Los Angeles, often called the “City of Angels,” is a vibrant metropolis on the Pacific Ocean’s eastern side. It offers a diverse and exciting rental experience for international students. Here are some rental experiences in Los Angeles. Read and find your ideal student housing in LA.
What is Student Housing Los Angeles CA like?
1. Greater Los Angeles Area and LA Demographics
According to the U.S. Census estimates, Los Angeles is home to the fourth-largest population of Chinese descent (82,710) in the United States. When referring to Los Angeles, it often encompasses the greater Los Angeles area, which includes LA County, Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura. With a total population of 18 million, the Los Angeles metropolitan area is the second largest in the United States after New York.
2. Safe and Popular LA Neighborhoods
- Hollywood
Hollywood is one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, known for its association with the entertainment industry. It attracts residents and visitors alike with its famous landmarks, such as The Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatres and Runyon Canyon. Additionally, Hollywood offers a range of housing options, from historic homes to modern studio apartments. With its central location and proximity to major studios and attractions, Hollywood remains a sought-after neighbourhood for those seeking a lively and culturally rich urban experience.
- Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a renowned coastal neighbourhood in Los Angeles. Renting in Venice Beach will immerse you in its vibrant street performers and artistic atmosphere. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists, drawing in visitors with its lively ambience and picturesque beachfront. The neighbourhood’s popularity is evident in its bustling tourist activity and diverse community. Venice Beach offers a mix of residential properties, including beachfront homes, apartments, and unique architectural designs. Its proximity to the beach, trendy shops, and restaurants make it a highly sought-after neighborhood for those seeking a vibrant coastal lifestyle.
- Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
Downtown Los Angeles, commonly called DTLA, is the city’s central business district. Theatres and museums such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and the Broad, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) are close to DTLA, making life convenient. The DTLA neighbourhood offers a mix of modern lofts, apartments, and historic buildings converted into living spaces.
- Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a trendy and hip neighbourhood located on the east side of Los Angeles. It is known for its bohemian vibe, diverse community, and thriving arts scene. The neighbourhood’s popularity can be seen in its trendy shops, indie music venues, and a wide range of culinary options. Silver Lake offers various architectural styles, including mid-century modern homes, Spanish-style bungalows, and contemporary apartments. Its hilly terrain, scenic reservoir, and proximity to Griffith Park add to its appeal.
- Chinese Communities in LA
- Chinese Westside:
The Chinese Westside includes Monterey Park, Arcadia, San Marino, San Gabriel, Alhambra, and other cities. This area, developed earlier, boasts a high concentration of Chinese residents, usually exceeding 60%. Many homes on the Westside were built between 1940 and 1960. While newer constructions have replaced some older homes, they tend to be more expensive. San Marino, often called “Little Beverly Hills,” is an affluent small city with top-quality schools. Arcadia also offers high-quality public schools and a clear trend toward luxury housing. - Chinese Eastside:
Chinese residents gradually moved eastward from the San Gabriel Valley after the 1990s, settling in Rowland Heights, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Temple City, and Chino Hills. The Chinese Eastside features homes built between 1960 and 1990, offering a higher quality of life than the Westside. Diamond Bar and Walnut, part of the Walnut Valley Unified School District, have excellent public schools, but housing prices tend to be higher, with an average exceeding $900,000. Chino Hills, a relatively young city, has seen significant development between 1985 and 2010. - Orange County:
Chinese neighbourhoods have expanded into Orange County, encompassing cities like Irvine, Yorba Linda, and Newport Beach. Irvine, in particular, has become a popular destination for Chinese homebuyers due to its pleasant climate, excellent educational resources, safe neighbourhoods, and recreational facilities.
3.Los Angeles Student Housing: Ideal Residence in LA
LA is home to many prestigious universities and students who prefer more independence, and renting off-campus apartments near universities provides privacy and freedom. Are you looking for a student residence in Los Angeles? Look no further than uhomes.com; we offer a range of Los Angeles student housing options; whether you are looking for affordable student housing in LA or luxury student apartments in LA, we will make sure you rent ideal housing in Los Angeles.
Tips for Navigating Student Housing Los Angeles
- Start early renting in LA, begin your search as soon as possible to ensure you have ample time to explore options and secure a suitable place. Best time to rent apartments in LA is before June, July, and August, which rental demand and prices peak in those months.
- Budget wisely before renting student accommodation in LA, determine your budget for housing and consider additional expenses like utilities and transportation.
- Check amenities and facilities before renting LA student housing, except for essential amenities like laundry, study areas, and common spaces, some off campus housing in LA offer upscale community amenities such as swimming pool, fitness center and rooftop terrace.
University of California Los Angeles
Students renting apartments near UCLA not only close to campus, but also access to best restaurants and UCLA offers a wide selection of safe and reliable student housing. While housing prices near Beverly Hills is higher, shared student housing can still provide affordable options, such as shared rooms starting at around $700. Additionally, areas like Wilshire St and Koreatown are worth considering. Culver City, situated close to the beach, is an excellent choice for students seeking an American-style experience.
University of Southern California
Most students would rent USC off campus housing, because off campus housing usually cheaper than on campus housing, and they could live with friends. Renting near USC requires awareness of safety concerns, particularly on the south side of the campus. It is recommended to choose accommodations on the north side, such as the dorms or San Gabriel. Koreatown is also a viable option. However, areas like Inglewood, known for gang activities, should be avoided. Downtown high-rise student housing are attractive but come with higher prices, typically starting at $2000+ per month.
Pasadena Community College
Also in the same range of homes that live on both sides of the 10 freeway in Pasadena or Monterey, etc.
Santa Monica College
Prices around SMC are on the expensive side because it's next to Santa Monica Beach. There are options to stay near UCLA like Culver City .
California Institute of Technology
Most of students also live in Pasadena, or Glendale on the west side, which looks like a newer city building and is mostly populated by middle class people, making it a safe and reliable option for international students as well.
4. Others You Need to Know about Renting in LA
- Today, the number of Chinese Americans in Los Angeles is increasing. From the perspective of culture, economy, or history, Chinese Americans are a significant part of Los Angeles.
- If you want to hang out near Hollywood, there are two directions to look for east and west. Among them, the west side price is high, mostly Americans. The east side has a low price point, mostly Thais and Hispanics, such as Spanish, Mexican, and South American.
If you want to live on the beach, go to San Monica or Venice Beach. If you miss the flavour of China, go to Chinatown.
- If you love nightlife or are a foodie, come to Koreatown, where the lights go out after 10:00 p.m. in LA, except in Koreatown. Koreatown is in the middle of UCLA and USC, so you can choose from both schools.
FAQ
As of January 1, 2024, rents for units covered by LA County’s rent-stabilization ordinance (LA County RSO) cannot be raised more than 4% annually.
The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings.
The Los Angeles County Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance (RSTPO), Chapter 8.52 of the County Code, is a local law that limits annual rent increases (for fully-covered units only) and extends eviction protections for properties located in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
The best time to rent an apartment in Los Angeles is typically during the late fall and winter months, specifically from November to February. During this period, rental prices is lower. Additionally, consider using online platforms and resources, such as uhomes.com, filter your ideal student apartment in LA by your needs, budget location, amenities and so on.
