Is San Pedro, Los Angeles A Safe Place To Live?

San Pedro, a small community in Los Angeles, is known for its diversity and proximity to outdoor recreations. However, there are drawbacks to choosing to live in San Pedro. However, there are many issues that might make you reconsider a move to San Pedro. Or Los Angeles in general, given all the pros and cons.

When it comes to safety, San Pedro is generally considered a safe place to live. Though crime statistics are higher than the national average, they are among the lowest in the city of Los Angeles. If you’re looking for a calmer place to settle down with your family, you might consider San Pedro.

San Pedro was once known as ‘the last affordable beach town,’ and ‘neighborhood of the year.’ Now the neighborhood continues to face rapid change. If you’re wondering just how safe the community is to live in, read below for more information.

Based on the 2000 census, San Pedro is only 12 square miles, but houses over 80,000 people. The average age of residents is the mid-thirties. Whites make up nearly half the population at 44.2%, but the majority of residents are people of color. Latinos make up 40% of locales while blacks made up 6.1% and Asians 4.1%.

The average household income is roughly $57,500. 74% of residents are white-collar workers and just over 25% are blue-collar. Similar to national statistics, only 23.8% of San Pedro’s occupants went to university and obtained a four-year degree. Nearly 13% of all San Pedro citizens are not US-born, but legal citizens. Just over 10% were not born in the U.S. and are not legal citizens.

Of 112 Los Angeles neighborhoods, San Pedro is ranked #13 when it comes to diversity. It also ranks #66 for the best neighborhood for young professionals in LA. If you are looking for the best neighborhoods for young professionals, check out The 7 Best Neighborhoods In Los Angeles For Young Professionals.

The average cost of living in San Pedro is higher than comparative averages. San Pedro’s cost of living is 2% higher than Los Angeles as a whole. The cost of living is 43% higher than the national average. And the housing market is more than 100% higher than the national average! Additionally, compared to the national average, sales tax is 40% higher and state income tax is 59% lower.

The average home value is much higher than the national average of $217,500. San Pedro’s is $559,103. The median rent is much higher as well. It is $1,585 a month compared to a national average of $1,062 a month.

The cost of living is expected to continue to rise as gentrification continues.

San Pedro is considered one of the cheaper water communities in the Los Angeles area. Areas such as Venice, Malibu, Santa Monica tend to have a higher home price point, well over the million mark. San Pedro, LA, has a wider range of home prices. Condos, townhomes, single and multi-family homes range from 200,000 to 2 million.

More households rent than purchase homes in San Pedro. 56.1% rent, while the rest of the population purchased. The average price for renting a studio increased in 2020 to $1,200.

For context: A 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home for rent on S Gaffey Street is $7,500 a month while a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on Summerland is only $3,100 a month.

When it comes to purchasing, on the high end, a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home on Meyler Street is listed at $1,967,000. A 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home on W 1st Street is listed at $695,000.

The state of California sits on the San Andreas fault line. This causes frequent earthquakes that range from small tremors to major disasters. Living anywhere close to the fault line, particularly on the coast, puts your family and home at risk of danger.

One of San Pedro’s landmarks is the Sunken City, which was a historic landslide back in the mid-1900s. During this event, many oceanfront homes slid into the water and today the area remains an eerie attraction. With abandoned, empty streets, unsafe infrastructure, and other major issues, the area remains a reminder of what could be.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to a city being suitable to raise a family in. In total, nearly 30% of residents in San Pedro are families raising children. Most aspects of San Pedro are considered average in comparison to the rest of the United States. The schools, nightlife, and diversity all rank average or above. Safety issues, cost of living, and housing rank much lower than the national average.

Another important factor for families with children is schooling. When it comes to education, San Pedro curriculum focuses on the Port of Los Angeles and the port’s general impact on the global economy. According to standardized testing, scores in the public school system dropped off after elementary school. Instead, San Pedro has many highly rated private and charter schools to choose from that specialize in test/college preparations.

Related Questions

What is the Weather Like in San Pedro?

Depending on which part of San Pedro you’re in, there could be a 5-to-10-degree difference! As you move uphill and toward the sea, you’ll find cooler temperatures. If you are looking for a fairly neutral temperature year-round, San Pedro might be the place for you.Summers in San Pedro are characterized as warm and arid, but short. Winters are described as cool, partly cloudy, and longer than average. Day-time temperatures range from 50-78 degrees. The extreme lows are 45 degrees while it is unusual to see a temperature above 86 degrees on the hottest days.

Should I Move to San Pedro?

Like any city, San Pedro has appealing areas for families and areas that should be avoided. The area does not specifically cater to young professionals like other parts of Los Angeles do. Check out this link for more info on that, here. If you are looking for an affordable option that is collectively safer than other sections of Los Angeles, San Pedro is perfect for you.

What is There to Do in San Pedro?

There are plenty of things to do in San Pedro, Los Angeles, primarily centered around it being a seaside town. Visiting the beach, the Battleship Iowa, which is stationed at the Port of Los Angeles, Korean Bell of Friendship, and more! You’re also close to everything Southern California has to offer, so you can stay busy year-round.