Commerce

Commerce, also known and sometimes referred to as The City of Commerce, is more of an industrial/business town and not high on many people’s list as a place to live. It has the reputation, because of its location in the southeast portion of LA County, of being unsafe. Commerce sits between the I-5 and I-710 not far from East LA, which is noted for its gang activity. Yes, gangs do spill into Commerce as well as other surrounding communities like Bell Gardens, South Gate, Bell and others in this section of LA.

As you may expect, home prices are very affordable. A great amount of residents live below the poverty line so many of the neighborhoods are in disarray.

What is here is the Commerce Casino, one of the largest poker and blackjack rooms in the country. You won’t confuse this place with one of the more appealing Las Vegas casinos, however, if you enjoy playing cards then this may fit the bill. The good news is that with the high tax revenue this casino generates, residents of Commerce enjoy some special privileges, like free public bus transportation. A hotel is located here as well which is especially good when staying for tournaments.

Unfortunately, the Commerce schools are rated below average on the state level with over 90 percent of students qualifying for free lunches. There is nothing really to do here and honestly, it’s a place that many question how safe it is to go out at night.