Is Phoenix Arizona Safe?

This Arizona travel safety guide answers all safety-related questions, including is Phoenix Arizona safe, the safest and most dangerous places, safety tips, and more.

So, without any further delay, let’s begin –

Is Phoenix Arizona Safe?

Arizona‘s capital and most populous city, Phoenix, is also known as the Valley of the Sun. The city is well-known for its sunny climate and astonishing desert landscapes.

Phoenix, along with its surrounding cities, features vibrant culture and countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. With the fabled Grand Canyon four hours away, Phoenix is frequently a point for vacation adventures. It also has breathtakingly great arts and cultural attractions that you won’t find anywhere in the world, like the Musical Instrument Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden.

The city’s warm, dry climate attracts sun lovers worldwide and those looking to escape the snow or cold during the winter months. It offers historic neighborhoods, shopping, dining, and outstanding resorts and hotels.

There are plenty of adventures, including hiking, biking, and golfing. Then there is the old Town Scottsdale, where you will find boutique shops, great restaurants, clubs, and cafes with a Southwestern flair.

This article will be a lifesaver if you want to visit this place.

Warnings & Dangers in Phoenix, Arizona

Overall Risk – Medium

The city has medium overall risk. The crime rate is not very impressive. Though Phoenix is a famous tourist place, it is generally not very safe and ranks somewhere in the middle of the safety spectrum.

Transport & Taxis Risk – Medium

The city has medium transportation risk, not because of pickpockets or thieves in public transport but because there are more chances of accidents due to speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving. So, drive cautiously if you are driving in Phoenix.

Pickpockets Risk – Medium

The city has moderate pickpocket-related risk. So, be careful in public places. Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pockets or taking your expensive items with you. The city has one of the highest car theft rates in the country. So, don’t forget to lock your car when you are not driving or stopping anywhere.

Natural Disasters Risk – Medium

Just like any other Arizona city, Phoenix has medium natural disaster risk. The most common are excessive heat and wildfires. The city sometimes experiences floods and tornadoes. Therefore, check for your travel time, and listen to any warnings. You can keep yourself updated on every news from the city website.

Mugging Risk – High

There is a high risk of mugging in Phoenix with the high violent crime rate. There are muggings, thefts, assaults, rapes, and similar incidents. Therefore, be aware of your surroundings and ask locals about dangerous places having more chances for this crime and avoid traveling to such places at night or if you are alone.

Terrorism Risk – Low

The city has a low terrorism risk. Phoenix has not been the target of any such attacks. Though there are rarely isolated mass shootings, the city overall is safe from terror activities. But it would be best if you did not underestimate the possibility. Be aware of your surroundings and be extra alert in public places.

Scams Risk – Low

The city has negligible scam risk. But it is best to be cautious of people trying to distract you from stealing money from you. Don’t pay for services you feel you are overcharged for. We advise you to be careful while handling money near ATMs or sharing your information with strangers.

Women Travelers Risk – Medium

Women travelers have medium risk in Phoenix. But it is advised not to walk alone in any unfamiliar area at night. There are no such issues that would threaten females especially, but general caution is suggested. So, please follow basic precaution measures to minimize the chances of anything going wrong.

Tap Water Risk – Low

The tap water of Phoenix complies with federal health-based drinking water standards. Therefore, there is a low risk of tap water. You can use the water for drinking.

These warnings and dangers give you an idea of major and minor risks in the city to help you learn about the city more and plan well.

Safest places to visit in Phoenix, Arizona

Desert View

The place is named after beautiful, stretching-out scenic desert views. This place is a perfect combination of nature and urban living. Desert View has plenty of parks to enjoy and is known as one of the tiny urban villages in Phoenix.

It is situated near the Scottsdale border. So, you can also enjoy the nightlife Scottsdale has to offer. The crime rate is 69% lower than in Phoenix and 48% below the national average. Apart from its low crime, Desert View is known for its stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains.

North Gateway

North Gateway is situated west of Desert View and has spectacular views of the vast Sonoran Desert. This place is for you if you love to admire nature and scenic beauty.

The crime rate is 65% lower than in Phoenix and 42% lower than the national average. This is a nice place to live with every basic amenities nearby. This place is known for its safe community to feel.

Deer Valley

Deer Valley is located between Paradise Valley and Desert View. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will love the closeness to nature preserves and parks such as the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve and Cave Buttes Recreation Area, over 47 acres rich with desert history.

Hikers, mountain bikers, and other outdoor lovers can enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather. You can also check out the Norterra Shopping Mall or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor if you want indoor amusements.

