Los Angeles neighborhood guide
Florence-Graham
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Rent in Florence-Graham
Rent control: Florence-Grahamhas 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 Florence-Graham scores for you
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Florence-Graham is a census-designated place in south central Los Angeles County, spanning the communities of Florence, Firestone Park, and Graham. With a population around 62,000, it sits in a densely populated but lower-income region bordered by Lynwood, Watts, Compton, and Vernon. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes serving working families and immigrant communities.
Day-to-day life here centers on local commerce and family-oriented living. The city has modest walkability for errands but is car-dependent for most purposes. Air quality is a notable concern, with diesel PM exposure in the top quartile statewide, reflecting the area's proximity to industrial zones and regional traffic corridors. Transit options are minimal, with no nearby Metro rail stations.
Living here
Getting around Florence-Graham requires a car for most trips. Walkability ranks 168th of 319 places in the region, meaning you can handle some errands on foot but will regularly need to drive. Public transit is limited, ranking 299th of 319. Traffic exposure is above average, ranking 126th of 317 for the region.
The neighborhood has modest amenities within a short walk: about one coffee shop and grocery store per small hex area, roughly 1.5 restaurants, and around 1.3 parks including Mary McLeod Bethune Park and Roosevelt Park. Air quality is a real tradeoff, with high diesel particulate matter due to industrial and highway proximity. The residential character is stable, with parks and basic services meeting daily needs, but plan on driving for most activities and errands.
Who it's for
Florence-Graham works best for renters who have reliable transportation and prioritize affordability and community ties over walkability or air quality. Families with cars, working professionals commuting to employment centers in Long Beach or central LA, and people with established networks in south LA will find the area practical. It is less suitable for those without a vehicle or for anyone sensitive to air quality concerns.
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: moderate traffic exposure, below the state median.
Traffic proximity here is better than average for California.
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: walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
A mixed walkability area. Good for quick trips on foot, but some destinations will require driving or transit.
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 Florence-Graham
Population
63,132
Renters
63%
of households rent
Median age
30
Median income
$58k
per household
Census ACS 5-year estimates.
Schools in Florence-Graham
20 public schools sit inside this area · 20 with published results. Figures are the share of students who met or exceeded state standards.
| School | Grades | English | Math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lawrence H. Moore Math, Science, Technology Academy Elementary | K-5 | 38% | 36% |
| Florence Avenue Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 45% | 42% |
| Graham Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 22% | 25% |
| Judith F. Baca Arts Academy Elementary | K-6 | 33% | 30% |
| KIPP Ignite AcademyCharter Elementary | K-4 | 18% | 20% |
| Lillian Street Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 35% | 27% |
| Miramonte Elementary Elementary | K-5 | 23% | 21% |
| Ninety-Second Street Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 39% | 38% |
| Ninety-Sixth Street Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 36% | 27% |
| Parmelee Avenue Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 39% | 32% |
| Russell Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 34% | 36% |
| Wisdom Elementary Elementary | K-6 | 36% | 33% |
| Alliance Kory Hunter MiddleCharter Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 6-8 | 46% | 25% |
| Animo Florence-Firestone Charter MiddleCharter Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 6-8 | 36% | 27% |
| Charles Drew Middle Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 7-8 | 23% | 14% |
| Thomas A. Edison Middle Intermediate/Middle/Junior High | 6-8 | 28% | 24% |
| Alliance Margaret M. Bloomfield Technology Academy HighCharter High School | 9-12 | 74% | 34% |
| Animo Pat BrownCharter High School | 9-12 | 65% | 27% |
| University Pathways Public Service Academy High School | 9-12 | 31% | 17% |
| Westbrook AcademyCharter Elementary-High Combination | 6-12 | 30% | 19% |
Source: California Dept. of Education (directory) and CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2025. We publish these figures as the state reports them and show the same table for every neighborhood. Saktoo does not rate schools, and school data is never part of a neighborhood match score. Attendance boundaries change — confirm the assigned school with the district before relying on it.
Around Florence-Graham
El Super · Superior Grocers
Papayote · Starbucks
Birrieria Guadalajara · Bobo's · Burger King · Carl's Jr.
Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park · Colonel Leo H Washington Park · El Nuestro Parque · Mary McLeod Bethune Park
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What the census says about Florence-Graham
Facts about the neighborhood from the American Community Survey. These describe Florence-Graham; none of them feed the scores above.
- Typical commute
- 37 min
- one way, residents who work
- Settled households
- 79%
- moved in before 2018
- Housing built
- ~1951
- average year of construction
- Above 1 per room
- 26%
- a measure of housing pressure
- Vacant units
- 3%
- of all housing units
- Broadband
- 88%
- of households subscribe
- Detached houses
- 57%
- the rest are attached or apartments
- Typical size
- 2 bed
- median across all homes here
- Homes here
- 4,530
- total housing units
Averaged across 11 areas of about a kilometre each. ACS 5-year estimates.
Florence-Graham in the regional index
How Florence-Graham places when every neighborhood in LA and Orange County is scored the same way.
- Where home prices go furthest
Ranks #2 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Where rent goes furthest
Ranks #15 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
- Cheap rent without needing a car
Ranks #20 of 263 neighborhoods on this weighting.
Finding a place in Florence-Graham
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Florence-Graham?+
Yes. While some errands are walkable, transit is minimal with no nearby Metro rail, and most daily activities require driving. Car dependency is high here, so reliable transportation is essential.
What is the air quality like?+
Air quality is a significant concern. Florence-Graham has high diesel PM exposure, ranking in the top quartile statewide for pollution. This reflects the area's location near industrial zones and regional traffic corridors, so it is worth considering if air quality matters to you.
What parks and outdoor spaces are available?+
Several parks serve the community, including Mary McLeod Bethune Park, Roosevelt Park, and Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park. Walkable green space is available, though the overall tree canopy is limited.
How does rent compare to nearby areas?+
Rent data is not available for Florence-Graham specifically. Compare asking rates for similar south central LA communities like Compton, Watts, or Bell Gardens to get a sense of the local market.
Is Florence-Graham walkable?+
Florence-Graham ranks #84 of 346 LA neighborhoods for walkability. In practice, walkable for some errands, car useful for others.
What is the average rent in Florence-Graham?+
Current residents of Florence-Graham pay a median rent of about $1,441 per month (Census ACS). Asking rents for new leases typically run higher.
How is the air quality in Florence-Graham?+
Florence-Graham has moderate diesel PM exposure for California, based on CalEnviroScreen 4.0 diesel particulate data (percentile 62 of 100, lower is cleaner).
Which LA neighborhoods are similar to Florence-Graham?+
Based on walkability, rent levels, amenities, and environment, the most similar neighborhoods to Florence-Graham are Broadway-Manchester, Bell, El Monte and Florence.