.

I agree with other posters that it's best to avoid areas between I-10 and Silverbell. Look west of Greasewood and you should be fine. The only thing we lack, IMHO, is a Trader Joe's and some better, more varied restaurants. Mostly we have bar food and Mexican.

[Sssunfish]

I've worked in the area near that Pima branch. It's definitely a place you don't want to walk alone. If you're taking night classes, ask if the college has a safety patrol that will walk you to your car. If I had a choice, I'd choose another branch, perhaps NW area. I'm moving from NW (Marana) to be closer to downtown. It's also an area where you have to be alert but I can't say I've ever been afraid. If you're taking AM classes check out the SunTran routes to see where you can get an express bus. As a student monthly passes are dirt cheap. You can live on the outskirts and enjoy a pleasant ride instead of the hassle of driving. BTW, the downtown Pima branch does not have SunTran access except if you hike a bit or take the local shuttle to a SunTran stop.

[Sssunfish]

Originally Posted by dontbanme

Not sure where you got that info from. I have friends at that hospital who never got that memo. The Anklam side of the hospital is the main road, well lit, with cops always around the ER area. The only thing which you gotta be careful about is don't start crossing road without walk signal (as a lot of nurses there appear to do).

My first question is why are the cops always around? Also with the budget crunch I doubt cops will be around much longer. You're blessed to have had no problems. Take a look at the crime stats for the area.

[szupergipsy]

I recommend for anyone moving to Tucson to get a concealed permit first thing. Or at least a very good pepper spray. I have never seen so many loose large breed dogs (talking pits etc) in my life than on the West side. Sometimes I have a feeling that the shelter on Silverbell sets a few free by "accident."
In Tucson I always get the uneasy feeling that crime can happen anywhere at anytime.