Where are you moving to?
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Finding the right place to live near the University of Southern California (USC) is about more than just affordability and proximity to campus—it’s about safety. With Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods, students often worry about crime rates, security measures, and how to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.
Whether you’re looking for USC student housing, off-campus apartments, or just trying to determine the safest neighborhoods near USC, this guide will walk you through:
✅ Understanding USC’s DPS Zone and safety measures
✅ The safest neighborhoods near USC
✅ Housing options with enhanced security
✅ Practical safety tips for off-campus living
USC’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) actively patrols designated areas around campus to provide extra security. This DPS Zone is where you’ll find:
✔ 24/7 patrols by USC officers.
✔ Free USC Lyft Safe Rides from 6 PM to 2 AM.
✔ More emergency call stations and well-lit streets.
✔ Close proximity to campus resources and student-friendly amenities.
Living inside the DPS Zone significantly reduces the risk of crime compared to areas farther from campus. It also means quicker response times from DPS and LAPD officers in case of emergencies.
✔ Lower crime rates compared to surrounding neighborhoods.
✔ Faster emergency assistance when needed.
✔ More USC-supported transportation options.
While no area is completely crime-free, these neighborhoods are considered among the safest and most student-friendly near USC.
🏡 Why Live Here?
🚶 Commute to USC: Walk to campus takes 5-10 minutes!
🏡 Why Live Here?
🚶 Commute to USC: 5-10 minutes by car or bicycle.
🏡 Why Live Here?
🚶 Commute to USC: 10-15 minutes of driving.
🏡 Why Live Here?
🚶 Commute to USC: 15 minutes by metro or car.
📌 Ideal for students searching for safety, luxury, and city living.
🏡 Why Live Here?
🚶 Commute to USC: 15-20 minutes by metro or car.
📌 Ideal for students seeking urban life while providing safe housing options.
Although certain locations offer lower rent costs, students should use caution if considering living there:
🚨 Safety Tips When Living Here:
✔ Always utilize DPS Safe Rides or Uber when traveling at night.
✔ Invest in smart locks, security cameras, or alarms for your apartment complex.
✔ Do not walk alone after dark, and stay in well-lit, populated areas.
These housing options near USC are safe and secure.
✔ Secure entry, gated access, and fully furnished are hallmarks of excellence.
✔ Perfect for students seeking a safer living environment.
✔ feature 24/7 security, doormen, and controlled access.
✔ Rents may be higher, but the peace of mind gained is worth every penny.
✔ Built specifically to accommodate students and equipped with RA safety programs.
✔ Locate in the DPS Zone.
✔ Maintain a secure home environment by always locking windows and doors securely.
✔ Make use of USC Safe Rides rather than wandering alone after dark.
✔ Choose an apartment with gated access and security cameras.
✔ Protect your belongings with renter's coverage.
📌 USC DPS Emergency: 213-640-4343
📌 LAPD Non-Emergency: 877-275-5273
📌 USC Safe Ride Services offers free Lyft rides between 6 pm and 2 am.
1️⃣ Make use of USC's off-campus housing resources.
2️⃣ Conduct a DPS zone search of the apartment you want to rent.
3️⃣ Discover crime statistics using the LAPD Crime Map.
4️⃣ Read up on student reviews on housing platforms.
5️⃣ Visit both daytime and nighttime views of your intended area before signing a lease agreement.
Living in North University Park, West Adams, DTLA apartments or Koreatown apartments may offer increased protection, better amenities, and peace of mind.
✔ Prioritize DPS Zone apartments to ensure maximum protection.
✔ Research crime rates and read student reviews before making your choice.
✔ Choose a building with gated access and security features for optimal safety.
By making safety-minded choices, you can experience all that USC's off-campus living experience has to offer while remaining secure.
🚀 Need somewhere secure near USC to live? Visit Tripalink for student housing options - even near campus!