Watts is a community in South Los Angeles with relatively low housing costs and commuter convenience. Access to freeways and the Metro A Line keep you connected to both LA and Long Beach. The neighborhood has a variety of amenities, including arts and recreation programs, parks and shopping. Kids who live in Watts can go to schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Watts has a mix of early-1900s bungalows, midcentury ranch-style homes and newer construction. While there are a few true single-family houses in the area, many owners have added on small apartments or accessory dwelling units. Investors and first-time buyers often seek out these types of properties, says Sylvia Bennett, Realtor with eXp Realty of Greater LA, who has lived in and around Watts since she was a child. “It’s an economical way for people to get their first home — they rent out part of it, and it helps pay the mortgage costs.”
Sales tend to run from the upper $300,000s to around $1.3 million, and newer, multifamily properties typically fall at the top end of the spectrum. The median sale price is about $600,000, lower than the Long Beach median and significantly below the overall LA median.
The community is served by the Los Angeles Unified School District, which offers families a choice of neighborhood schools and magnet programs. Some kids go to Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary and Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School, which is named after the Olympian who grew up in the area. For older students, a popular option is the highly rated King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science, located just south of the freeway. “We have kids coming from all over LA to go there,” Bennett says.
Over the years, Watts has faced challenges with crime, but the area is often portrayed in popular culture as worse than it is today, with little attention paid to its ongoing improvements. “People still picture Watts like it was 20 years ago. It’s not the same,” Bennett says. Modern-day residents have access to a wealth of resources, such as:
From Watts, it’s about 10 miles to Downtown LA and less than 20 miles from Downtown Long Beach. Interstate 105 is directly south, and the Harbor and Long Beach freeways are both close by. With a Metro light rail station right in the neighborhood, however, you can reach either city without dealing with freeway traffic.
Watts is relatively small, but it has a lot to offer, including:
Kevin Freeman
Re/Max College Park Realty
(323) 613-3984
13 Total Sales
1 in Watts
$445,000 Price
Gerry Nicks
Keller Williams Realty
(424) 370-0766
171 Total Sales
2 in Watts
$500K - $560K Price Range
Michelle Pacheco
Sync Brokerage, Inc
(747) 294-4188
43 Total Sales
1 in Watts
$500,000 Price
Raymond A. Rodriguez IV
Equity Union
(747) 249-5579
41 Total Sales
1 in Watts
$1,150,000 Price
Vania Rincon
Keller Williams Larchmont
(855) 926-9843
47 Total Sales
1 in Watts
$450,000 Price
Steve Julian
Luxury Collective
(747) 293-4987
160 Total Sales
1 in Watts
$430,000 Price
Airport
Los Angeles International
18 min drive
Subway
103Rd Street Station
Bus
Mona Blvd & 115th St (Southbound)
Bus
Gorman Ave & 103rd St (Southbound)
Bus
Compton & 113th
Bus
Central Ave & 114th St (Northbound)
Bus
103rd & Compton
Bus
Weignand Ave & 108th St (Northbound)
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Watts | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 5 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 9 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 8 | 4 |
| Robbery | 8 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 7 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Watts, Los Angeles sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Watts, Los Angeles over the last 12 months is $601,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$832 - $1,166 per month
$1,732 - $2,500 per month
$2,095 - $2,245 per month
$3,850 per month
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Residential neighborhood in the heart of South Los Angeles
Green space offers serenity in South Los Angeles
Relatively affordable homes, plenty of park space and a variety of restaurants
This South LA neighborhood with an easy commute is attracting investment
Pastel bungalows, parks and a public pool 9 miles south of Los Angeles
Community-focused city, diverse cuisine & shopping, cultural events close to DTLA
