$648,035Average Value$364Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
South Los Angeles neighborhood shows the promise of progress
Willowbrook, an unincorporated neighborhood between Watts and Compton in South Los Angeles, is a community in motion. Sidewalks lining each street lead to points of progress, such as the revitalized Earvin “Magic” Johnson Recreational Area. The 120-acre park at the center of Willowbrook is the largest green space in South Los Angeles and a magnetic draw for neighbors. The park was originally built on the site of a demolished housing project, and the care that was taken to rejuvenate the once-dilapidated park symbolizes the promise of forward movement that defines Willowbrook. In a region where water is a precious resource, a compact treatment mechanism at the park collects and cleanses stormwater, which is further purified in the freshwater marshes lining two fishing lakes. “Willowbrook has come a long way,” says Rose Pinkney, a retired healthcare worker who has lived in the neighborhood for 42 years and spends three days a week as garden steward at the community garden. “We have a gorgeous hospital right here, many inexpensive ways to get around the community. And with the renovations to the Magic Johnson Park—it’s just so serene.”
The mural at Martin Luther King Jr Medical Campus inspires hope in the Willowbrook neighborhood.
Have some fun with your kids at Willowbrook park.
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Seeking affordability, families come to stay
Industrial buildings and warehouses fill one section of Willowbrook, but the larger residential area is evenly divided between owners and renters. Blocks of tightly packed, low-slung bungalows and ranch-style homes sit behind wrought-iron or chain link fences. Home prices range from around $400,000 for a bungalow to $800,000 for larger ranch-style homes, with the occasional large estate priced at over a million dollars. “Willowbrook is actually a very quaint and generally well-maintained neighborhood,” says Eileen Gonzales, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Advisors and an expert in market research and property analysis. “The majority of neighbors take pride in their homes, which is visible from the way they maintain the yards and facades of the homes.” A home at the median price of $610,000 might feature three to four small bedrooms, a freshened interior and a small backyard with cacti and succulents and gravel mulch or squares of pavement. Many families have multi-generational roots, says Gonzales, who recently sold a home for a couple in their eighties who had lived there most of their lives. “The husband's father built the place, and his parents lived there until they passed.”
Athens Way is a primary thoroughfare in Willowbrook.
Single-family home with fenced-in front yar, located in Willowbrook.
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Easy access to beaches, downtown and job centers
Seven bus stops and a metro stop serve Willowbrook. The train downtown takes about 40 minutes. And by car, Los Angeles International Airport is a ten-mile straight shot on Interstate 105. Downtown is 12.5 miles up Interstate 110, or 19 miles without tolls. “A lot of people are considering [Willowbrook] for affordability and close proximity to employment centers,” says Jessica Nieto, a Realtor with eXp Realty who has been a real estate professional since 2008. “Longshoreman opportunities are in pretty easy reach, as are a lot of manufacturing and labor jobs.” The metro station, the second busiest light rail station in the city, was recently renovated with improved lighting and bus access and other state-of-the-art features. It showcases work by local artists on the interior walls, and sculptured parasols cast filtered images of Rosa Parks on the pavement of the newly developed public plaza.
Rosa Parks Metro Station is conveniently located in Willowbrook.
The Metro A Line runs through Willowbrook.
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From Hawkins House of Burgers to fresh seafood and Mexican street fare
“One of the best things about Willowbrook is the diversity of food, from very authentic Mexican food to amazing burgers,” says Nieto. Case in point: Hawkins House of Burgers, built in 1939 by the owner Cynthia Hawkins’ father and grandfather. Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid named it among his top three favorite cheeseburger joints. Mariscos El Patron food truck, often parked alongside Magic Johnson Park, offers ceviche and other fresh seafood. And near Athens Park, El Antojito Grill cooks up an abundance of tacos, tortas and tostilocos. Shoppers will find several discount warehouse-style grocery stores with fresh produce in the neighborhood, like Grocery Outlet and Food 4 Less, which has a bakery. Citi Mall sells furniture and home goods. A Dollar Zone is located near the Magic Johnson Park and there is a Walmart just to the east of the neighborhood.
James Fish Market is a perfect place to pick up fresh seafood.
Find authentic Spanish food at El Antoiilo.
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Parks and gardens nurture community spirit
The Willowbrook Community Garden is a perfect hub for the neighborhood. “It has become a sacred space for families to come to relax and get away, even if they’re not gardeners. Kids can play here, and it’s become a meeting place for neighborhood watch meetings. It adds such enormous value to the community. You’d be surprised what a small place can do,” says Pinkey. The Magic Johnson Park overlooks one of the lakes, and the community center includes classroom space and accommodates workshops and school field trips. Willowbrook also has smaller parks more typical of the region. Athens Park on the neighborhood’s western edge is a hub for athletes and students, with baseball diamonds, basketball courts and programming for camps and afterschool care. And the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation made Mona Park on the East side the recipient of a “Dodgers Dreamfield” grant, which revitalized its baseball fields. Neighbors can also use the gym, pool and year-round sports programming at Mona Park.
This beautiful lake sits in the heart of Willowbrook's Magic Johnson Park.
A pedestrian walks across the bridge in the Willowbrook neighborhood.
