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Finding Apartments Near USC Campus

Finding Apartments Near USC Campus

Cedric Thomas
Aug 29, 2023

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university located in Los Angeles, CA. Founded in 1880, USC is the oldest private research university in the state and the largest private employer in the city of Los Angeles. 

The university is known for its diverse student body and its highly ranked programs in areas such as business, engineering, communication, and the arts. With over 44,000 students and over 4,000 faculty members, USC is one of the largest and most comprehensive universities in the United States. 

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, and is dedicated to preparing students to succeed in their careers and make a positive impact in the world.

Finding an apartment near the University of Southern California can seem scary if it’s your first time moving out of the dorms. However, USC has great off-campus housing options if you know what sites to visit and neighborhoods to look in!  Whether you are an undergraduate student or graduate student, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the options by reviewing this article before the student enrollment.

Living off campus has lots of benefits compared to the dorms; like more space, more privacy, more freedom, and more control.Students sitting near fountain in the evening

USC off-campus life

Looking for an apartment near USC can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the area. To help you find the perfect apartment, we have compiled a list of neighborhoods near USC that offer a range of prices and amenities to suit your needs.


  1. University Park: This neighborhood is the closest to USC and offers a range of housing options, from apartments to historic homes. Prices can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops.


  1. West Adams: West Adams is a historic neighborhood located just south of USC. The area offers a mix of housing options, from bungalows to apartments. Prices can range from $1,200 to $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The neighborhood is known for its diverse community and historic architecture.


  1. Downtown LA: If you are looking for a more urban living experience, Downtown LA might be the perfect option for you. The area offers a range of housing options, from luxury apartments to lofts. Prices can range from $1,500 to $5,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.


  1. Echo Park: Echo Park is a trendy neighborhood located just north of USC. The area offers a range of housing options, from apartments to historic homes. Prices can range from $1,500 to $3,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The neighborhood is known for its hipster vibe and eclectic shops and restaurants.


When apartment hunting near USC, it is important to consider your budget and lifestyle needs. Think about what amenities are important to you, such as proximity to public transportation or access to a gym. Additionally, make sure to visit the neighborhoods you are interested in to get a sense of the community and local vibe.


Tips and Tricks for Finding the Perfect Place to Call Home During Your Time at School


Location

The average rent in LA is much higher than the national average, however there are areas around USC that are affordable for students.

There are several different areas that USC students can live in, depending on if you want to walk or drive to class. It’s a good idea to put the apartments that you are looking at into Google Maps and check the walking or driving distance to campus is. The main areas that USC students choose to live are in University Park, downtown, and KTown (Korea Town). 

The apartments in University Park are generally located close to campus on the north, east, or west sides. The DPS patrols on the north side so if you are concerned about safety then definitely look into that area. 

The apartments in downtown LA are usually chosen by older students who are interested in living away from campus but still close by.

If you have a car it is a 10 minute drive or you can take the Expo line instead. The benefits of living downtown are that you have access to the downtown nightlife and restaurants. For example, you can easily arrive staples center to see the basketball game. The downside is that rent in downtown Los Angeles might make you feel out of the campus loop.

A smaller subset of USC students choose to live in KTown. Similar to downtown, KTown offers some space from campus while still having a short commute. It’s also a super interesting neighborhood to explore, with KBBQ, spas, and karaoke bars! 

DTLA



In addition to exploring different neighborhoods, there are several other factors to consider when searching for an apartment near USC. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect place:

  1. Start your search early: Housing near USC is in high demand, so it's important to start your search early. This will give you more time to explore different options and find the best fit for your needs.


  1. Set a budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on rent each month and stick to that budget. Remember to factor in additional costs such as utilities and parking fees.


  1. Check for amenities: Look for apartments that offer amenities such as on-site laundry, parking, and a fitness center. These can save you time and money in the long run.


  1. Consider roommates: If you're looking to save money on rent, consider living with roommates. This can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends.


  1. Read reviews: Before signing a lease, be sure to read reviews from current and past tenants. This can give you insight into the quality of the apartment and management.


By following these tips and taking the time to explore different neighborhoods and options, you can find the perfect apartment near USC to call home during your time at school.


Apartment Hunting Resources


If you are searching for resources to aid in apartment hunting, there are various options available to you. For those looking to sublet an apartment for a shorter duration, the USC Subletter Facebook Group can be an excellent resource to find available spots. Another valuable option is the USC Off Campus Housing subreddit.


While Apartments.com is a popular choice among students seeking apartments, it has some drawbacks. The website does not provide a roommate matching service, so students must already have a clear idea of who they want to live with. 


Furthermore, the website's information may not always be up-to-date, making it difficult to find accurate details about available apartments. Students may also experience issues when attempting to contact leasing managers listed on the website, as they may not receive a response or the contact information may no longer be valid.


Additionally, Tripalink is a noteworthy service for students seeking housing. We offer locations in University Park, Downtown, and KTown. As a co-living brand, Tripalink provides students with their own private space (bedroom) as well as shared living spaces (living room and kitchen) to interact with others and make friends. 



Students can come alone or with a friend, and we can help fill the rest of the apartment with courteous roommates who share similar interests. We offer several exceptional locations around USC that you can browse based on various preferences such as price, number of bedrooms, private bathrooms, parking availability, in-unit laundry, air conditioning, and bathtubs. 


To view available options, simply go to the homepage of www.Tripalink.com, select Los Angeles, USC, and then click "Find My Home". You can adjust your search preferences using the search bar at the top.


One of the advantages of Tripalink is that our pricing includes utilities, ensuring that there are no hidden costs or surprise utility bills, which can be beneficial for students on a budget. We offer both houses and apartments, allowing students to choose a more traditional or modern style of living. 


All of our apartments are fully furnished, with even the bedrooms equipped with a desk, chair, closet, and lamp, making move-in hassle-free, which is especially attractive for international or out-of-state students.


Furthermore, our common areas are kept tidy by a cleaning team, and we host events to help residents get to know one another. If you do not make all of your friends in classes, our apartments offer an opportunity to meet new people and have friends who live nearby. 


The Tripalink team is also available to assist in resolving potential roommate conflicts and can even transfer you to a different room if necessary. By expressing your preferences to Tripalink, finding an apartment close to your school can be made simple.


Just let us know, "Hey! I am looking for a house near the School of Engineering within a 5-minute walking distance." We can help you find the perfect apartment that meets your needs and is conveniently located close to your place of study.




By following these tips and exploring the neighborhoods near USC, you can find the perfect apartment to call home during your time at school.



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