moving from houston to ladera heights in los angeles (Compton: for sale, real estate)

[ricker]

i am a affluent african american male ( single no kids) looking to move to ladera heights in los angeles .I would appreciate any feed back on this .

[katenik]

i lived in ladera heights with my family in the early 90s. what would you like to know?

[ricker]

well what is it like ? are there many afluent black families there as they say ? i love being surrounded by affluent blacks

[katenik]

Originally Posted by ricker

well what is it like ? are there many afluent black families there as they say ? i love being surrounded by affluent blacks

then you'll be in your element there. i read a stat here that said 70% of the residents are black, but when i visit the neighborhood, it still seems as if everyone is, although that wasn't true when i lived there either. i've heard that some young white families 'discovered' ladera (as well as baldwin hills, windsor hills, and view park) and moved there when they were priced out of westside real estate, but i doubt they account for much of the population. ladera heights always had white families who never left, and others who chose to move there when they could have gone elsewhere, because it's a great neighborhood, in an ideal location for getting around this vast metropolis.

there's one small two-block strip of well-maintained apartment buidlings at the southeastern corner of the flats, otherwise that section contains all single-family homes. also in that quadrant is the one section that somehow manages to be a part of the city of inglewood although the rest of inglewood is on the east side of la cienega blvd. i think it's actually the newest development in the neighborhood, and don't worry, it's all ladera heights, demographically, not inglewood. the fox hills section of culver city is adjacent ladera on the west, and that neighborhood has a fairly sizable young black professional population in its many condominium complexes. i suspect many move to ladera when they can afford to upgrade from their condos-- or did, when that was a more feasible jump. i don't know much about the "heights" (the hilly area on the north side of slauson avenue, and along la cienega), because i lived in the flats, but i don't believe there is any significant demographic difference. ladera residents are mostly professionals; some retired now. the neighborhood is quiet, and very safe by LA standards. it isn't gated in the sense of having controlled entry, but there is high fencing, disguised by tasteful and equally-high hedgerows, that form the boundaries on several sides. they have the effect of saying "keep out" without actually posting a sign, if you know what i mean-- and it seems to work.

i don't know your age, or how much excitement you need in a neighborhood, but you might even find it dull. unfortunately, there aren't any entertainment, shopping, or dining options that match the upscale flavor of the neighborhood, so you'll have to travel to the westside or the south bay if you want to take a date to someplace classier than magic johnson's TGI fridays or M&M soul food! there is a nice movie theater, and a couple of so-so restaurants at the bridge (a small outdoor mall), but that's it for the immediate vicinity. however, downtown culver city and marina del rey are nearby, and both have ample choices for casual dining in a nice atmosphere.

if i failed to mention something else you're wondering about, don't hesitate to ask.

[ricker]

well thanks for the info (katenik) my age is 44 and i want a nice quiet atmosphere with the los angeles atmosphere near by in case i need some excitement from time to time (lol) i like those los angeles women ( very sexy) also i just want a change of scenery i lived in los angeles in 92-93 but couldnt afford ladera heights at the time , but now things are different . i just miss that california atmosphere i will take a flight there soon after i get back if i have questions i will ask you , thanks again

[katenik]

you're welcome. when you're ready to house-hunt in ladera, let me know. i think i know the perfect realtor for you-- and his wife grew up in ladera!

[LizzyNola]

Hello!
Ladera is a good choice!

There are many affluent black folks from entertainment (actors) to Athletes, to news casters, ministers, police officers, firemen, doctors, dentist, school principals, professors, and working professionals (Tavis Smiley). The area is still diverse, however majority black.

The response rate for fire and police is usually under 2 minutes (just like Beverly Hills), and security is always driving around the area. They have a great community association/ board that is on top of everything that happens in the area. I suggest you join if you do move to Ladera.

It is close to everything, under ten minutes to LAX, and five minutes to the Marina/beach, minutes away from Westchester, Fox Hills, View Park, Windsor Hills. Close as well to the Crenshaw area if you want to enjoy black culture, Like in Leimert Park Village.

The Apartments/condos are mostly on Fairview/Springpark which is south of Slauson. There is supposed to be a major park with will rival Central Park planned for the future, so property value will go up when/if that happens. The housing market (like all of California) is over priced. Ladera homes that were $500/600K are now up to a million or more, however you will see many for sale signs with a "reduced" additional sign because these homes are not selling at those prices.

The air is great (compared to other areas of Los Angeles because you are so close to the Marina. On a clear day (if you have a view) you can see all the way to Catalina Island.

Good luck!

[katenik]

lizzynola--

where is the park to be located?

[UB50]

I don't live in Ladera Heights but I travel through it often. I love the feeling that you are "gatting out of town" that you get when you travel through there. It just feels like an oasis within LA. It's a lovely area.

I went to a party at a house there once and it was one of the nicest parties I've ever been to in LA. The people throwing the party had valet parking in the street and champagne fountains and everything else. We sat in their backyard overlooking all of LA at sunset. It was really something. Fabulous party.

I'm white, by the way. I don't find a lot of segregation in Los Angeles, not like there is in the South. If I could afford to live in Ladera Heights, I would gladly move there. It's just a really nice neighborhood!

I was just thinking... I think part of the reason there is less segregation here is because we have such a huge influx of immigrants from Asia and Central and South America. A lot of people feel lucky to deal with blacks because most blacks speak English! It's like "Hey man -- you are my BROTHER!" I think the South still has a ways to go before they feel like this!

I'm a crazy white though -- I welcome everyone. I enjoy the mix. It provides me with many smiles and that is all I can ask for.

Anyway, if you are black and earning a decent income, I wouldn't worry about moving into a black or white neighborhood. There are blacks everywhere. I would try to find housing close to where you plan to work.

On the flip side of this -- I would stay away from Compton, Maywood, and anything close to the 110 freeway. There is a lot of gang fighting in those areas and they don't particularly care about anything. Some of the gang fighting appears to be color oriented, so I would stay out of those areas.

In LA, for the most part, you are going to be easily accepted.

[ricker]

i am still in the planning stage