Military Requires Move (Torrance, Compton, Hawthorne: apartment, rent, condo)

[Laura8218]

Hello,

My husband is in the Air Force and we are currently stationed in Hawaii, but our three years are up and our next base is in El Segundo. We would like to buy a home instead of taking the military housing; however we seem to be getting mixed messages on the area. We can't afford more than $500k and our first child should be about 4 weeks old when we arrive in September. We have found what looks to be a well kept beautiful house on 157th St in Gardena, but is this too close to Compton? Is Gardena even okay? We are use to moving and trying new areas, we also both grew up outside New York, but we don't want gunfire outside our window at night and want to be able to take walks with the stroller, etc. From reading other postings I don't know what to think, especially considering the aerial photos and information posted by the city make this look like a nice well kept neighborhood. Please help, we have to stay within reasonable driving distance to the base.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Gardena is bad. On your budget, in an OK area, you're looking at a condo if you're lucky. Welcome to the club on that one. If I were you, I'd rent a townhouse (maybe in Torrance, but not too close to Gardena) until your next transfer, hopefully to an affordable part of the country.

[PureHapa]

Gardena is a run-down city. After aerospace took a dump in the early 90s, the entire area, including Hawthorne and Lawndale, went through a bad time. Things are looking up a bit for Hawthorne and Lawndale, but Gardena seems to be stuck in the mire. Lots of industrial businesses were there that never came back. So the tax base dwindled and the city schools are bad. When local schools get that bad, noone wants to live there, and it drives the whole situation down further. Many residents are older, poor or illegals.

I'd look at a newer townhome (attached, 2-story condo) or newish gated development in Hawthorne and Lawndale. I checked realtor.com and there are 2bd/2ba, and 3bd/2ba available.

Send me a message of you'd like - I can do a couple drive-bys for you.

[artichoke63]

Housing is still at a high. Since you may end up moving again, I would suggest renting a nice apartment in a safe area. You'll get more for your money that way, and a better school district -- if you have school age kids. El Segundo is near Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes. You might even find a good condo in Palos Verdes.

Artie