Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Lawndale
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Rent in Lawndale
Rent control: Lawndalehas no local rent-stabilization ordinance we track, so California's statewide cap (AB 1482) is the main protection. It limits annual increases on most buildings at least 15 years old, with exemptions. Verify a building's status before signing.
General information, not legal advice.
How Lawndale scores for you
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Lawndale is a small, residential city in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. With a population of roughly 31,800, it offers the feel of a close-knit community while remaining part of the greater Los Angeles metro area. The city is primarily residential, centered around family neighborhoods and local services.
Lawndale's appeal lies in its neighborhood character and accessibility to South Bay amenities, even though it operates independently of the larger Los Angeles city limits. If you're looking for a quieter, more compact community than central LA but still want to be in the broader South Bay region, Lawndale is worth considering.
Living here
Daily life in Lawndale revolves around local shops, parks, and schools. You'll find grocery stores like Sprouts Farmers Market and Smart & Final, restaurants ranging from Thai to Mexican fare, and several parks including Rogers-Anderson Park and William Green Park within short distances. Most errands can be handled locally without extensive travel.
Because Lawndale has no nearby Metro rail stations, a car is practical for getting around the broader South Bay or reaching destinations outside the city. Within Lawndale itself, many neighborhoods are walkable for everyday needs, but commuting to other parts of the region typically requires driving.
Who it's for
Lawndale suits renters seeking a stable, residential community with a local focus. It works well for families, professionals who commute by car, and anyone wanting a quieter alternative to denser urban neighborhoods while staying in Los Angeles County. If you rely heavily on public transit or need frequent access to downtown LA's job centers and nightlife, you may find the location constraining.
Environment & livability
Air quality: moderate diesel PM exposure for California.
Above the state median, linked to mild long-term respiratory risk in some studies. Worth considering for sensitive households.
Traffic exposure: high traffic corridor exposure.
This area is near major traffic corridors, linked to higher noise levels, diesel PM, and reduced street-level comfort.
Tree cover: very limited tree cover, predominantly concrete.
Low canopy areas tend to run hotter and feel more exposed. Research links tree cover to lower ambient temperatures and improved pedestrian comfort.
Walkability: most daily errands can be done on foot.
High intersection density and destination access. The kind of area where a car is optional for daily life.
Transit: minimal transit access, car strongly recommended.
Very infrequent or no meaningful transit nearby. Car dependency is high in this area.
Environmental data from CalEnviroScreen 4.0 and the EPA Smart Location Database. Informational only, not professional advice for a housing decision.
Who lives in Lawndale
Population
17,738
Renters
65%
of households rent
Median age
37
Median income
$79k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Around Lawndale
Smart & Final Extra! · Sprouts Farmers Market · El Super · ALDI
Starbucks · Mc Den’s Donuts · Cake Garden · Brew Lyfe
Pacific Rim Thai Kitchen · Numero Uno · Red Robin · Subway
Rogers-Anderson Park · William Green Park · Charles Hopper Park · Frank Hogan Tot Lot
LA Fitness · Curves · We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym · Next Step
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Finding a place in Lawndale
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Frequently asked questions
Is Lawndale walkable?+
Lawndale is moderately walkable for daily errands within the city, with grocery stores, restaurants, gyms, and parks nearby. However, there is no rail transit, so getting to destinations outside Lawndale typically requires a car.
What kind of amenities are nearby?+
You'll find about 8 restaurants, 2 coffee shops, 1 grocery store, 2 gyms, and 1 to 2 parks within a short walk, depending on your location. Lawndale ranks 85th out of 371 areas in the region for overall amenity density.
Do I need a car in Lawndale?+
A car is strongly recommended. While some local shopping and services are walkable, Lawndale lacks public transit connections and you'll need to drive for most trips outside the city.
Is Lawndale affordable?+
Rent data for Lawndale is not currently available. Check current listings to compare prices with nearby South Bay communities and see if it fits your budget.
What is the average rent in Lawndale?+
Current residents of Lawndale pay a median rent of about $1,888 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Lawndale?+
Lawndale has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 65 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Lawndale?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Lawndale are Hollywood, Mid-City, Alhambra and Canoga Park.