How's Norwalk? (Southeast corner of Studebaker & Imperial) (Los Angeles, Downey: buying a house, buying)

[MrVo]

Hi, I'm looking for a house in Norwalk (Southeast corner of Studebaker & Imperial). I've searched the forum but still don't have a clear picture of how Norwalk is like. I've read that there are some good and bad areas. But I'm trying to find a good pocket in the city of Norwalk. What do you guys think of the area on the Southeast corner of Studebaker & Imperial?

Much appreciated!

[Charles]

Here's a google maps street view showing a dude who appears to be panhandling near that intersection:

Studebaker & Imperial norwalk, ca - Google Maps

[BRinSM]

I used to work near that area. Norwalk is a mostly working class city and pretty diverse as far as LA standards go. Lots and lots of smaller homes on smaller lots. However, there is great freeway access and metro rail access in the area. it's not somewhere where i would personally want to live, but depending on your particular set of circumstances, it may be a good fit for you. I wouldn't be too worried about safety, but I would definitely look at school ratings if you have kids.

[bhcompy]

That's not the worst area. If you were planning on putting your kids in public school there, I'd be leary, but as far as living, it shouldn't be a problem. The worst part of Norwalk is the one ways, like west of Norwalk Blvd south of Excelsior.

[King0fthehill]

Its ok, I guess.

I'm there twice a month, and can vouch that while diverse and affordable, it is a marginal area with gangs, graffiti, rubbish, 2nd and 3rd-tier amenities and a lack of civic proud or cohesion of sorts.

I'd steer clear of it. Also, its disturbing how you are "buying a house" in an area you dont have a "clear picture" of. Def. visit it before making any further plans.

[jzt83]

The area is far from being a ghetto but is a little run down. You should be fine there.

[Bunjee]

Ditto the above. There are limbo areas just outside of the inner ring of LA that are not run down enough to spark interest in renewal but not far enough to escape the shadow. Norwalk, parts of Downey and Bellflower, Paramount... For your immediate material concerns like safety, commutability and convenient location you'll be fine there. But the area has not an iota of the intangibles you'd expect from its proximity to Los Angeles. There are no specific delights to living there. There is a MetroLink station very close by, though. If you're new to SoCal I'd say it's not the worst first step into the region--it's an OK one--but with more digging you might find better.