Where is the absolute worst, rock bottom part of Phoenix? (Mesa: HOA, crime)

[Blue Grass Fever]

My vote goes for Maryvale. (i believe that's what it is referred to..) The area of Van Buren and 35th Ave to Thomas/McDowell/Roosevelt along/by the interstate.

I lived there for a bit, fastfoward taking my wife to show her where i used to live, my wife just about freaked out and asked 'how could you live here?!'.

I remember south Phoenix being 'rock-bottom' the few times i've been there.

Another area which seemed like the twilight-zone was the area along Buckeye Rd. all the way from 35th Ave to around downtown. Is that what they call 'junk-yard alley'? (lol)

I'm still trying to figure out what's worst-Detroit or Phoenix?! (lol)

BTW-Anyone knows where they keep busting these drop-off houses in Phoenix? I just happened to see it on the internet news and was wondering where are they busting/raiding the drop-off houses in Phoenix. Curiousity got me wondering.

[Arizona Annie]

Originally Posted by Blue Grass Fever

BTW-Anyone knows where they keep busting these drop-off houses in Phoenix? I just happened to see it on the internet news and was wondering where are they busting/raiding the drop-off houses in Phoenix. Curiousity got me wondering.

They don't seem to be in any one area. I've noticed they seem to be in newer housing communities in either the East side or the West side, but there doesn't seem to be any specific area they target. Sorry, I know this doesn't help much.

[ArizonaBear]

For whatever it is worth:

With the illegal immigrants petrified @ the upcoming Employer Sanctions Law they are definitely clearing out of Arizona-------which will likely cause many areas to improve.

[Arizona Annie]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

For whatever it is worth:

With the illegal immigrants petrified @ the upcoming Employer Sanctions Law they are definitely clearing out of Arizona-------which will likely cause many areas to improve.

Unfortunately, I have heard they are waiting. Waiting to see if the sanctions are stopped before they even start. After the sanctions were announced to begin January 1st I heard many were planning to leave, but then the usual pro-illegal groups were fighting it and the illegals were deciding to wait and see. From what I have heard they are waiting until December (when many go home for the holidays) and then depending on the outcome, they may not return.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Arizona Annie

Unfortunately, I have heard they are waiting. Waiting to see if the sanctions are stopped before they even start. After the sanctions were announced to begin January 1st I heard many were planning to leave, but then the usual pro-illegal groups were fighting it and the illegals were deciding to wait and see. From what I have heard they are waiting until December (when many go home for the holidays) and then depending on the outcome, they may not return.

I live on the edge of a (probably) illegal immigrant enclave and the neighborhood is definitely thinning out.

[vegaspilgrim]

So do you think the "ghettoization" of Phoenix is just a current phenomenon or do you see it as a trend that will continue far into the future? What areas that are decent areas today do you think will go downhill within the next 20 years?

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

So do you think the "ghettoization" of Phoenix is just a current phenomenon or do you see it as a trend that will continue far into the future? What areas that are decent areas today do you think will go downhill within the next 20 years?

Truth? Many of the newer subdivisions built in the last 15 years.

I keep sensing that Gilbert will have severe ghetto problems.

Tempe will remain 'clean'-------too much money and political influence there.

I also have a bad feeling about Maricopa.

[Arizona Annie]

Originally Posted by ArizonaBear

I live on the edge of a (probably) illegal immigrant enclave and the neighborhood is definitely thinning out.

Thank you Bear. That is so good to hear. I haven't seen that in my neck of the woods yet. I suspect there are a lot of illegal aliens in my area and so far they are staying put for the most part.

[Arizona Annie]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

So do you think the "ghettoization" of Phoenix is just a current phenomenon or do you see it as a trend that will continue far into the future? What areas that are decent areas today do you think will go downhill within the next 20 years?

I agree with Arizona Bear. I also truly believe we will see an improvement in most areas after January 1st, if not before. As many of the people you were talking about before, return to their own country, or at least leave Arizona.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

So do you think the "ghettoization" of Phoenix is just a current phenomenon or do you see it as a trend that will continue far into the future? What areas that are decent areas today do you think will go downhill within the next 20 years?

It's been a constant over the many years I have been here. "Entry level" neighborhoods go rental and then downhill. The Maryvale area was once middle class, clean, new and reasonably desirable. Slower income growth as the US workers are forced to compete globally and the retirement of boomers may slow or even halt neighborhood decline in the coming years, though. Also, older subdivisions rarely had functioning HOAs to help keep up the appearances of the homes while virutally all developments today have potentially effective HOAs.

I disagree with posters who say the neighborhoods will improve if the illegals leave after the employer sanctions law becomes effective. The illegals who leave will be the ones with jobs or those who want to work. The ones who stay will be the drug dealers, smugglers, and criminals who make their living outside the law.

As for the worst area, 15th Avenue and Buckeye.