Thoughts on this Neighborhood? (Phoenix: apartment, to rent, crime)

[AquarianFire]

My fiancee and I are currently looking to rent a house for a couple of years while we save for a down payment on a house to purchase. Currently, we are living in a small 600 SF apartment near Bethany Home and 16th Street.

We've found a couple of homes in this neighborhood that fit our needs and are reasonably priced. Does anyone have an opinion on this neighborhood? We drove around and it seemed nice and quiet and we love the park nearby, but you never know in Phoenix! Looking for thoughts on this area, east side of the park in-between Joan De Van Arc and Wood:

[observer53]

I can't tell from this map what area you are asking about. Can you just give the street boundaries?

[grmi66]

I lived in an apartment in the area a few years ago. From what I remember it's a working class neighborhood for the most part other than small pockets of houses tucked in next to the mountains. Quick access to I-17 and all of your shopping will be on Bell Road. In my opinion not a bad neighborhood, but not a great neighborhood either.

[AquarianFire]

Originally Posted by observer53

I can't tell from this map what area you are asking about. Can you just give the street boundaries?

Sure! Between 19th ave and 23rd ave and between Thunderbird and Wood. It's in the upper area of the map/picture I posted.

[Jkgourmet]

My brother lives in an apartment at 19th Ave and Thunderbird. He is reliant on public transport and that area works well for him - but he also walks long distances.

Just north of him, the area is older but okay. To the south, it's older with sections that are a little better than okay, with the important exception of around metrocenter mall. He goes to that library about 5x per week and makes sure that he is out of there before dark. To the east and North, you've got bell road which is very, very convient for virtually everything.

Just a side note that's rhetorical. Wouldn't you save more down payment money quicker if you rented a larger apartment instead of a house? When you take SFR utilities, etc into account, I'm betting you're goal would be reached sooner in an apartment.

[Thomasaz]

That area is mostly a working class neighborhood, from what I recall. Based on a cursory look on crime map, it seems like the area is relatively safe. I think the worst area near there is the parts of I-17 at and south of Metrocenter. The further north of that area, the better it usually is. Obviously, areas change block to block, especially in the older established parts that you're looking at.