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Downtown Los Angeles Turns into a Ghost Town Amid Rising Vacancy and Crime

Downtown Los Angeles is experiencing a sharp decline, with numerous storefronts shuttered and safety concerns escalating due to increased homelessness and crime. Over 100 vacant shops line the Historic Core, historically the vibrant hub of shopping and entertainment in the area.

Although its iconic Art Deco buildings and theater marquees remain, they now overlook broken windows, boarded-up establishments, and groups of homeless individuals engaging in drug use openly in broad daylight.

Research indicates that about one-third of commercial spaces are vacant—more than Detroit’s vacancy rate—pushed out by soaring rents, crime, and shrinking foot traffic. Long-standing independent restaurants, like LA’s oldest, Cole’s French Dip, have closed due to these pressures, and chain stores like Macy’s have shut their doors for the first time in a century and a half.

Some landmarks, such as the former LA Times headquarters and the Morrison Hotel, have become eyesores, with the Oceanwide Plaza tower turned into an unauthorized playground for vandalism and hooligans.

Downtown’s comeback has been hindered by the pandemic’s aftershocks, including looting and violence during protests, which led to many businesses never reopening. Now, streets are increasingly empty, with homeless populations penetrating further into the neighborhood, even reaching Spring Street.

Despite these issues, some locals and recent residents perceive downtown as a quieter, more spacious alternative to trendier neighborhoods, appreciating the community arts, cafes, and more relaxed atmosphere. The occupancy rate of apartments hovers around 90%, higher than before the pandemic, indicating a retention of residents despite the decline of commercial activity.

Business owners believe that a revitalization hinges on lowering rents and city investment to activate the streets and improve perception. As one shop owner put it, “Everyone thinks people are dying downtown, but that’s not the case. We need to focus on positive changes and community.”

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