L.A. : considering Lincoln Heights for a move (Alhambra, Highland: fit in, to rent)

[anamarie22]

I found a cheap place to rent in Lincoln Heights. yes, I know why the rent's low. It's the area. However, I'm not familiar with the area and all I really know is what older relatives have told me who lived there over 50 years ago: that it used to be a nice area, but too many gangs now and I'd have a rough time as a blonde white female. I drove around and, frankly, it didn't look too great. Has it improved at all over the past few years, or is it still pretty tough to live there, especially if you don't look like you fit in? I have no problem living in a Hispanic area. I just don't want to be afraid if it's too gang-controlled. Thanks.

[JohnG72]

If you drove around, and it did not look good, its probably not good.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by anamarie22

I found a cheap place to rent in Lincoln Heights. yes, I know why the rent's low. It's the area. However, I'm not familiar with the area and all I really know is what older relatives have told me who lived there over 50 years ago: that it used to be a nice area, but too many gangs now and I'd have a rough time as a blonde white female. I drove around and, frankly, it didn't look too great. Has it improved at all over the past few years, or is it still pretty tough to live there, especially if you don't look like you fit in? I have no problem living in a Hispanic area. I just don't want to be afraid if it's too gang-controlled. Thanks.

Even 50 years ago it wasn't a place many wanted to live. I had a boyfriend (almost husband) who lived there, He always said he lived in Highland Park or pretened like he did, his parents home was on the border between the two, but definately Lincoln Hieights. Most kids in the 50s would do what they could to go to Franklin High instead of Lincoln and we rarely went to Lincoln football games cause the neighborhood was so iffy, 60 years ago it wasn't bad..

Nita

[Charles]

Google Maps street view is really helpful for these sort of things.

[the one]

well some parts are okay. other parts arent.

north of the park there are some nicer houses. and the area is more diverse than the surrounding heights.

its latino and asian. the blondes are further north in highland park and mount wash.

sometimes its hard to gague an area based on a quick drive thru. check crime stats for the area. its supposed to be turining around. the gang problem is not like it was in the 80's or the 90's.

many nice old homes.

its just depends where.

if you think you would feel uncomfortable, try highland park

Originally Posted by anamarie22

I found a cheap place to rent in Lincoln Heights. yes, I know why the rent's low. It's the area. However, I'm not familiar with the area and all I really know is what older relatives have told me who lived there over 50 years ago: that it used to be a nice area, but too many gangs now and I'd have a rough time as a blonde white female. I drove around and, frankly, it didn't look too great. Has it improved at all over the past few years, or is it still pretty tough to live there, especially if you don't look like you fit in? I have no problem living in a Hispanic area. I just don't want to be afraid if it's too gang-controlled. Thanks.

[AnUnidentifiedMale]

Originally Posted by the one

its latino and asian. the blondes are further north in highland park and mount wash.

"The blondes"? Is that code speak for "white people"?

[anamarie22]

Thanks, people. Well, I'm not so sure I'd feel uncomfortable, as much as hoping I'd be tolerated (somewhat).The main concern is the crime. Yep, google maps street view is great and the surrounding area looks pretty run down. However, I found on the LAPD crime maps that the area has - over all - a far lower crime rate for Lincoln Heights than say, Silver Lake or Echo Park. It was surprising! I'm currently in Silver Lake/Franklin Hills and don't like it. Staying w/ a friend after my workplace shut down and I'm no wanna-be hipster. It's way too expensive around here, anyway- and the places in this neighborhood are junk, falling apart, rats, drug trash left all over outside, hookers doing their thing at 3Am outside the window. Ugh! So I'm open to something else. I'll keep your comments in mind. And now that I think about it (Nita's comment), more like 60 years ago sounds right! It was a big Italian community, mostly, then they all moved out to Alhambra, San Gabriel, Temple City, etc.. Thanks very much.

[MIKEETC]

Originally Posted by AnUnidentifiedMale

"The blondes"? Is that code speak for "white people"?

The Scandinavians...