15 Abandoned Pawn Shops Worth Exploring for Urban Explorers.
Pawn shops are an integral part of any city’s economy. They provide a place for people to sell or pawn their items in times of financial hardship and offer affordable goods for others to purchase. However, not all pawn shops stand the test of time and some become abandoned over the years. These forgotten establishments can hold a lot of history and intrigue for urban explorers looking for unique places to investigate.
Here are 15 abandoned pawn shops worth exploring:
1. The Old City Pawn Shop – Nashville, Tennessee
This former pawn shop is now a popular spot for photographers due to its colorful exterior walls covered in graffiti art.
2. R&J Jewelry & Loan Co. – Los Angeles, California
Located on South Broadway Street, this once-bustling pawn shop is now boarded up and abandoned.
3. The Gold Mine Pawn Shop – Las Vegas, Nevada
Left behind after the owner passed away, this former pawn shop is rumored to be haunted by his ghost.
4. Uncle Dan’s Pawn Shop – Dallas, Texas
Although it closed decades ago, Uncle Dan’s still has its iconic neon sign hanging above the entrance.
5. Liberty Pawn & Jewelry Exchange – Richmond, Virginia
This long-abandoned pawn shop in downtown Richmond features beautiful brickwork and vintage signage that make it a must-see destination for urban explorers.
6. Academy Jewelers & Loan Office – Chicago, Illinois
The facade of this old-school Chicago pawnshop remains mostly intact despite being closed for years.
7. Pacific Loan Company – San Francisco, California
Now home to an antique store selling rare collectibles from around the world; this former loan company served as inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo film.
8. Beach Boulevard Pawn Shop – Jacksonville Florida
An abandoned building with shattered windows provides access into what was once one of Jacksonville’s most successful businesses
9.Village Trading Post – St Louis Missouri
A small business located in the heart of St Louis County since 1964. It has been abandoned for over a decade, it still holds on to many artifacts from its former life.
10. City Loan Pawn Shop – Detroit Michigan
This pawnshop was once a staple in the community, but its now become one of the forgotten and abandoned buildings that make up the city’s notorious urban decay.
11. Ace Pawn Shop – Omaha Nebraska
The empty building is now covered in graffiti, with broken windows and doors providing easy access inside for those who dare to explore.
12. 5th Avenue Loan Co – Seattle Washington
A familiar name to anyone visiting downtown Seattle during past decades; this once-bustling pawnshop has been closed for years and is now boarded up and left behind.
13. Capitol Hill Pawn & Jewelry – Denver Colorado
One of Denver’s first pawning establishments has long since closed down but remains an iconic structure in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
14.The Goodfellas Pawn Shop – New York New York
Once featured on an episode of History Channel’s “Pawn Stars,” this shop is no longer open but remains a popular stop for tourists exploring Manhattan’s Lower East Side
15.Lincoln Street Exchange – Spokane Washington
Built-in 1906, this grand brick building once served as home to The Lincoln Street Bank & Trust Company before becoming an exchange house where locals could trade goods.
Exploring these abandoned pawnshops can be a thrilling experience full of history and intrigue. However, it’s important to remember that these properties are often private or dangerous due to years of neglect or weathering by elements such as water damage or mold growth which can cause health risks if not properly addressed and removed by professionals before they enter into any premises without permission so always seek proper authorization before entering any property!