Is VAN NUYS CA, a safe place to reside? (Highland: rent, crime)

[kwholmes]

I currently live on the Eastcoast and plan on relocating to Van Nuys, CA with my family in a few months. However, after watching a show called "Gang Land" I am extremely concerned about relocating to CA period! Although I have visited Van Nuys it was only one time for a short period of time to view a few apts. I did notice that many of the neighborhoods were largely populated by hispanics which did not bother us at all...... but it now does since the documentry stressed the facts that many hispanic gangs have been expressing a growing amount of violence against blacks (my family and I are black). Pls I need feedback about this area ASAP

[Mr. Opinionated]

I think it used to be, decades ago. But lately, the proximity and influence of parent, big manic L.A. has bled into the area. I lived off Van Nyus near Nordoff back in 2005, and even being from South L.A, I thought there was just too much petty crime going on, especially during weekends. Maybe someone else on here who grew up there, or lives in better neighborhood, might tell a different tale. But thats my version.

[JohnG72]

Define safe.

Van Nuys isn't perfect. There are a fair amount of African American's in Van Nuys. There is legitimate fear of Mexican on Black crime, but AFAIK it hasn't been an issue in Van Nuys. Seems more confined to northeast LA(Highland Park, East LA, etc,) and also Harbor Gateway/Lomita. Although Mexican gangs in Panorama City, Sun Valley and North Hollywood, bordering Van Nuys, fit the same type profile as the northeast LA gangs.

[BRinSM]

my experiences in the southern portion of van nuys is that it's not really unsafe, but it's not really nice either. the neighborhoods start to look a bit sketchier as you get north of victory or vanowen.

[steven1012]

Why Van Nuys? I would never live there. There are so many better areas in the Valley.

[Miss Pip]

Originally Posted by kwholmes

I currently live on the Eastcoast and plan on relocating to Van Nuys, CA with my family in a few months. However, after watching a show called "Gang Land" I am extremely concerned about relocating to CA period! Although I have visited Van Nuys it was only one time for a short period of time to view a few apts. I did notice that many of the neighborhoods were largely populated by hispanics which did not bother us at all...... but it now does since the documentry stressed the facts that many hispanic gangs have been expressing a growing amount of violence against blacks (my family and I are black). Pls I need feedback about this area ASAP

There are gangs on the Eastcoast too. As a black person you should be aware of this.

I'm mixed race (but in ignorant America that is considered "black") I've never had problems in Van Nuys and there's enough black people there. It's an ugly area though. More than likely you're looking at Van Nuys because it's cheap. There's other nicer areas close by like Sherman Oaks and Encino. You pay for what you get.

[kwholmes]

Thanks for the feedback. Orginally we chose Van Nuys bc of its location (not far from downtown LA) and of course the price. And yes I am aware that there are gangs on the eastcoast but absolutely not to the extent that's over on the westcoast. So what are some safe or safer areas that anyone would recommend?

[JohnG72]

What are you looking for? Size, # of bd/ba, rent vs buy? Do you need schools?

[greggd1]

Originally Posted by kwholmes

Thanks for the feedback. Orginally we chose Van Nuys bc of its location (not far from downtown LA) and of course the price. And yes I am aware that there are gangs on the eastcoast but absolutely not to the extent that's over on the westcoast. So what are some safe or safer areas that anyone would recommend?

Ladera Heights.

[Senshi]

Originally Posted by kwholmes

Thanks for the feedback. Orginally we chose Van Nuys bc of its location (not far from downtown LA) and of course the price. And yes I am aware that there are gangs on the eastcoast but absolutely not to the extent that's over on the westcoast. So what are some safe or safer areas that anyone would recommend?

If you want to be close to DTLA don't live in the Valley.