This was one of the last days of our 2022 trip to the western U.S. I wanted to end the day with a little tour of the neighborhood, so I grabbed my camera and went exploring around the hotel.
In this video, I take a walk through one of the rougher neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona. Cities are made up of many different areas, and not all of them look polished or tourist-ready. Walking through less-visited parts of a city can provide a different perspective, one that shows both the challenges and the everyday reality of urban life beyond the well-known attractions.
Phoenix is a large and diverse city, with modern districts, historic neighborhoods, and areas that are still developing. Some parts of the city face issues such as poverty, neglect, or crime, and these districts often carry the label of being “rough.” At the same time, they are home to communities, small businesses, and people living their daily lives. Walking through such an area reveals a side of Phoenix that many visitors do not usually see.
The streets in these neighborhoods can feel very different from the busy downtown or the quiet suburbs. Some buildings show signs of age, with faded paint, boarded windows, or graffiti. Empty lots, worn sidewalks, and older storefronts add to the impression of a place that has faced economic hardship. Yet alongside these signs, there are also homes, churches, corner shops, and community spaces that reflect resilience and everyday activity.
A walk through a rough neighborhood is also about observing the atmosphere. It may feel quieter in some areas, with fewer people on the streets, while in others there is activity around local stores, food stands, or small markets. Murals and street art often appear, expressing culture, identity, and sometimes frustration. Every street has its own character, and every block tells part of the story of the community.
It is important to approach such walks with awareness and respect. These neighborhoods often carry complex histories tied to migration, economics, and urban development. They are places where challenges exist, but also where strong community ties are formed. While outsiders may focus on visible problems, the people who live here experience their neighborhoods as home.
For a visitor, walking through a rougher part of Phoenix provides a broader picture of the city. Phoenix is not only about modern skyscrapers, desert trails, or tourist spots—it is also about areas where life is harder, but where real communities exist. Such places may not be part of official travel guides, but they are an essential part of the city’s identity.
This video is not meant to judge or stereotype, but simply to give an impression of what a walk in one of these neighborhoods looks and feels like. Cities are complex, and every district, whether rich or poor, contributes to the whole. By walking through different parts of Phoenix, it becomes clear how varied the urban landscape is, and how contrasts shape the overall character of the city.
The experience of walking through a rough neighborhood can also raise questions. How do cities deal with inequality? What are the stories behind neglected buildings? What role do local businesses and community initiatives play in shaping daily life? Observing these environments is a way to reflect on broader issues while still focusing on the small details that make up the streetscape.
Phoenix, like many large cities, has areas that shine and others that struggle. Walking through both shows a fuller, more honest picture of the city. This video captures some of those impressions: the buildings, the streets, the atmosphere, and the everyday rhythm of life in a part of Phoenix that is rarely seen in tourist brochures but is very much a part of the city.