Where are you moving to?
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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.
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.
According to USC's official neighborhood data, crime has decreased across many sectors over the recent years. Still, students should:
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.
Most USC undergraduates live off-campus after their first year, so here's what students should know about renting near University Park:
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.
Looking for student housing within DPS patrol range that is also safe, modern, and student-centric? 1329 W 36th St is your solution:
📝 Because leases typically fill quickly during the fall semester, it's wise to start searching by late spring.
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.
Not just living somewhere--it's about becoming part of a community with common goals.
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.