Moving to Korea Town (Santa Monica: apartments, renting, condos)

[mikeyfilmmaker]

I'm thinking about renting an apartment in Korea town (Wilshire & Western cross streets). I was curious how this area is for crime and lifestyle? I've heard both good and bad things about Korea town.

I'll be commuting to work in Century City for an 8:00 a.m. start time. Will the commute be too much to handle?

There seems to be a lot of apartments in the area and wanted to know if anyone has lived there in this particular area of Korea town (South Street Andrews Pl is the street)?

Do you think it will be safe to park a '07 Hyundai on the street? Or even walk to my apartment at night? I'm a 22 year old, 5'3", 125 lbs. male who wears a suit to work. Not really the best combo in LA at night in some areas.

[UB50]

I don't know about that specific street... What I do know is that, like everywhere else in LA, Koreatown has good and bad areas. There are a lot of apartments and condos and in some areas you see a lot of people on the street after dark (that mostly look like normal people, not gang members).

The streets fill up really quickly so I think finding street parking would be tough in that area. I would try to find a building with security parking. I'd be willing to bet there is a lot of car theft there since there are a lot of cars on the streets.

On the plus side, I don't think the commute would be bad.

[1moe]

you can plug in the address and get the crime info. there's usually a lot of crime in korean town

LAPD | crimestats and epolice

usually there's no street parking, and you have to pay extra to park in a garage. (which may be across the street) depending on the complex.

anything btw 4th - 7th st. I heard was bad

[lalagonegaga]

Hey that's my street! Well, my street for the last 3 years until I moved to another one in the same area. You'll be absolutely fine (I lived at St. Andrews Manor, a really nice brick building built in 1927 that was lovingly restored)! One thing I LOVE about this area is that you can walk to pretty much a lot of the establishments. I walk to to dinner, the tea house Hwa Sun Ji, Jamba Juice, Ralph's, CVS, and take my dogs all over. I especially love it when someone I like is at the Wiltern 'cause hey, no parking!

I also park on the street after paying for a private lot for about 2 years (if you're interested, it's the underground lot on Gramercy, almost at the corner of Wilshire, looks like it's the parking for the nice condo above it but it's not) because I wanted to keep that $80 bucks a month. Street parking is absolutely fine in the day, but since you're working, you might run into some delays finding a space after about 5pm. Weekends are not a problem in my experience.

It's safe, convenient and really close to most of the things you'll not only need, but want to do. Seriously, get out and walk around this neighborhood. You will find some pretty awesome stuff. Oh, but try to stay on the main streets (Wilshire, Western, 6th) if you're walking late at night. I'm a woman and I walk alone and with my dogs around here at all hours (well, witihn reason) and as long as I use common sense, I don't have a problem. This is Hancock Park adj, so lots of well-to-do Koreans live here and they like a nice area. Also, explore Downtown becuase that's where all the "cool" stuff is. PM me if you want some details!

[lalagonegaga]

Oh, and I used to commute to that part of town and you should have no problem. Since you have to be there at 8am you'll be leaving plenty early and you won't run into much traffic. Just take Wilshire all the way into Century City because it's the most straight shot (Olympic might be a little better, it depends- but try both and see). Coming home, if you want to avoid traffic, get over to little Santa Monica (which turns into Burton Way in B.H.), take that all the way until it turns into San Vicente at the edge of B.H., then turn left onto 6th and take that home. You will really want to avoid Wilshire in the afternoon and rush hour.

[the one]

in k town try to stay north of 8th. this area of town is pretty decent, but you do have a bad elelemnt. word to the wise tho. dont stand out too much. wearing a suit on wilshire is pretty normal. but if your going to the local liqour store jeans and t shirts are better. lots of stuff to do there and your commute wont be too bad.

[Christine Joan]

This area is really improving. With all the new building going on here, the prices are rising too, but not nearly as much as other parts of the greater LA area. Korea Town is still a bargain. You can call the police at 1-800-ASK-LAPD to get their take on the types of crimes that are reported in that particular area and advice on how to avoid being a victim of crime. However, crime occurs all over LA, even in the good areas.

Like others have said, using common sense goes a long way here. Stay on main streets, don't leave any valuables at all or anything that looks like it could be valuable in your car at any time (they will break out your windows to get it), If you can find an apartment that comes with parking that will generally be a better bargain for you, and really inspect the apartment after they say that they have sprayed for cockroaches because alot of the older buildings have really nasty infestation problems. I used to attach a steering wheel locking device to my old Mazda to prevent theft, if you don't already have one, I would buy one if you plan on parking on the street. Also, carrying pepper spray and a whistle might help you to feel safer until you get adjusted to the area and your new neighbors.

Years ago, I used to make that same drive and it wasn't bad. Others have already posted great advice on what streets to take in the morning and evening.

Best wishes and welcome,

[KSCarey]

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