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Two school districts plus a pathway to medical professions
Two school districts serve Willowbrook: Los Angeles Unified and Compton Unified. Kids may attend Martin Luther King Elementary, graded C-plus by Niche, or B-minus graded McKinley Elementary for kindergarten through grade 8. Willowbrook Middle School is graded B-minus and Centennial High School gets a C-plus grade. King/Drew Medical Magnet High School, graded A, is located in Willowbrook near MLK hospital. While it also draws from surrounding neighborhoods, the magnet high school may be an option for Willowbrook students aspiring to a medical career. The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science University is also next to the hospital. Drew University is the only historically Black graduate institution west of the Mississippi and one of four historically Black medical schools in the nation.
Martin Luther King Jr Medical Campus is a great place to receive excellent healthcare.
Choose some science-fiction book at Willowbrook library.
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Revitalization, rejuvenation, and growing community spirit
A sense of abundance is apparent in Willowbrook. Avocadoes, pomegranates, passion fruit, almonds and other goodies in the community garden are there for the taking, says Pinkney. “Any gardeners are welcome to take what two hands can hold, so there’s enough for everybody.” Residents of Hope on Avalon, a supportive and transitional housing development nearby, have a plot in the garden. “It’s beautiful. They grow jalapenos and tomatoes. They come as a group, walk over here, sit in the garden and work, always ask what they can do.” Pinkney appreciates the progress she sees around her. She looks forward to future development of the neighborhood, with upscale shopping and entertainment options. But as far as a well-balanced, melting pot community vibe, she says, “it’s already here.”
Have some fresh air with your kids at Willowbrook park.
Let the kids get their energy out at Magic Johnson Park.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angel Hightower,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Mona Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
Athens Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
Faith And Hope Park
Picnic Area
Trails
George Washington Carver Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
Enterprise Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park
Fishing
Grills
Lake
Transit
Airport
Los Angeles International
16 min drive
Subway
Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station
Bus
El Segundo & Broadway
Bus
Central Ave & 127th St
Bus
Main St & El Segundo Blvd
Bus
Willowbrook - Rosa Parks Station - West
Bus
Stockwell St & Oleander Ave
Bus
124th St & Wilmington Ave
Bus
Elva Ave & 120th St
Willowbrook Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Willowbrook, Compton sell after 108 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Willowbrook, Compton over the last 12 months is $417,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 424 Markton - on the market for the first time in nearly 70 years! Situated on a cul de sac street, this light and bright 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home has been thoughtfully updated throughout and is truly move-in ready. As you enter, you're welcomed into a spacious living room highlighted by high vaulted ceilings and a unique Palos Verdes Stone accent wall that adds character and
Welcome to this beautiful Charming big 2 story home with plenty of space offering 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, including a balcony. Great setup for 2 families, plenty of space and privacy for everyone. Property is divided. Front house is 2 bedrooms & 2 bathroom, full kitchen cozy and private layout. Back house 2-story unit. Upstairs 2 bedroom & 1 bathroom.downstairs spacious
This is a unique opportunity for investors, contractors, or savvy buyers looking for a project with great upside potential. The property is in need of some TLC and offers endless possibilities to renovate, customize, or rebuild. Located in a desirable neighborhood, this home presents a blank canvas for those with vision and creativity. Whether you're looking to flip, hold as a rental, or
PERFECT DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY!Attention investors and builders—don’t miss this rare chance to own a centrally located property with unlimited potential. This small duplex features two units, each with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, situated on a huge lot offering ample space for expansion, redevelopment, or building your dream home from the ground up.Whether you're looking to
Charming Starter Home – Perfect for First-Time Buyers! Welcome to a cozy and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, located in a great Los Angeles neighborhood. Offering 806 square feet of living space on a 5,914 square foot lot, this home is ideal for those looking for a manageable, move-in-ready property with great potential for growth. ADU Potential. Whether you're looking to downsize, or
JUST REDUCED! Great opportunity to get into home ownership with this beautiful 2 bed 1 bath home. Located blocks from MLK hospital,close access to the 105 fwy, minutes from SO-FI Stadium, Intuit Dome, and KIA Forum. Access to South Bay, San Pedro, Long Beach and more. This property has been upgraded throughout. Natural sunlight makes this home feel comfortable and cozy. Nice sized living
We are pleased to present this meticulously renovated RENTAL duplex, a rare opportunity that combines contemporary upgrades with strategic location advantages. The unit has been thoughtfully modernized to meet the needs of today’s discerning occupant. The residences feature fully updated kitchens equipped with new cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures, as well as remodeled bathrooms designed with
Welcome to your new home at The Drew at Southbay!Discover comfort, convenience, and modern living in this brand-new apartment community located in the heart of Los Angeles. Offering spacious 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes, each unit is thoughtfully designed with modern kitchens with stainless-steel appliance packages, in-unit washer/dryers, private patios, AC/heat, recessed lighting, and
Spacious 2-bedroom and 1 bath unit in great condition and for a great rent amount. Long time tenant moving away. Its conveniently located near major freeways, shopping center and downtown area.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Angel Hightower,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
35,329
Median Age
35
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$60,891
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,243
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
64.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.2%
% Population in Labor Force
63.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
46°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
64/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
55/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
