Best and Scariest Neighborhoods? (Phoenix, Scottsdale: living in, store, moving)

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by WSPHXPELON

Uh, Central & Jefferson is actually really nice now. That was several years ago that it used to be a bum hangout. Take a look at it now! https://goo.gl/maps/1hivouP9qFA2

Uhhhh, I live here. I know what it looks like. Yes, its nice, but there are still too many transients. Next time you're at that intersection, look at the SE corner of Central and Jefferson, just across the street from where the construction site is. There are always bums over there, sleeping on the sidewalk, panhandling, begging for cigarettes. Its actually been getting worse the last few weeks. I think they walk up there from their bridge hangout, since its so close.

[sargeant79]

Originally Posted by WSPHXPELON

Yeah, I do. There are a bunch of transients in that area 24/7 due that that shelter and others nearby. Idk if you have ever been there...But if you haven't, go there, get out of your car for over 5 minutes and then post back if you don't think it's the "scariest" part of the city. Not trying to demonize the homeless, but I have been there. It's worse than any gang neighborhood in the whole city IMO.

I've been on that block. I haven't spent significant time out of my car on foot right there, but I wouldn't be too concerned about doing so. I'd probably be concerned about my car getting broken into if left unattended for just about any length of time, and I'd probably prepare to have multiple people ask me for money with varying levels of assertiveness. But none of that is going to make me think of that block as the scariest part of the city. I'm not sure if you're worried about getting jumped by a mob of homeless people but I don't consider that possibility to be very likely.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

Uhhhh, I live here. I know what it looks like. Yes, its nice, but there are still too many transients. Next time you're at that intersection, look at the SE corner of Central and Jefferson, just across the street from where the construction site is. There are always bums over there, sleeping on the sidewalk, panhandling, begging for cigarettes. Its actually been getting worse the last few weeks. I think they walk up there from their bridge hangout, since its so close.

Why should we go out of our way to look for blight?

Additionally the technical definition for Downtown is very small, what is considered versus what is Downtown are two different things.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

Why should we go out of our way to look for blight?

Additionally the technical definition for Downtown is very small, what is considered versus what is Downtown are two different things.

How does driving down PHX's main thoroughfare and seeing bums equate to "going out of my way to look for it"? Im not going out of my way to look for it. The problem exists literally on almost every street corner.

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by BIG CATS

How does driving down PHX's main thoroughfare and seeing bums equate to "going out of my way to look for it"? Im not going out of my way to look for it. The problem exists literally on almost every street corner.

Every corner? Where? The adjacent area south of Downtown? sure, there's blight, but what is your purpose for going down there? There really isn't one unless you want to (1) connect to I17 or (2) are wandering around looking for blight. It's just old houses and abandoned buildings there is no purpose to the area for passing through without actively seeking to do so.

Is Phoenix the only town with homeless people? Is Phoenix the only place where they gather under bridges for shelter?

I live in Central Phoenix and I'm shocked at how negatively you portray this area, some of it is downright dishonest.

[BIG CATS]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

Every corner? Where? The adjacent area south of Downtown? sure, there's blight, but what is your purpose for going down there? There really isn't one unless you want to (1) connect to I17 or (2) are wandering around looking for blight. It's just old houses and abandoned buildings there is no purpose to the area for passing through without actively seeking to do so.

I live in Central Phoenix and I'm shocked at how negatively you portray this area, some of it is downright dishonest.

One of my clients is right there, that's why Im always in that area. Im downtown at least 3-4 times a week, and since their business is right off Central, its only fitting that I... gasp... take Central!


Its not dishonest in any way. I say what I see. Go drive under that bridge today on the northbound side. Stay in the right lane and look at all the bums that live under there. Then watch the SE corner of Central and Jefferson. Then watch the NE corner of Central and Monroe. Then the NW corner of Van Buren. You cant miss those bums. One of them literally yells all afternoon. Have you all not seen him? He's a downtown "icon".


Yesterday I was stuck at the light on Central and Glenrosa... got hit up for money up there, too. I get bothered all over the place. I jump onto Glendale or Bethany Home to get on the 51 and I get pestered by bums. I turn down Shea and get bothered at Tatum. I go to the gas station at Shea and Scottsdale, get bothered there. Its a HUGE problem here.

[FirebirdCamaro1220]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

Why should we go out of our way to look for blight?

Additionally the technical definition for Downtown is very small, what is considered versus what is Downtown are two different things.

The "technical" definition of downtown is 7th St to 3rd Ave from Jackson St to Fillmore St. I personally consider downtown 16th St to 19th Ave from Buchanan St to I-10/Culver St

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by FirebirdCamaro1220

The "technical" definition of downtown is 7th St to 3rd Ave from Jackson St to Fillmore St. I personally consider downtown 16th St to 19th Ave from Buchanan St to I-10/Culver St

That sounds like the old "Copper Square" take on things. There are many such definitions but most of the ones that I have seen go from 7th St to 7th Ave and go farther north to at least Roosevelt. Some reach McDowell but that seems silly. I-10 works for me. The city's Downtown Code for zoning goes up to McDowell and includes the properties on the north side of the street.

[FirebirdCamaro1220]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

That sounds like the old "Copper Square" take on things. There are many such definitions but most of the ones that I have seen go from 7th St to 7th Ave and go farther north to at least Roosevelt. Some reach McDowell but that seems silly. I-10 works for me. The city's Downtown Code for zoning goes up to McDowell and includes the properties on the north side of the street.

That official boundary I gave is from the City itself.

[pbenjamin]

Not trying to argue, can you show me the source?