Opinions on W. 138th Street in Hawthorne? (Torrance, Inglewood: rentals, crime)

[NewinScal]

Hello,

I am newly moved to LA and know very little about the neighborhoods. In Hawthorne, I know some areas are dicey and Hollyglen is preferred but can someone offer specifics on the neighborhood of West 138th Street in Hawthorne between Jefferson and Prairie? ( It is east of Hawthorne Blvd, North of Rosecrans and South of West El Segundo Blvd.) I am looking at a rental in that area.

I am most concerned about personal safety and break-ins and an on-line crime mapper indicates the 90250 zip has a high incidence of property crimes and rapes. I have driven around the specific area I am asking about and the block and surrounding blocks seem nice and quiet but you never know...

I have two dogs and would likely be out after dark in the evenings for their evening walks so I want to be able to do this safely.

Any input would be appreciated

[NewinScal]

help???

[JTGJR]

Generally, doesn't sound good. Sorry.

[apollyoncruiser]

This area is heavy with a mix of Hispanic and Black families, with a few Asian families as well. You won't be living in constant dread but you will need to be aware of your surroundings. Try not to put too much high-end stuff in the place and be discreet when you throw packaging away. Shread important documents before you discard them. Do all the safety conscious things you would anywhere else. Make sure all safety windows and doors are secure and in proper working order.

This area is covered by the LA Sherriff department Lenox division but I've seen Hawthorne, Lawndale, LAPD, Gardena cops in thorough there too. Both Rosecrans and Prairie are busy with traffic at all times. The Park is busy at weekends as many guys use the baseball fields. If you don't have off street parking expect to drive around looking for a space alot if you get off at regular times. While walking the dogs try to not to wear or have anything on that's too posh or flash and you'll be alright.

Search CrimeReports.com

[NewinScal]

Thank you both. apolly, I really appreciate the information- it is along the lines of what I was thinking. It seems doable with some major cautions. I really appreciate the throroughness of the answer. If anyone else has any thoughts, please chime in!

[1200RT]

Just out of curiosity, what kind of rental rates are you looking at in that area....?

[NewinScal]

Rentals are silly expensive, even in Hawthorne. The homes that meet my requirements generally run in the minimum 2200 range. But I am looking for a detached home with at lease 2 bedroooms so that may affect my price. I have seen some for less and even a duplex that was 1750. It was really ncie but on a definitely dicey block. Generally, Westchester is a lot nicer.

[onechase]

Honestly, I would not spend $2200 to live in Hawthorne. Crime is high. If you plan to be out alone at night with your dogs, unless your dogs are huge german shepherds or something equally intimidating, Hawthorne isn't really a good choice. In a neighborhood like that, trouble finds you. To make matters worse, you'd be surrounded by equally bad if not worse areas in Inglewood, Lennox and Gardena.

Westchester is much, much nicer than Hawthorne. Try looking in Torrance, El Segundo, Culver City and the inland part of Redondo. Prices are higher but you could get lucky, and personally I'd happily pay more rent, or take less house, and not have to worry about safety.

[1200RT]

Agreed with above. Doesnt sound like Hawthorn is the best choice.

[NewinScal]

Thanks all. Sounds like good advice and I will take it. It is disappointing though. I really like the hosue and have been looking intensively for a month. But for the surrounding neighborhood it meets all of my requirements. That is the sort of desperation that leads to bad decisions, though. Finding good housing in L.A is hard!