Needing help visualizing the areas to avoid when looking for a house
Hi y’all. Arizona born and raised, but have always been in the Gilbert area living with my parents. Taking the big step in moving out and am looking to buy and not rent since I’ve got money set aside for a down payment.
Where I’m struggling is that I don’t know where the bad parts of town are and where to avoid as I will be living alone. I feel at a loss because it seems like I’m being told most everywhere is a rough neighborhood (Phoenix, Glendale, Tolleson, Tempe, Mesa) but the places that aren’t are either really far out for me (Queen Creek, Goodyear, Buckeye) or are really expensive (Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale).
For reference, I work in Tempe (near Phx Zoo) so I don’t want to be too far away from that, and also would like to be more central AZ as I have friends all over the valley and would like to be a convenient place for them all to visit. The primary area I had been looking was by the 202 loop, north of Mount Suappoa. But I think that’s a rough spot?? Idk at this point. Haven’t been able to look at any spots in person yet, I just got my pre-approval yesterday.
Would like some advice from y’all on good/bad places to look. It would be absolutely amazing to get a map with areas scribbled out for where to avoid as I’m a very visual person, so if anyone is able to scribble on an AZ map in MS paint I would be very appreciative, but will also take regular replies as well. Thank you in advance!!