Safety, etc. in Mar Vista (Los Angeles, Marina: crime, neighborhoods, living in)

[aegithina]

I'll be interning in Marina del Rey for the summer, and am planning to live in Mar Vista (near Venice and Centinela). I won't have a car, so I'll be walking or bussing or biking it to MDR. My main concern is safety: I was under the impression that Mar Vista and MDR are both very safe, but I saw some crime statistics and heard people say that that area of Mar Vista can be sketchy. Anyone know what it's like? Is it safe enough to, say, walk around at 9 pm? I've lived in Chicago and Boston, and am familiar with NYC, so any comparisons with neighborhoods in these cities, in terms of safety, would really help.

[BRinSM]

that area of mar vista should be fine. there are some immigrant families living in the area, but you'll be far enough away from the projects that safety shouldn't be an issue. you'll also be close to a weekly farmers market at the mitsuya store to pick your favorite japanese items. i can't compare this neighborhood to nyc and chicago because it's completely different, but i wouldn't be worried about walking around after dark.

[aegithina]

Thanks! What about the walk from MDR (Lincoln and Mindanao)? GMaps gives me this route: 4676 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 to Venice Blvd & S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066 - Google Maps . Does it pass by the projects, or places to avoid? Sorry... I just don't know anything about LA, so I'm a bit nervous. Thanks again.

[BRinSM]

that's a long walk and although i think you'd be safe, you never know this is a big city. you'd be better riding a bike.