Baldwin Hills or Baldwin Village is a district in South Central LA that is located above Crenshaw and Leimert Park. It is an upper-middle class district resided mostly by African Americans,[1] and often nicknamed the “African American Beverly Hills” or “Black Beverly Hills”. It is home to many pro athletes, entrepreneurs, TV and movie stars, doctors, engineers, and lawyers.[2] The district is named after the Santa Anita racetrack builder E.J. Baldwin who acquired the old Rancho La Cienega which encompassed the hills of Baldwin Hills.[3] Today, the subdivisions in Baldwin Hills including the Baldwin Hills Estates are very modern-looking. Many of the homes are lined along the winding streets atop hills that offer spectacular views of the city. You’ll find picturesque homes with swimming pools, and even some condominiums that jut out from the steep hillsides.[4]
Attractions
There aren’t any major tourist attractions in Baldwin Hills. It may be worthwhile to take scenic drives along the secluded ambience of the housing developments including the Baldwin Vista and Village Green, the latter was recently designated a national historic landmark. From these areas, you should be able to enjoy some panoramic views of the rest of LA.[5]
History
Baldwin Hills hosted the Olympic Village for LA’s 1932 summer games. It was also the scene of a catastrophe in 1963 when dams burst and the area was flooded. Over the years, the area has suffered environmental damage as a result of oil drilling, which still persists today along La Cienega Boulevard.[6]
References:
“Baldwin Hills.” <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Hills>
Dickey, Jeff. Los Angeles, 3rd Edition. Rough Guides, 2003. ISBN: 1843530589.
[1] Dickey, 147
[2] Baldwin
[3] Dickey, 147
[4] Baldwin
[5] Id.
[6] Dickey, 147
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