One of Los Angeles County's oldest cities -- Compton -- incorporated in 1888. This city sits on the south side of Los Angeles and is known for the number of famous rap artists it has produced, as well as a variety of actors, directors, writers, and comedians. Famous people who began in Compton include Leslie Sykes, Niecy Nash, Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Paul Rodriguez, Kevin Costner, N.W.A, James Coburn, Coolio, and James Wheaton.
While Compton was considered edgy in the 1980s and '90s, it has become a sought-after suburb of Los Angeles, with home prices escalating in recent years. Recently, Compton was named a hotspot for entrepreneurs by Cognetics, Inc. and it is considered one of the best places to start and grow a business. Compton's proximity to Downtown Los Angeles and the easily-accessible highways -- including I-710 and I-105 -- add to the area's recent growth.