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Living in the USC Neighborhood: A Student’s Guide to Renting in University Park, LA

Living in the USC Neighborhood: A Student’s Guide to Renting in University Park, LA

Jerry
Jul 4, 2025

Table of contents

  • 🎓 Welcome to University Park—Home of USC
  • 🛡️ Is the USC Neighborhood Safe?
  • 🏘️ What Does Living Near USC Mean?
  • 🏢 Living Near USC: What Students Need to Know
  • 🏡 Check Out 1329 W 36th Street for Student Housing
  • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community Initiatives and Student Support
  • 📋 Final Thoughts: Should You Live in the USC Neighborhood?

🎓 Welcome to University Park—Home of USC

Moving to Los Angeles for college can be exciting, but finding a suitable place to live can be daunting. One option available to you is University Park, just two miles southwest of Downtown LA and offering urban living with diverse culture. Although, like any neighborhood, it comes with both advantages and drawbacks.

University Park, home to the University of Southern California's main campus, is home to students, families, working professionals and longtime residents alike. It boasts historic buildings, taquerias and new developments such as USC Village - an interactive shopping and dining hub which has drastically transformed this neighborhood in recent years.

Man and woman studying on the campus lawn

🛡️ Is the USC Neighborhood Safe?

Make no mistake, safety is often at the forefront of students' and parents' minds when considering USC. Unfortunately, parts of South Central Los Angeles, such as University Park, have struggled with crime for years. However, USC has made substantial allocations in safety infrastructure and community engagement to create an ideal learning environment.

Here's what's in place:

  • USC Department of Public Safety (DPS): USC's DPS operates 24/7 patrols both on and around campus.
  • Security Ambassadors: Positioned throughout key streets during peak hours to provide added support
  • Campus Cruiser & Lyft Rides: USC provides free evening rides within designated zones to transport students home safely.
  • Tram Services: Operating regularly between the campus and housing clusters.
  • Emergency Blue Light Stations: Located throughout various parts of the campus and surrounding areas.

According to USC's official neighborhood data, crime has decreased across many sectors over the recent years. Still, students should:

  • Avoid walking alone at night
  • Stick to well-lit streets
  • Stay aware of your surroundings
  • Keep valuables out of view

🏘️  What Does Living Near USC Mean?

Living near USC means experiencing the thrills and bustle of urban campus life first-hand. On weekdays, streets bustle with students riding bikes to classes, food delivery scooters zooming past, and professors meeting for coffee at nearby cafes. On weekends, however, this area changes entirely: families shop at Trader Joe's, while students gather at parks or community events like open-air movie nights in Exposition Park.

You’re surrounded by a myriad of cultures. Central American bakeries next to new apartment complexes, taco trucks beside tech labs, murals honoring the neighborhood’s deep history. Yet while its energy may seem constant at first, many residential blocks remain relatively calm, especially those west of Vermont Avenue or south of Jefferson.

And with multiple Metro stations nearby, exploring Greater Los Angeles without a car is simple—whether heading downtown, to the beach, or Koreatown for late-night dining options.

🏢 Living Near USC: What Students Need to Know

Most USC undergraduates live off-campus after their first year, so here's what students should know about renting near University Park:

📍 Popular Student Streets & Zones

  • 30th to 37th Street (west of Vermont Avenue)

  • These blocks form the core of USC's off-campus housing. You'll find everything from modern co-living apartments and older single-family homes converted to student rentals here, such as Catalina, Budlong and Menlo Streets. Typically quieter neighborhoods where both grad students and undergrads cohabitate. Most buildings fall within USC's DPS patrol zone, making them eligible for free Lyft rides and campus cruiser service. Sidewalks are well lit, and many units come furnished and pre-leased by student housing companies.
  • Ellendale Place and Orchard Avenue

  • They are tree-lined street that runs north-south and offers a strong student presence. The vibe here is more relaxed, and buildings range from 1960s-era walkups to brand-new micro-units. This area provides a quick five to ten minute walk to campus while feeling more remote from main roads. Students enjoy this area for its low foot traffic levels, reliable Wi-Fi options, proximity to tram stops, and bike racks. These are especially well-liked among honors students, international students, and upperclassmen.
  • Adams Blvd Corridor

  • Just north of campus lies the Adams Blvd Corridor, where a combination of old and new architecture can be found. While some stretches near Figueroa can feel busy at times, blocks east of Vermont tend to be quieter and less densely packed. Establishing this as a prime spot for graduate students or anyone wanting a more residential feel. Many units here offer larger rooms, private entrances, access to street parking (something not often found near campus), as well as having slightly lower rent than streets closer to campus.

💸 Average Rent Prices

Housing Type Monthly Rent
Studio Apartment $1,500 – $1,700
1-Bedroom Apartment $1,800 – $2,200
2-Bedroom Shared Apartment $3,400 – $4,200
Co-Living $998 – $1,700

💡 Pro Tip: For enhanced safety and services, look for housing within the USC DPS Patrol Area for greater convenience and peace of mind. Here is the official map, should you require any guidance in finding suitable accommodations.

🏡 Check Out 1329 W 36th Street for Student Housing

USC Co-living Spaces - 1329 W 36th St

Looking for student housing within DPS patrol range that is also safe, modern, and student-centric? 1329 W 36th St is your solution:

  • Each bedroom features a private bathroom
  • In-unit washers/dryers
  • Fully furnished rooms and kitchens
  • Secure entryway and yard space
  • Less than 10 minutes walking distance from campus
  • Within the DPS Zone qualify for a USC Lyft ride coverage

📝 Because leases typically fill quickly during the fall semester, it's wise to start searching by late spring.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community Initiatives and Student Support

USC is making strides to be a positive presence in its neighborhood by investing more into community initiatives and student support than ever. Here are some ways the university assists both its students as well as residents.

  • Good Neighbors Campaign: USC employees donate generously to fund youth and educational programs within their community.
  • Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI): This college prep program has helped hundreds of local kids earn scholarships at USC.
  • Civic Engagement Grants: Students may apply for funding for service or leadership projects related to the local neighborhood.

Not just living somewhere--it's about becoming part of a community with common goals.

📋 Final Thoughts: Should You Live in the USC Neighborhood? 

While USC neighborhoods may not be perfect, they are improving and evolving. Safety may be an issue; however, it can be managed effectively with increased awareness and by taking advantage of all resources provided by the school. In return for these risks comes affordability, proximity and the chance to live right at the cultural core of South LA.

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