Living around the Tucson mall area? Decently safe? (Pima: crime, townhomes)

[Katera]

Townhomes around the Tucson mall area appear to be somewhat affordable and close to tons of amenities. I was just wondering what the general vibe was like around the mall. Is it considered safe etc. Trying to read the crime reports is an exercise in frustration. I was more interested in Tucson residents impressions.

Thanks!

[JGMotorsport64]

Originally Posted by Katera

Townhomes around the Tucson mall area appear to be somewhat affordable and close to tons of amenities. I was just wondering what the general vibe was like around the mall. Is it considered safe etc. Trying to read the crime reports is an exercise in frustration. I was more interested in Tucson residents impressions.

Thanks!

Crimereports.com maps out crime for the whole city (it ain’t pretty).

North and east are generally quite nice and fine. West of the mall is fine but can be hit or miss. South of the mall gets into more miss than hit but has nice spots too. In general, it’s easier to find nice homes on or north of River and the patio homes along River generally have private access to the Rillito River Walk (a huge +)

[Bummer]

Interesting question, Katera . . .

When I purchased my Patio Home literally blocks from the Tucson Mall, it was strictly a year or two temporary decision until I "settled in" and became more familiar with Tucson overall.

About twenty (yes, 20) years later I am still in the same Patio Home.

There is definitely NO PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE but considering all of the positives vs the negatives . . . the positives definitely win. Crime is everywhere but Common Sense is paramount.

[Katera]

Thank you both.


We are huge walkers so being able to walk outside is an enormous + to us. Time to research this Rillito River Walk.

[grmi66]

Nothing beats just walking and driving around the area. See the caliber of vehicles parked in the complex's parking lot and if you get a chance chat with people that live in the area.

My brother is a Pima County Sheriff's Deputy and he's told me to view the crime map within the Tucson city limits with caution. Tucson's police chief is gaming the crime stats to make things look better. The crime map for things in Pima County that the sheriff's department covers is generally more accurate. What that means is breaking and entering is now listed as criminal trespassing unless the police catch someone in the act with an armful of stolen property. Some assault cases are downgraded to disturbing the peace.

Because the actual city limits of Tucson stop at River Road for the most part, anything north of River will be patrolled by PCSD. They are understaffed, so while their reporting is more accurate they simply don't have the manpower to respond to many calls. Many deputy's (including my brother) won't even bother to pull over speeders unless you are doing at least 15 MPH over the limit. The River Road area is patrolled pretty well, the sheriff's office has a good presence from River Road up to the Foothills. Not like other spots in the county where my brother is the only law enforcement officer within a 25 minute radius.

One thing though PCSD is good for is they do not put up with homeless camps in the county. They will highly recommend that homeless people relocate over the city line and make Tucson their home.

[steiconi]

Originally Posted by JGMotorsport64

Crimereports.com maps out crime for the whole city (it ain’t pretty).

North and east are generally quite nice and fine. West of the mall is fine but can be hit or miss. South of the mall gets into more miss than hit but has nice spots too. In general, it’s easier to find nice homes on or north of River and the patio homes along River generally have private access to the Rillito River Walk (a huge +)

I'm outside city limits, SW of Tucson. That crime map makes my neighborhood look very safe, which matches my experience of it.

[dkryder]

Crime would be on par with many other areas but traffic will be close to the worst.

[Achi WaWa]

My impression is that the Mall area has gotten a little sleazier over the last few years...Still not as bad as a little further south toward city center... During the day it's fine but i wouldn't go over there after dark very often.
But then, if you live in a neighborhood long enough you tend to view the local issues differently than looking in from the outside...

[Katera]

Great. I really appreciate the insight.