As the place offers numerous fun activities, it is easy to understand why people visit Deer Valley. Also, the low crime rate remains one of the reasons. It is 17% lower than Phoenix and is safer than 66% of Arizona cities.

Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley is one of the famous safest places in Phoenix, with only three reported violent crimes. It features beautiful Golf Courses, dining, and shopping amenities. There are wonderful resorts that show stunning little Beverly Hills in the desert.

The place offers so much to do. There are trails for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, etc. You can go shopping if you like enjoying indoor entertainment.

Ahwatukee Foothills

Ahwatukee Foothills is a decent place located at the southeastern end of Phoenix. This place is a master-planned neighborhood built around artificial lakes and golf courses.

Ahwatukee Foothills is outside the South Mountain Park and Preserve and offers a lot of outdoor adventures with beautiful scenic views. The place has a 57% lower crime rate than Phoenix and 28% below the national average.

These are the safest places in Phoenix you should visit.

Places to avoid in Phoenix, Arizona

Some places are extremely dangerous in Phoenix, with a higher crime rate than others. The worst region in Phoenix are –

• Alhambra
• Encanto
• South Mountain
• North Mountain
• Maryvale
• Estrella
• Camelback East.

You can avoid these places to be safe.

Safety tips for traveling in Phoenix, Arizona

• Check weather reports – It would help if you keep yourself updated on the weather reports to protect yourself in case a crisis occurs. You can download any city weather report app that shows details of every warning and danger.
• Enjoy the outdoors early in the morning – The best time to view desert critters is early morning, as they remain most active during this time. The other benefit is it will be 15-30 degrees cooler in the early morning. So, you can easily beat the heat there.
• Be your doctor – You might get Hyperthermia in the harsh sun. Therefore it would be best if you knew signs like nausea, dizziness, and heavy breathing.
• Check Air Quality – It is good to check air quality frequently because you never know when the Sunniest days can quickly turn into storms with heavy rain and lightning. In addition, checking the air quality will inform you of the wildfires hundreds of miles away. The air quality deteriorates when a wildfire takes place.
• Be careful of summer – If you are going out on a hot, bright sunny day, it is recommended to wear waterproof, long-lasting sunscreen with high SPF. You may suffer heat stroke and dehydration upon sun exposure without proper safety precautions.
• Avoid driving on flooded roads – You must not drive on flooded roads by crossing barriers or going through the water. You can’t risk your life for a little adventure.
• Be careful on a hot surface – Please don’t use thin-sole shoes in summer to travel to Phoenix. You should not walk barefoot on a hot surface or slide down a metal slide in the heat of the day.
• Lock your car always – If you drive, please don’t forget to lock your car, even if you are in the safest place in the city. The city has major car theft. You will provide the thief opportunity they look for if you keep your car open.
• Avoid wandering at night – This is true for both men and women. You should not roam in the city at night. As the city’s crime rate is not impressive, it would be best if you avoid wandering alone at night in shady places.

How safe is Phoenix to travel alone?

Phoenix is safe to travel alone. With proper safety measures, you can travel to the place alone.

Is Phoenix safe for solo females?

Phoenix is not so safe for solo female travelers. Women have medium risk. If you visit alone, you are advised not to walk alone at night. Generally, there is no serious issue that threatens females, but general precaution is necessary.

Read safety guide for other cities of Arizona –

• Is Yuma AZ Safe?
• Is Tucson Safe?
• Is Tombstone Safe?
• Is Tempe AZ Safe?
• Is Sierra Vista AZ Safe?
• Is Sedona safe?
• Is Chandler AZ safe?
• Is Glendale AZ safe?
• Is Flagstaff Safe?
• Is Gilbert AZ Safe?
• Is Phoenix Arizona Safe?

How safe is Phoenix for Travel?

The city of Phoenix has a higher crime rate than the average city. The risk of violent crime is also high in Phoenix. Therefore, it cannot be considered a safe city. Like any other place, the city has both safe and dangerous areas, but the dangerous areas outweigh the safe ones.

The city has some major risks of drug abuse, high violent crime, etc. You must avoid some parts of the city like Maryvale, a commercial district on the city’s west side. Despite having a high violent crime rate, the inflow of tourists is always one of the highest in Phoenix, and it is a popular tourist destination worldwide. This means you can travel the city with proper precautions and safety measures.

Hopefully, our Arizona travel guide helped you find answers to your queries and understand is Phoenix Arizona safe for you to visit. If you still have any questions, feel free to shoot them in the comment section below. Our team will try to respond ASAP.