The Crenshaw area is home to mostly low-rise apartment buildings. The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza offers a Wal-Mart, Sears and Macy’s in addition to various fast food offerings.

Crenshaw’s Leimert Park was one of Southern California’s first planned communities for low and middle-income families. A rising crime rate, and the 1992 riots caused the area to deteriorate so many locals fear walking in Leimert Park at night. Residents have started a “Save Leimert” campaign to preserve and build upon the community landmark. The group also works to promote safety and development in the Crenshaw district.