Crenshaw

While there isn't a shooting every couple of hours, this is definitely not the safest place in the LA area. Reported gang activity continues to cling to this town's reputation and the school systems are terrible. Traffic is horrible, most likely because it's closer to the airport (LAX) but if you plan to go through this area allow ample time to get to your destination since the traffic will really slow you down.

Drove through here...and quickly wanted to drive right through it! I can't even recommend a good restaurant or attraction as it is just fast food restaurants, struggle businesses or abandoned shops or buildings lining the streets. Not a fan at all

Crenshaw is a part of South Central Los Angeles that derives its name from Crenshaw Blvd. It is a predominantly middle class, African American neighborhood. It's been referred to as the "Harlem" of Los Angeles; this is interesting because up until the "60's, African American and Asian American people were not allowed to buy property in this area.
Contrary to what movies like "Boys in the Hood," and rappers like Easy-E have done to portray Crenshaw as a ghetto, the neighborhood is very middle class and the residential areas are mostly single story bungalows. It's not the safest part of town by any stretch of the imagination. But, there aren't shootings there every 4 hours either.
However, the neighborhood isn't particularly pretty. There are a few hills and a lot of palm trees; but, it's really smack in the middle of Los Angeles. There aren't any mountains, no beach, etc. It's just houses, older apartment buildings, fast food and car servicing businesses for the most part. It's pretty ugly and there isn't anything to do. And, traffic is insane right here because of it's proximity to LAX.
Crenshaw isn't as bad as one would think; but, I don't ever go there and I wouldn't recommend it for anything.