From Baltimore to L.A. (Los Angeles, Pasadena: low crime, safe area, living)

[matt345]

Hey everyone,

Yeah, this is another "I'm moving to LA" thread. I'll be relocating sometime late this year or early next year, depending on how things go at work. I've been to L.A. numerous times before and I really love the place and I'm excited about moving there. However, I'd be lying if I said reading some of the threads here didn't worry me just a bit. Is the crime and gang problem really that bad in L.A? I'm not oblivious to big city crime and I'd say I have adequate "street smarts" when it comes to knowing how to avoid it. I am from Baltimore after all, which is constantly near the top of the lists for murder rate and most dangerous city. But even though Baltimore has a growing gang problem, it doesn't have nearly the number of gangs that are in LA. So would you say the presence of gangs is noticeable? Does the average citizen usually feel the effects of gang activity other than hearing about another gang-related crime on the evening news?

Also, I'm always hearing a lot about all the racial tension in LA. Are things still as bad as they were back in the 90's? As a minority (Asian) would I be at greater risk for being a target by these gangs? I know these are difficult questions, but I just felt the need to ask them.

The areas I'm thinking about are Pasadena, Burbank, North Hollywood, and Studio City, so I won't be in South Central, East LA, Inglewood, Compton, etc.

[artichoke63]

You'll be fine. Just live in a safe area.

Artie

[frcal]

You are wise to ask these questions. Get to know your areas and ask questions of people you trust. Hold your head up high and be aware of your surroundings. There is gang activity sometimes unnoticeable but never-the-less it is where you least expect it. As with any crime, it will happen sometimes in your own back yard. Try to be proactive for your safety, however enjoy yourself and most importantly enjoy life. Southern CA is a beautiful place to live, very crowded and getting expensive. You'll be able to find nice, low crime areas in the cities you mentioned. However, most cities have their areas of frequent crime activities, be mindful and open to the many cultures here. Welcome to CA, I've lived here all my life, as my parents and grandparents. It is time for me to move on, I have had my fill of CA and I'm looking forward to a move soon...away from CA. For every one moving away there are two moving in. Be prepared for some heavy traffic, with a little patience you'll do just fine.

[Caliguy2007]

I"m glad you had a great time in L.A,because I was getting so sick and tired of people bashing this place :-(

Crime in L.A varies depending on what you consider as L.A,because Los Angeles can be the City,County or The 5 County Region,but overall I think L.A's Crime Rate isn't as bad as it was in the past.

The Greater L.A Region is Huge and has over 18 million people,so i'm sure you should be able to find an area where you won't ever come into contact with Gangs or problems associated with them.

The Racial Tension in L.A is primarly between Hispanic and Black Gangs,so you shouldn't have a problem living there as an Asian.

Their are also many nice areas to live in the Inland Empire,and I would highly recommend Rancho Cucamonga or La Verne.

Originally Posted by matt345

Hey everyone,

Yeah, this is another "I'm moving to LA" thread. I'll be relocating sometime late this year or early next year, depending on how things go at work. I've been to L.A. numerous times before and I really love the place and I'm excited about moving there. However, I'd be lying if I said reading some of the threads here didn't worry me just a bit. Is the crime and gang problem really that bad in L.A? I'm not oblivious to big city crime and I'd say I have adequate "street smarts" when it comes to knowing how to avoid it. I am from Baltimore after all, which is constantly near the top of the lists for murder rate and most dangerous city. But even though Baltimore has a growing gang problem, it doesn't have nearly the number of gangs that are in LA. So would you say the presence of gangs is noticeable? Does the average citizen usually feel the effects of gang activity other than hearing about another gang-related crime on the evening news?

Also, I'm always hearing a lot about all the racial tension in LA. Are things still as bad as they were back in the 90's? As a minority (Asian) would I be at greater risk for being a target by these gangs? I know these are difficult questions, but I just felt the need to ask them.

The areas I'm thinking about are Pasadena, Burbank, North Hollywood, and Studio City, so I won't be in South Central, East LA, Inglewood, Compton, etc.

[pgrit154]

I"m glad you had a great time in L.A,because I was getting so sick and tired of people bashing this place :-(

Me too!! I'm moving to LA in 12 days and have seen far too much bashing of the place by the same few bitter people. I understand the place has its problems, but everywhere does... even where I am in lame, boring, Wisco.

[matt345]

Thanks so much for the replies. I'll probably be posting more questions in the coming months as my move gets closer. I really do love L.A., but understand that it has its problems. But what big city doesn't? Baltimore has beautiful, gentrified neighborhoods, but you can walk literally just a few blocks in the wrong direction and suddenly you're in a war zone.

Yeah I know the smog is bad in L.A., but it's not like we're breathing fresh crisp mountain air here on the east coast in the middle of those humid summer heat waves.