Bell Gardens area for black male? (South Gate: best neighborhoods, real estate, crime rates)

[Cream1]

Originally Posted by 2Easy

He did ok for himself.

Still, that means nothing to this discussion.

[NyWriterdude]

Originally Posted by amazinmets73

Yea, I spent the majority of my childhood in a Hispanic(Puerto Rican) area of NYC. Had no issues. However blacks their Rican/Dominican neighbors in NYC don't have the history of race related violence that the black and Mexican gangs in socal do

The times I spent in LA, from speaking to Blacks and Mexicans in Los Angeles the gang violence was basically in outright ghettoes. Most working class Mexicans in LA are NOT GANGSTERS. Don't stereotype an entire race of people. I'm sure you wouldn't like if people assumed you were a thug because you were Black.

With that said you will want to stay clear of ghettos in general. If you are from NYC you know the real bad parts of NYC (like Brooklyn, there is a lot of Black gangster violence). And yes it's not safe to be around Black gangsters either. Avoid high crime areas (not all Black or Latinos working class neighborhoods are high crime) and you'll be fine.

[NyWriterdude]

Originally Posted by socal88

All I'm saying is that there is likely more downside than upside. Blacks have been specifically targeted by Hispanic gangs in areas like northeast LA (Highland Park, etc.) as well as the not so good parts of the San Gabriel Valley.

Also, not having a car doesn't mean that you have to live in a run-down, marginal area. Please explain the logic behind that. There are better areas such as the adjacent Downey as well as Lakewood, which isn't too far away. The OP can take the bus from these areas assuming that he can afford rent in these areas. The bus really isn't that bad. The bus ride will be a little longer, but I'd sure take that commute if it means I can live in a safer area.

I never had issues with Mexicans during the times I was in Pasadena. There was no downside of being in a Latino neighborhood for me (and I grew up in Latino neighborhoods).

[NyWriterdude]

Originally Posted by socal88

All I'm saying is that there is likely more downside than upside. Blacks have been specifically targeted by Hispanic gangs in areas like northeast LA (Highland Park, etc.) as well as the not so good parts of the San Gabriel Valley.

Also, not having a car doesn't mean that you have to live in a run-down, marginal area. Please explain the logic behind that. There are better areas such as the adjacent Downey as well as Lakewood, which isn't too far away. The OP can take the bus from these areas assuming that he can afford rent in these areas. The bus really isn't that bad. The bus ride will be a little longer, but I'd sure take that commute if it means I can live in a safer area.

You also don't know where the OP is from in NYC. Depending on where he is from in NYC Bell Gardens might look like Paradise to him. For those of us from NYC, full of ugly drab buildings, even areas like Bell Gardens with trees and yards can look comparatively nice. He basically wants to live reasonably close to his job, and his relocating to a new place and needs time to adjust. A long commute doesn't make sense.

If he does not like the area, once he saves up some money and gets used to LA he can always MOVE.

[the one]

BG is fine, it is not gang infested like people think. its working class, lower lower middle class. definitely Spanish speaking, but its ok. the truth is that Mexicans (especially immigrants) are fearful of blacks, so you will be left alone for the most part. I would suggest learning a few Spanish words like hola, adios gracias and you should be fine. places like south gate and bell are nicer, but just as un-diverse. but that does not mean that they are not welcoming. you will stick out, but its not a bad thing.

[Suburban_Guy]

Originally Posted by 2Easy

He did ok for himself.

Yup, exactly.

[amazinmets73]

Originally Posted by the one

BG is fine, it is not gang infested like people think. its working class, lower lower middle class. definitely Spanish speaking, but its ok. the truth is that Mexicans (especially immigrants) are fearful of blacks, so you will be left alone for the most part. I would suggest learning a few Spanish words like hola, adios gracias and you should be fine. places like south gate and bell are nicer, but just as un-diverse. but that does not mean that they are not welcoming. you will stick out, but its not a bad thing.

That's fine. I'm not a social person and don't care if I'm busom buddies with my neighbors; my only concern is violence directed at me due to my skin color.

I speak rudimentary Spanish and would love an opportunity to imorove my skills

[Cream1]

Originally Posted by the one

BG is fine, it is not gang infested like people think. its working class, lower lower middle class. definitely Spanish speaking, but its ok. the truth is that Mexicans (especially immigrants) are fearful of blacks, so you will be left alone for the most part. I would suggest learning a few Spanish words like hola, adios gracias and you should be fine. places like south gate and bell are nicer, but just as un-diverse. but that does not mean that they are not welcoming. you will stick out, but its not a bad thing.

When the neighborhood you want to move to is compared unfavorably to South Gate, you should reconsider moving there.

[Chowhound]

Bell Gardens is a craphole. I wouldn't go there whether being black or not. I think you might want to look into the better areas of Long Beach. There are lots of black people here.

[NyWriterdude]

Originally Posted by Chowhound

Bell Gardens is a craphole. I wouldn't go there whether being black or not. I think you might want to look into the better areas of Long Beach. There are lots of black people here.

Very far from his JOB, when he is totally dependent upon public transportation AND NEW to LOS ANGELES.

And he works there.