Torrance/Harbor south of UCLA: Safe areas? Improving? (Long Beach, Carson: new home, to buy)

[c2002]

Generally people tell me NOT to buy anything east of Western and definitely not around the UCLA Harbor area.

But is the whole area unsafe? I'm looking at a property near 222nd and Harvard. Is that a safe area? By safe I mean would an old lady feel comfortable walking around the block in the morning?

For reference, we used to live very close to there on the OTHER side of Western near Wilson Park. And we definitely felt very safe walking there in the morning.

Also, is that area generally improving slowly? Or is it slowly getting worse?

[anikom15]

Not a good area, and there's no sign of things improving.

[kln18]

East of western isn't THAT bad. There's pockets of neighborhoods that I wouldn't recommend, but I think overall it's generally safe.

Now that particular area you mentioned isn't the best. I think the neighborhoods between Carson & Sepulveda, Western and Normandie aren't the greatest. By Harbor UCLA it's okay, the neighborhood across the hospital is pretty nice between Normandie and Vermont.

[c2002]

Originally Posted by anikom15

Not a good area, and there's no sign of things improving.

That's what a realtor friend told us, and he's been living around that area for 20 years. I'm really surprised, though. To the north and west we have areas improving due to Silicone Beach and Football stadium improvements. To the south and east we have possibility of San Pedro waterfront development and Long Beach gentrification.

And you definitely can't beat the weather. I see the houses there have giant lots and most people have built second dwellings in the back to maximize space. So I can see the density attracts a more lower-income people. But still, these homes are selling for 50-70k. You can't exactly be a low-level labor worker to afford these homes there.

/rant

Originally Posted by kln18

Now that particular area you mentioned isn't the best. I think the neighborhoods between Carson & Sepulveda, Western and Normandie aren't the greatest. By Harbor UCLA it's okay, the neighborhood across the hospital is pretty nice between Normandie and Vermont.

Thank you that is so helpful! If you remember any other decent pockets I'd be very interested to hear your analysis.

[kln18]

Glad I could be of some help.

So like I said the area between Carson/Sepulveda & Western Normandie.. wouldn't recommend it. Narrow streets, not much lighting, run-down houses.

Opposite of that between Torrance/Carson it is better. I've had a friend live there for 20+ years and nothing much has happened except some petty crime. I'd consider it a safe area, I believe they're building some brand new homes along Normandie.

The area surrounding Harbor UCLA I can't chime in on, but like I said the area across between Torrance/Carson & Normandie & Vermont is pretty nice. Really has a homey feel to it.

Most of the areas along Vermont from 223rd all the way down to Lomita are pretty quiet and safe.