10 Dangerous Neighborhoods In Tucson To Avoid: A Guide For Students

Tucson is regarded as one of the friendliest cities for students in the American Southwest, owing to its large number of students that exceeds 55,000 students each year due to the presence of the University of Arizona, Tucson College of Beauty, Southwest University of Visual Arts, and various other colleges. Life as a student in Tucson consists of cheap living costs, good weather, nightlife, a desert environment, and campus culture. Although the city is full of life, there are certain dangerous neighborhoods in Tucson that students should avoid for safety purposes. 

Tucson is more affordable than student metropolises such as Los Angeles or Phoenix. The monthly cost of living in Tucson ranges between $1,100 and $1,900. Shared accommodation in Tucson can be found in the area for around $750 – $950/month. The employment rate in Tucson is about 95.1%. 

Although Tucson still proves appealing to students in general, some regions have higher crime statistics in terms of theft, burglary, auto crime, drug crime, and antisocial behavior. Overall, the crime rate in Tucson still stands higher compared to the national average at around 39 per 1,000 residents, especially when it comes to property crime. The Tucson police crime map statistics show that the rate of violent crimes in Tucson is much higher compared to the national average, while theft and auto crime are particularly prevalent. The safety index of Tucson is around 44.8/100, which is moderate, but it is ideal to know about dangerous neighborhoods in Tucson to live more securely.

Dangerous Neighborhoods in Tucson

1. Amphi

Crime Rate: ~ 250 per 1,000 residents

Amphi remains the most dangerous neighborhood in Tucson. Its crime levels are 150% more than the national average; hence, it has a lot of socio-economic barriers to overcome. The levels of violent crimes in Amphi are high and are 173% higher than the national average. Assault and domestic disturbances are common reasons for police call-outs. Regardless of this, Amphi is known to have the most affordable student accommodation in Tucson.

2. El Río Acres

Crime Rate: ~ 243 per 1,000 residents

This dangerous neighborhood in Tucson is plagued by poverty as well as a crime rate that is 165 percent higher than the national average. In this particular part of the city, safety issues generally involve gang violence and drug abuse, although some efforts have been made to improve lighting. 

3. Barrio Hollywood

Crime Rate: ~ 231 per 1,000 residents

Although Barrio Hollywood is culturally rich and famous for its unique local restaurants, this dangerous neighborhood in Tucson experiences high property crime rates. Theft and burglary occur at 127% above the norm in Barrio Hollywood. “Opportunity crimes” such as motor vehicle theft and vandalism are common within this area, particularly near the Santa Cruz River parks. 

4. Dodge Flower

Crime Rate: ~ 222 per 1,000 residents

This particular dangerous neighborhood in Tucson is defined to some degree by its proximity to Grant Road and Alvernon Way, which is known to be the city’s most infamous intersection when it comes to policing. Statistically speaking, the odds of being a victim of a crime here are quite significant: 1 in 20 every year.

5. Doolen-Fruitvale

Crime Rate: ~ 207 per 1,000 residents

Due to its mid-town location, this particular area serves as a transit zone that, unfortunately, receives many cases of larceny and disturbances, making it one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Tucson. As a result of many apartments in the area, there are many reported cases of property arguments and auto thefts.

6. Palo Verde

Crime Rate: ~ 167 per 1,000 residents

Although Palo Verde is a favorite residential community with varied architectural structures, the crime rates in the area are about 67% above the national average. The rate of crime in Tucson is 82% above normal. Statistically, the odds of becoming a victim here are 1 in 26. This is mainly attributed to its strategic location, close to major shopping areas. Avoiding this dangerous neighborhood in Tucson is sensible. 

7. Alvernon Heights

Crime Rate: ~ 162 per 1,000 residents

This community is synonymous with the “Grant & Alvernon” corridor. There have been many calls for police service because of transients and drug activity. Although the crimes may be considered “nuisance crimes” (vandalism and trespassing), the frequency of crimes results in a high index rating, thus being regarded as a dangerous neighborhood in Tucson.

8. Mountain View

Crime Rate: ~ 158 per 1,000 residents

Mountain View is in Ward 3, an area with high crime rates in Tucson and high turnover for crimes among its residents. In turn, this phenomenon is often associated with an increased incidence of larcenies and automobile thefts. Even though this area is extensively policed, it is still a very dangerous neighborhood in Tucson due to its closeness to North-South arterials, making it susceptible to hit-and-run property crimes.

9. Blenman-Elm

Crime Rate: ~ 154 per 1,000 residents

It is an interesting case in that Blenman-Elm is one of the most sought-after areas for professors and doctors in the vicinity of the U of A. But this area scores very high, almost purely due to its property crime index. This can be attributed to the fact that it is one of the “wealthier” spots located among busy business districts. Despite its desirability, it is ideal to avoid living in this dangerous neighborhood in Tucson. 

10. Starr Pass (Lower)

Crime Rate: ~ 145 per 1,000 residents

Whereas the resort areas higher up are quite secure, the lower end of Starr Pass, which is near I-10 and the South side, experiences higher criminal activity. One's chances of becoming a victim are roughly 1 in 56, with auto thefts being the main problem because of the location by the highway, making it another dangerous neighborhood in Tucson to avoid. 

Safest Student Accommodation in Tucson

Despite the fact that there are dangerous areas in Tucson, there are many ways to find safe accommodation with amenities to ensure the safety of students. Students seeking safe accommodation options in Tucson neighborhoods like Houghton, El Presidio, El Montevideo, and El Conquistador should generally favor apartments that have restricted entry, CCTV surveillance, on-site management, and are located close to the campus.

• Yugo Tucson Campus, Tucson - $679/ per month - Includes amenities such as a gated community and 24-Hour emergency maintenance. 
• Malibu, Tucson - $1259/ per month - Includes amenities such as professional management and private parking space. 
• Entrada Real, Tucson - $599/ per month - Includes amenities such as professional on-site management, individual liability leases, 24/7 on-call staff, and a courtesy patrol officer. 
• The Pacific, Tucson - $899/ per month - Includes amenities such as private parking and professional management. 
• Aspire Tucson, Tucson - $1145/ per month - Includes amenities such as key-fob security, on-site management, and parking spaces. 

Know Where to Find Help in Tucson

There are various services that students in Tucson can use in order to be safe when studying in Tucson. This table summarizes every contact point for safety purposes.

How amber Helps Students Stay Safe

Amber enables both local and foreign students to have safe accommodation in Tucson by:

• Verifying student accommodation
• Having secure CCTV surveillance and restricted access
• Neighborhood suggestions that are suitable for students
• Purpose-built accommodation near the university
• Maintenance and management staff on the premises

Safety Tips for Students in Tucson

• Research the safety of the area before renting a place
• Do not walk alone through secluded areas at night time
• Lock all your belongings, including bikes, cars, and valuables
• Make use of ride-sharing apps or public transport after parties
• Be cautious in nightlife spots near the city center of Tucson
• Keep important numbers saved in case of any emergency
• Select places that have good security systems

Final Thoughts

Tucson, Arizona, continues to be an appealing choice for students due to various factors like low cost, pleasant weather, the presence of universities, and lively student life in Tucson. Though certain regions of Tucson have higher crime rates, students will not experience any problems by choosing safe accommodations and taking necessary precautions.

Most students will prefer living close to the University of Arizona as well as other safe zones, while being cautious about the dangerous neighborhoods in Tucson.

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