Few cities in Los Angeles County are as central as Compton. It calls itself the Hub City because it sits roughly midway between downtown Los Angeles and the ports, ringed by four freeways and crossed by a Metro rail line. It is also one of the oldest cities in the county, which shows in its housing. Aimee Ghafouri of 951 Properties, a Temecula-based real estate agent licensed across California, can help you sort through Compton homes for sale. Call or text (951) 331-8453.
Compton Real Estate at a Glance
Compton incorporated in 1888. Its street grid filled in over several building periods, so a single search can turn up very different houses:
- Bungalows and Spanish-style houses from the 1920s and 1930s, mostly near the older center of the city, with raised foundations, wood floors and detached garages.
- Postwar tract homes from the 1940s and 1950s, single-story stucco houses that make up the largest share of what comes up for sale.
- Duplexes and small apartment buildings, on corner lots and along the busier streets.
- Newer infill houses and some townhome and condominium developments, built on redeveloped parcels.
- Large agricultural lots in Richland Farms, covered below.
Richland Farms: Horse Property in the Middle of the Basin
Richland Farms is a section of Compton, around the Compton Creek channel, that was set aside from the city’s early days for large residential lots where owners could farm and keep animals. That zoning has survived. Lots are long and deep, many have stables or corrals behind an ordinary-looking house, and it is still possible to see riders on the street. Listings here are infrequent. If you are buying for the animal-keeping rights, confirm with the city planning department exactly what the zoning allows on that parcel, how many animals, and whether existing barns and outbuildings were permitted.
Freeways, Rail and What Is Close By
State Route 91 runs along the south side of the city and Interstate 710 along the east. Interstate 105 passes just to the north and Interstate 110 is a short drive west. Metro’s A Line stops at Compton station, next to the civic center, and at Artesia station, with trains north to downtown Los Angeles and south to Long Beach. Compton College is on the east side of the city, and Compton/Woodley Airport, a small general aviation field, is on the west side. Most of the city is in the Compton Unified School District. The Gateway Towne Center, off Alameda Street near the 91 freeway, holds much of the city’s large-format shopping. Check any address with the district, since boundaries near the city edges vary.
Buying a House in Compton: Inspection Priorities
Most houses for sale in Compton are between seventy and one hundred years old. Age is not a problem by itself, but it sets the inspection agenda.
- Foundation and framing. Raised foundations should be checked for bolting, moisture and past settling.
- Plumbing, sewer and electrical. Ask about galvanized supply pipes, the condition of the sewer lateral (order a camera inspection) and whether the electrical service has been upgraded.
- Additions and conversions. Garage conversions and added rooms are common. Match them against building permits on file with the city.
- City requirements at sale. Ask the city, your agent and the escrow officer whether any city inspection or report is currently required before a home changes hands.
- Location within the grid. Homes near the freeways, the airport, the rail line or industrial blocks have different noise and traffic conditions. Visit at different times of day.
- Tenant-occupied property. Rules on rent and evictions come from the state and may be supplemented locally. Confirm with the city and a qualified attorney.
Selling a Home in Compton
Buyers of older houses respond to evidence. A pre-listing sewer inspection, a termite report, and permits for the roof, water heater and any additions answer the questions that otherwise surface in the middle of escrow. Original details such as hardwood floors, built-ins and period tile are worth cleaning up and photographing well. If the house has an unpermitted conversion, decide early how it will be described. Investors and owner-occupiers both shop here, so think about which buyer your property fits and prepare it accordingly. Price from recent sales of similar houses on comparable blocks, because lot size and the age of the tract change from one part of the city to the next.
Choosing a Compton Real Estate Agent
Aimee Ghafouri is a Southern California native who grew up in Murrieta. She brings more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience and a business degree to her work with buyers, sellers and investors. Her office is in Temecula, and she is licensed to represent clients anywhere in the state. She does not claim to be a Compton neighborhood agent. She offers prompt communication, careful document review and follow-through. You can also write to her through the contact page.
Nearby Cities to Compare
Compton shares borders or short drives with Lynwood to the north, Paramount to the east, Long Beach to the south and Carson to the southwest. Gardena lies a little farther west and South Gate farther north.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Compton part of the City of Los Angeles?
No. Compton is its own incorporated city in Los Angeles County, with its own city council and city departments. It became a city in 1888.
What is Richland Farms?
Richland Farms is an area of Compton with large, deep lots zoned to allow agricultural uses and animal keeping, including horses. Confirm the rules for any specific parcel with the city planning department.
How old are most Compton homes?
Much of the housing dates from the 1920s through the 1950s, with some newer infill. Expect to pay close attention to foundations, plumbing, electrical systems and permits during inspections.
Is there rail service in Compton?
Yes. The Metro A Line has Compton and Artesia stations in the city, connecting to downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach. Check Metro for current schedules.
How do I begin looking at Compton real estate with Aimee?
Call or text Aimee Ghafouri at (951) 331-8453. Tell her what kind of property you are after and your timing, and she will build a search and schedule showings.
Buying or Selling in Compton?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta. She is licensed to work anywhere in California and represents buyers, sellers and investors.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.