How safe is Garfield historic district? (Phoenix: apartments, for rent, violent crime)

[JATraveller]

Well, I thought I was going to move to Phoenix and work at the ASU West campus, but now it turns out I'll be working at the downtown campus instead. Unfortunately, we won't be able to visit again before we move down with our houseful of earthly belongings.

So -- help, please! Now we're looking for a smallish house to rent, either short biking distance from downtown or very near light rail. We don't want to pay more than $1000 rent (preferably less). We have an infant and two dogs -- which means that we want a fenced yard and a neighborhood in which we can walk about comfortably. It also means that we're less worried about break-iins than some folks because our dogs bark up a holy racket if anyone rattles a doorknob without our knowledge. We are used to a city feel and enjoy ethnic diversity. We prefer historic neighborhoods.

Previously, I was looking at parts of Sunnyslope and the more affordable areas of North Central. Now I'm scouring craigslist for houses. duplexes, townhomes for rent nearer downtown. (Apartments aren't out of the question, but we'd really like at least a small fenced yard for the dogs. Found a house that looks perfect in Garfield, but I'm not sure if the neighborhood is safe enough.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

[Robert A]

Garfield is block by block. It'll be tough to know if you're getting a gem without actually driving by. Have you looked in some of the neighborhoods just north of Downtown? I know there are some deals to be had in Coronado, and that's only a mile away.

Where is the home in Garfield located?

[JATraveller]

It's at 10th St. and Garfield.

[Robert A]

Might be helpful to run crime stats at the Phoenix Police site.

CRIME STATISTICS

I looked at a couple spots around there and it confirmed what I felt: the blocks north of Roosevelt are a better bet as far as safety goes. That said, 10th and Garfield is fine. I've noticed the neighborhood starts to change once you get past 11th or 12th. The closer you are to 7th, the better. The biggest problems in the neighborhood are burglary and a little drug crime. Very little violent crime to speak of.

[fcorrales80]

The way Garfield has been described by Robert A is true. The closer to 16th St. the "worse" the neighborhood becomes. Closer to 7th St., the area is nice. There is little violent crime in the neighborhood as most crime in the area tends to be larceny (taking from your property with the intent to defraud; differs from burglary because there is no forceable entry but a trespass). Basically, like ANY area even with low larceny rates, do not leave bikes and expensive items in the front yard.

Most of my friends in the Garfield neighborhood are either grad students, artists, and long time residents who have begun transforming the neighborhood and refurbishing the historic homes.

[_Charles_]

I would pass on Garfield for now. Parts of that section of town are still bad and quite risky. Not violent crime per se but lots of burglaries, theft and vandalism. Instead focus on these zip codes 85016, 85014 and 85013 - these areas are just north of downtown in central Phoenix. You should be able to find something affordable in better neighborhoods.

[isanora]

I teach in Garfield neighborhood. The neighborhood is not safe. I have sixth and 7th graders involved in gangs in that neighborhood and have experienced my students being jumped by gangs and beat up pretty badly. Garfield is known for gang activity, theft, threats, and violence. I would not raise my baby in this neighborhood.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by isanora

I teach in Garfield neighborhood. The neighborhood is not safe. I have sixth and 7th graders involved in gangs in that neighborhood and have experienced my students being jumped by gangs and beat up pretty badly. Garfield is known for gang activity, theft, threats, and violence. I would not raise my baby in this neighborhood.

Yes, the Garfield district isn't the best in terms of inner city neighborhoods, especially if you're looking for a safe area. If people want a house in a nice neighborhood close to the central city, I always like to recommend the Palmcroft, Willo, or Encanto sections. They'll pay a much higher price, but I'm a firm believer that you get what you pay for.

[observer53]

You might have to find something for the short term, even if it's an apt, to give yourself time to look around and find the right place.

As others have suggested, I'd also check around to the west side of Central, going up 7th Ave. Public transit access is still good there, too.