How Hard Is It to Find Street Parking at Westwood Village Apartments? Do the Buildings Have Parking?

You found the best place to live close to campus. It's easy to walk to class, coffee is only two blocks away, and the rent seems fair for Los Angeles.

Then you ask the question that every Westwood renter asks at some point:

"Where should I park?"

If you're looking for Westwood Village apartments, especially near UCLA, parking is one of the most important factors to consider. It is possible to park on the street in Westwood, but finding a spot is hard. And not every building has a space.

Let's talk about what it's really like to live here when it comes to parking, permits, and what you can expect.

Why Westwood Parking Feels Tight

Westwood Village is right next to the main campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The area is busy year-round because of undergraduate students, graduate housing, faculty, hospital staff, and visitors.

Westwood wasn't built with big residential garages in mind, unlike newer suburban developments. Many buildings were built years ago, before it was common for families to have more than one car.

At the same time:

• A lot of students live off campus
• Every day, workers at UCLA Medical Center drive to work
• People come in to play games, go to events, and see the doctor

All of that demand goes into a neighborhood with not much room on the curb.

What the City Says About How Many Parking Spots Are Available

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) runs the permit program that controls parking in the city.

You can find the official permit rules here.

Many Preferential Parking Districts (PPDs) cover residential streets around Westwood Village. That means:

• You need a permit from the neighborhood to park longer than the posted limits
• Without a permit, strict time limits (1–2 hours) are in place
• Weekly street cleaning rules also apply

Permits are good for residents, but they don't make more space. Even if every house on the block has a permit, you're still fighting for the same curb.

So… How Hard Is It, Really?

This is the truth:

Weekdays Daytime

Parking is usually easier from mid-morning to early afternoon, especially on residential side streets that are not major roads like Westwood Blvd.

Evenings

This is the busiest time for competition. Students come back home. More people come to the restaurant. People come. Depending on the block, it can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to find a place.

Days of Games and Big Events

When UCLA has big sporting events, parking on the nearby streets gets a lot tighter. Football games at the Rose Bowl have a greater impact on Pasadena; basketball games and campus events still make things more popular.

If you have to come home after 8 p.m., give yourself extra time.

Is There Parking at Westwood Village Apartments?

This varies a lot depending on the building's age and size.

Older Mid-Century Buildings

A lot of smaller Westwood Village apartments were built between 1950 and 1970:

• Provide only a small amount of parking on the surface
• Have tandem spaces (you might need to talk to a neighbor about this)
• Charge for parking separately

Some older buildings have fewer parking spaces than units, so parking is either first-come, first-served or only for certain units.

Larger or Newer Buildings

Recently renovated or built-to-order student housing often has:

• Assigned parking in the garage
• Structures that are gated or underground
• Charging stations for electric vehicles (in some cases)

However, parking is often an extra cost on top of the base rent.

What About Parking on the UCLA Campus?

Some renters think they can use campus parking instead.

UCLA Transportation Services posts information about parking permits here. 

Students can ask for permits, but:

• There aren't many on-campus permits available
• Prices change depending on the lot and the level of access
• Not every student automatically qualifies

There are also rules and prices for faculty and staff permits.

In short, parking on campus isn't a sure way for people who live off campus to get around.

The Cost: Garage vs. Street

Compared to private garage parking, street parking (with a residential permit) is not too expensive each year.

Depending on the following, garage parking in Westwood Village apartments usually costs between $100 and $250 or more per month:

• Level of security
• Covered and not covered
• Assigned or shared
• Close to campus

That could add $1,200 to $3,000 to your housing costs over a year-long lease.

That's why many students and young professionals try street parking first, even though it takes a lot of time.

Can you live in Westwood without a car?

Yes, and many people do.

There is Westwood Village:

• You can walk to the UCLA campus
• There are many bus routes that go there
• linked to larger transit routes in Los Angeles

The area is also part of LA's growing transit system, which includes improvements made by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority as part of its regional transportation planning.

Living without a car is possible for students who mostly stay in Westwood, Santa Monica, or Brentwood.

But if you often drive to places outside of the Westside, having a car may still be useful.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Lease

If you're looking at Westwood Village apartments, don't just look at the parking lot. Just ask:

1. Do you have to pay for parking?
2. Is the space already set aside?
3. Is it in tandem?
4. Is it locked or gated?
5. Is there parking for guests?

You should also ask:

• How many total units are there compared to spaces?
• Is there a line for parking?

The answers will tell you a lot about how easy it is to get things done every day.

How Does Cleaning the Streets Affect Parking in Westwood

Most residential areas have rules about street sweeping.

You can find information about Los Angeles street cleaning schedules and parking enforcement here.

If you park on the street, you'll need to move your car every week to avoid getting a ticket.

Depending on the type of violation, parking enforcement fines can exceed $70. Not having signs or forgetting cleaning day adds up fast.

Living in Realistic Situations

Let's look at a few examples.

Scenario 1: You Live 2 Blocks From Campus, No Garage

You probably walk to class every day. If you only drive once in a while, getting a permit to park on the street may be possible.

Scenario 2: You Work on the West Side

If you come home between 7 and 9 p.m., you have to look for street parking unless you pay for garage access.

Scenario 3: You Live in the Same Apartment

If more than one roommate has a car, make sure you know how many parking spaces are available. Don't think that every bedroom is a spot.

The Bottom Line on Parking and Westwood Village Apartments

Here's the honest truth:

• Parking on the street in Westwood is competitive, but with a permit, it's not too hard to find a spot
• Parking at night takes time
• Some Westwood Village apartments don't come with parking
• Parking in the garage usually costs more
• For many people who live near UCLA, living without a car is possible

Parking isn't a deal-breaker, but it should be part of your housing math.

When you compare apartments in Westwood Village, don't just look at the rent. Take into account:

• Fees for parking
• Time spent looking for a parking spot
• When to sweep the streets
• Your car's safety

In a busy college area, it's important to plan ahead for convenience.

FAQs

1. Do the majority of apartments in Westwood Village have parking?

Not everyone does. While larger properties frequently provide assigned garage parking for an extra monthly fee, older buildings may have fewer or tandem spaces.

2. Is it hard to park on the street in Westwood, close to UCLA?

Particularly in the evenings and during significant campus events, it can be competitive. Many streets require residential permit parking.

3. Do I need a car to live in Westwood?

No. Many students take public transportation for longer trips and walk or ride their bikes to UCLA. Depending on your lifestyle and commute, you may or may not need a car.