Where are the "bad" parts of Phoenix AZ?

I feel that areas in the east valley are, generally speaking, safer and nicer than the west valley. I'm not saying that all places in the west are bad areas, because that is certainly not true, but I personally prefer the east much more. I live in Chandler, which is a pretty nice area. Gilbert and Ahwatukee are newer, very nice areas as well. Scottsdale is nice, but more on the expensive side, hence why people here call it Snottsdale :) Tempe is a decent area, but it is a college town and traffic can be bad. Mesa is an ok area, but probably not as nice as the others I mentioned. I've only lived in AZ for 1 year now, and since I live in the east, I'm not too familiar with the west valley, but I did take classes in Glendale and there were plenty of run down areas--I would not recommend living there.

If you're looking to move specifically to the city of Phoenix, I have heard that Maryvale is a place you want to avoid, as well as south Phoenix in general, but to be honest I'm not too familiar with the city, so I can't offer too much advice on that!

I've noticed that many people here tend to eat healthier (or so it seems) and there are a lot more healthier options for restaurants and stores than I was used to before. There are plenty of Whole Foods, Sprouts Markets, and a few Trader Joe's. I rarely shop at them, but I just assume that they would have some vegan food! Also, I have heard good things about Pita Jungle, which serves vegetarian and vegan food. Hope this helps some!

I have to comment on Marissa's answer. Sprouts and Trader Joes are NOT health food stores and Sprouts is more of an "unhealthy" small grocery store. They buy distressed fruit & veggies and buy cheap from Mexico whenever they can - food grown using chemicals the U.S. has banned and the workers have no concept of hygiene - they piss in the fields while they work - disgusting. Quality control is the responsibility of the customer. The meat is often bad. Husband continues to pick some up from time to time. Sure, they will refund but, not for gas, time or inconvenience.

Whole Foods is about all that is left in the way of a health food store. There was great one in Tempe a few years ago but they moved and did not bother to tell their customers. By the time I found out, they had closed. Really dumb - they had not moved far away either. A huge shame. Whole Foods is very expensive. There are some individual ethnic stores around where you can get some good food.

Note: There is a huge difference between Upper and Lower Scottsdale. Upper S...is the expensive one, not Lower.... I would also add that South Phoenix is not a bad area. Southwest may be, not south of Chandler, which has several million+ dollar communities and homes. The rest of what Marissa said about the various locations is generally accurate.

I've lived in Phoenix, all my life and sad to say that every big city has a bad side. Most people will say south Phoenix. I disagree the people make the community and if you plan on being part of a community then just be yourself and kind to others. You are the good side of town.

Live near where you are going to work or go to school. Drives can be long, time consuming, and pump expensive.

You will be in a better place to know where to live when you know where you will be most of your waking hours away from home. New co-workers will be able to steer you in the right direction too.

Check out YELP for health food and vegan locations.

Ahwatukee is a great town in phoenix . And theres a resturant called zoes kitchen which is a healthy and vegan resturaunt.