Hawthorne is a must to avoid area, but back in the 1950s through early 70’s, it was the American dream bedroom community. It’s where The Beach Boys grew up. Now it’s basically turning into Inglewood as Inglewood keeps spreading East and south. I think the southern part of Hawthorn is safer, but still kind of boring.
When they put in the 105 Freeway right through the town, it was basically curtains for the city of Hawthorn. They even tore down The Beach Boys old family house to put in an off-ramp.
With all of that said, if shopping, it’s best to just stick to the beach communities south of LAX.
“Hawthorne is a must to avoid area, but back in the 1950s through early 70’s, it was the American dream bedroom community. It’s where The Beach Boys grew up. Now it’s basically turning into Inglewood as Inglewood keeps spreading East and south. I think the southern part of Hawthorn is safer, but still kind of boring.”
Thanks for posting this . You beat me to it . I’ve seen pics of Hawthorne in the 50’s thanks to booklet inc. in Beach Boys’ CD box set and it looked idyllic , much like my hometown in CT in the 50’s/60’s that also has turned into a dump and overrun by hispanics and illegals . Crime and drugs rampant . Sad .
I lived near Hawthorne from 1948 to 1964. My folks had an apartment near Hawthorne Blvd. The area was all single family homes dotted with apartment bldg. They sold it in 1972. In 1982 I drove there with my wife to show her the old neighborhood. There were no more homes. All apartment buildings. A total overcrowded mess. We did have lunch at the restaurant they filmed Pulp Fiction in. It was still a mostly white and Asian neighborhood then. I’d rather not see it as it is now. Of course back then Inglewood wasn’t too bad yet either.
We moved to Utah a year later and made a new start. I never want to even see that shyt hole again.