Esodmumixam

Mar Vista has become a great family neighborhood, essentially because families that could not afford great Westside areas (West LA, Santa Monica, etc...) have moved in to the area. Also, there are a lot of good schools around. The prices are getting higher and higher however, with multi- million dollar home prices having already been reached.

I won't go as far as saying that the neighborhood is now great. However, I wonder to what extent some of the South LA reviewers on Street Advisor actually live in those parts -- I don't. I have however spent quite a bit more time there lately and it's not even close to how bad it used to be back in the late 90's. I remember back then when you would drive through these parts and wonder whether you would make it out alive. Quite a different feeling now. Not the prettiest or the best, and I am sure there is plenty to get in trouble. But it just does not feel "unsafe" anymore. Also, because of the gorgeous architecture and nearby downtown which is slowly reviving, I think there is great potential near USC area. How long will it take? I don't know. But inexpensive parts of LA are getting few and far between and the area is ever so slowly gentrifying no doubt. I agree about the Fast Food joints galore however. What's up with that! Let's hope it changes...