Affordable & Safe Housing Near UCLA: 3 Key Neighborhoods

Safety should always be at the top of one's mind when choosing where to live near the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). With Los Angeles being a bustling urban center, students at UCLA often face the difficulty of balancing convenience, affordability, and safety when selecting their off-campus housing.

We will explore the safety levels of some of the most sought-after neighborhoods near UCLA, such as Westwood, South Campus, and North Village. Additionally, we will share tips for staying safe as well as UCLA's campus safety measures. Some recommendations for students looking for UCLA housing options that provide them with peace of mind.

1. Establish Your Priorities: Safety, Affordability, and Proximity

When selecting where to live near UCLA, three main considerations should guide your decision: safety, affordability, and proximity.

Safety

• It should always be at the top of their priorities for students and their families. You’ll want a neighborhood with low crime rates and plenty of safety measures in place.

Affordability

• Rent prices near UCLA can vary significantly, and some neighborhoods may be more budget-friendly than others. Before making your selection, it is wise to evaluate each area's affordability before committing.

Proximity to Campus

• Living close to campus may make your daily commute simpler, but that may come at the cost of higher rent. Therefore, some students opt for living further away to find more cost-effective housing arrangements.

2. UCLA Safety Measures: What You Should Know

Before we discuss specific neighborhoods, let's first review UCLA's security infrastructure and learn what services the university provides to help keep its students secure.

UCLA Police Department (UCPD)

The UCLA Police Department (UCPD) plays an essential role in maintaining safety both on campus and throughout its surrounding area. Their services include:

• 24/7 patrolling of campus and surrounding areas.
• Emergency call stations are available throughout campus for immediate assistance in times of distress.
• Students requiring assistance walking home after dark are provided with regular campus safety escorts.

UCLA Safe Ride

• One of UCLA's signature services is its Safe Ride program. It offers students free Lyft rides between 6 PM and 2 AM from 7 pm until 12 AM so that they can arrive on campus safely.

On-Campus Security

Students living on campus benefit from several additional security features, such as:

• Keycard access to dorms and apartment buildings.
• Surveillance cameras in common areas.
• Resident Advisors (RAs) at UCLA oversee and ensure a secure living environment.

UCLA students benefit from these safety measures to help keep themselves secure on campus, but what about off-campus housing options?

3. Safety Around Westwood: The Heart of UCLA

Westwood is often the first choice of students looking for apartments near UCLA, due to its vibrant student community, proximity to restaurants, and easy access to campus. Unfortunately, its central location can also mean it can become busier and more costly.

Pros of Living in Westwood

• Proximity to UCLA: Westwood is only 5-10 minutes walk from UCLA campus, making it extremely accessible for students.
• Well-Lit Streets: This neighborhood features student housing and is patrolled regularly by both UCLA and LAPD officers.
• Social Scene: Westwood offers a vibrant social scene, from coffee shops and restaurants to movie theaters and student events.

Cons of Living in Westwood

• Rent Prices: Tends to command higher rental costs, one-bedroom apartments usually range between $2,500 - $3,500/month.
• Busy and Noisy: As an area frequented by students and tourists alike, Westwood can often become lively on weekend evenings.

Safety Considerations in Westwood

While Westwood is generally one of the safest neighborhoods near UCLA, it does occasionally experience incidents of petty theft - particularly where crowds congregate. Here are a few suggestions:

• During night hours use the UCLA Safe Ride program as it helps ensure safe rides home.
• Always protect your possessions when walking late at night and stick to well-lit streets when possible, or walk in groups if at all possible.

4. South Campus: Offering Students Peaceful Space

Overview of South Campus

South Campus is home to UCLA's medical and engineering departments, making it a bustling part of campus yet offering a more tranquil, residential atmosphere compared to its central counterpart. Residents tend to prefer this quieter spot while still being close to academic buildings for ease of study.

Pros of Living in South Campus

• Proximity to Classes: Your academic buildings are nearby, making walking to class a simple matter.
• Quieter Environment: With its less congested surroundings and quieter living experience, this area makes an excellent home for students seeking peace in their daily lives.
• Safe: South Campus is considered one of the safest neighborhoods, due to its proximity to medical and research departments and having less foot traffic than more commercial areas. With far fewer issues related to foot traffic and issues than other areas.

Cons of Living in South Campus

• Expensive Housing: Rental prices here can rival Westwood - expect to pay between $2,800-3,500/month for one-bedroom units.
• Entertainment Options Are Limited: South Campus is known to be more sedate, so dining and entertainment options tend to be fewer compared with Westwood or other more vibrant neighborhoods.

Safety Concerns on South Campus

South Campus has an increased security presence due to its closeness to UCLA medical facilities. However, due to being more residential, late evening crowds may be reduced, therefore be wary of your surroundings at all times.

5. North Village: An Affordable Choice

Overview of North Village

Just north of UCLA, North Village offers a combination of residential and commercial spaces at more reasonable costs compared to Westwood.

Pros of Living in North Village

• Affordable Rent: Rent in North Village is more cost-effective than in Westwood, with apartments ranging from $1,800 - $2,500/month for rentals.
• Closer to UCLA: North Village is still within walking distance of the UCLA campus while offering a more tranquil environment.
• Great Amenities: Provides students who seek an independent lifestyle with access to supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes. Making it an attractive living option.

Cons of Living in North Village

• Higher Crime Rates: Its crime rate exceeds Westwood and South Campus with especially regard to car break-ins and theft of personal items.
• Not as Vibrant: While still affordable, North Village doesn't boast as lively an atmosphere as Westwood.

Safety Considerations in North Village

To stay safe when living here:

• Choose gated communities or apartment complexes with 24/7 security
• Try to remain in areas populated with people during the evening, avoiding walking alone after dark.

6. How to Stay Safe in Your UCLA Neighborhood

Safety should always be top of mind in every community you live. Here are a few key tips for staying safe in all UCLA neighborhoods:

• Using UCLA's Safe Ride Program as transportation after dark.
• Always locking doors and windows when leaving an apartment building and so on.
• Avoid walking alone at night and utilize ridesharing apps or public transportation instead.
• Purchase personal safety gadgets such as pepper spray and whistles when walking in low-traffic areas.
• Look for gated communities or apartment complexes equipped with surveillance cameras if possible.

7. Finding Affordable and Secure Housing Near UCLA

When selecting housing options near UCLA, be mindful of these for added safety:

• Co-living spaces: Offer 24/7 surveillance with secure entry points. Making them suitable for students seeking safe yet cost-efficient living arrangements.
• Luxury apartments: Typically featuring keycard access, gated parking, and on-site security personnel for added peace of mind.
• Student housing: These offer purpose-built housing units equipped with strong security measures located close to campus for added peace of mind.

Where Can You Search for Housing Near UCLA

• Websites like Tripalink, Zillow, and Apartments can be invaluable tools in finding safe housing near UCLA.
• Be sure to visit student housing forums for opinions and reviews regarding individual apartment complexes near campus.

8. Conclusion: Prioritize Safety When Selecting UCLA Housing

Safety should always be your top priority when searching for housing near UCLA. No matter whether it be Westwood, South Campus, North Village, or any other location - be sure to factor in security features, crime rates, and comfort level when making your choice.

Although UCLA offers several resources designed to ensure students' security during their time on campus - being proactive will bring peace of mind during your studies!