Living in Compton or Crenshaw (South Gate, Hawthorne: appointed, low crime, neighborhoods)

[Shawn_Java]

Hello All.

First off, here's a little background. I live in Canada, from a city where even a store robbery would be on the news for months. So, no, I don't know what its like to live in a place like Compton or Crenshaw. I have applied to a few universities in the states. USC being one of them, I was accepted 9 days ago after a 2 month no response period. I have done a little reaserch and have discovered that both Compton and Crenshaw are roughly a 10 min ride away from USC.

I know this sounds really weird, but I REALLY want to live in either one of those neighborhoods. Though I can understand why my persona would be the exact opposite of someone who would choose to live there.

What would it take to live in that neighborhood? I have a basic knowledge of street smarts. If I do live there, I'm just not even gonna bother having anything fancy around the house. Just my books, notepads, pencils, calculator, bed, toiletries, food. SO I wouldn't imagine losing anything of importance if I were to get robbed.

Should I have a gun handy in my house? What kind of things should I be aware of?

Thanks.

[1200RT]

Seriously?

[SoCal794]

It's not really an advisable decision. Especially if you're used to low crime areas, you will not enjoy living in the above mentioned neighborhoods (the crime rate is very high there, even by L.A. standards).
Can you live there without being killed? Yes. But it's quite risky since you aren't used to it, and if that's not an environment you are familiar with, you are really gonna hate it.

It would be a better idea to look into USC student housing, or even find a place in the area immediately surrounding USC (this area can still be a little sketchy however, but better than Compton I believe).

[yowps3]

The funny thing about Compton is that strictly from an aesthetic point of view... The area ain't bad at all..

[Count David]

I think you'll be really disappointed in what you'll find if you decide to live in these neighborhoods. Might as well move to South Gate or Hawthorne. It'll be more dull than you think.

I don't know how the legal gun thing works. Do we allow Canadians to have guns?

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by Shawn_Java

I live in Canada, from a city where even a store robbery would be on the news for months.

Originally Posted by Shawn_Java

I have a basic knowledge of street smarts.

You flatter yourself...

[2Easy]

By the time that you go to USC the Expo rail line will be open with stops near USC and Crenshaw. It's going to gentrify because of the rail line, especially after it opens to Santa Monica. But it will be gradual and you probably won't see a huge change in the next 4-5 years. Still there are already areas around Crenshaw that are ok. Plus it's relatively close to other areas with stuff to do, so I don't see it as that bad depending on where you pick.

Compton not so much. There are a few quiet neighborhoods, but I don't see any of them as desirable because Compton has relatively high crime, yet very little to do. There are few supermarkets, no movie theaters, little retail, very few decent restaurants. Much more of that stuff in Crenshaw and adjacent areas.

[nowincal11]

Originally Posted by Shawn_Java

Hello All.

First off, here's a little background. I live in Canada, from a city where even a store robbery would be on the news for months. So, no, I don't know what its like to live in a place like Compton or Crenshaw. I have applied to a few universities in the states. USC being one of them, I was accepted 9 days ago after a 2 month no response period. I have done a little reaserch and have discovered that both Compton and Crenshaw are roughly a 10 min ride away from USC.

I know this sounds really weird, but I REALLY want to live in either one of those neighborhoods. Though I can understand why my persona would be the exact opposite of someone who would choose to live there.

What would it take to live in that neighborhood? I have a basic knowledge of street smarts. If I do live there, I'm just not even gonna bother having anything fancy around the house. Just my books, notepads, pencils, calculator, bed, toiletries, food. SO I wouldn't imagine losing anything of importance if I were to get robbed.

Should I have a gun handy in my house? What kind of things should I be aware of?

Thanks.

I would not recommend. They are both high crime by LA standards. Compton the worse of the two. Especially you not being from the US, you may be targeted for robberies, burglaries, etc.

Since you are not a US citizen, you cannot own a firearm in California.

Not to mention you won't make many friends. I highly doubt many USC students will want to come down there to hang out with you.


Acacia Blocc Compton Crip - YouTube

Check that out. This is very recent and only about one gang in Compton.

In 2010, Compton had 26 homicides, down from 78 in 2005. However, 26 for 98,000 is over 4X the national average.

[Parker501]

Why bother living in either of those neighborhoods?
You obviously have sufficient financial resources given you are leaving Canada (where tuition is very cheap) to an expensive US school. Have you ever visited? You may have the wrong impression of what the neighborhoods are like based on movies and other media. You will just be bored and looking over your shoulder every second.
Try Echo Park or Downtown. They are both more gritty neighborhoods (if thats what you're looking for) with lots of nightlife and dining options.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by David Aguilar

I I don't know how the legal gun thing works. Do we allow Canadians to have guns?

As a general rule - yes* - Canadians can have guns in the US, although its murky waters. Most of the applicable info is covered under title 18, ch 44, section 922 of the US code.

good info here: ATF Online - Firearms - Frequently Asked Questions - Nonimmigrant Aliens (http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/nonimmigrant-aliens.html#alien-number-purchase - broken link)

*i'm not a lawyer, not to be taken as legal advice.