The most fun and habitable places in Los Angeles are perhaps the most desirable areas to live in all of Southern California. No matter what you are looking for in a city, you can get it. Soaring skyscrapers, picket-fenced suburban living, and beach-side strolls, LA has it all. What’s more, LA is the perfect location for students, with lots of educational facilities spread across the city. When it comes to moving here, there is a lot to consider from your Los Angeles neighborhood. Here is a guide for students looking to fly the nest to the City of Angels.
West Los Angeles
If you’re thinking of living on the west side of LA, you’re going to need a little more of an income than the typical student, but don’t be disheartened; many students walk these streets. It’s a great part of the city to live in; the streets are clean, the public services are some of the very best, and with that, the property taxes match accordingly.
You’ll find lots of UCLA student housing here, along with the Getty Center, Bel-Air, and the wondrous Rodeo Drive boutiques. Dining options are in abundance, with many great restaurants available. Try the ramen at Mogu Mogu on Olympic Blvd. It’s some of the best in the city.
A fairly new district known as Silicon Beach has become one of the firm favorites in LA, being made up of areas of Santa Monica, Culver City, Playa del Ray, and Venice. This area is very popular with young professionals with aspirations to work within the tech industry, thanks to the companies that have branched away from Silicon Valley.
If you love boat life, there is no better place in West LA than Marina del Ray. There are enormous apartment complexes spread all the way around the marina that offer lots in terms of amenities such as gyms, pools, and parking garages. This area is considerably more expensive than some other options in the city, but there are always students and younger people looking for roommates.
Central LA
There are a total of 26 neighborhoods that make up Central LA – the heart of Los Angeles. This area alone is home to over 845,000 residents from all corners of the globe, making it a cultural hotbed. Property prices range anywhere from the $400,000 condos to the multi-million dollar mansions.
Central LA, with all its neighborhoods, creates different feelings and atmospheres all the time. West Hollywood and Fairfax are well known for their tree-lined streets and bountiful entertainment options. Beverly Grove is filled with varying shopping and museum options, perhaps the best in all of Los Angeles, including the LA Brea Tar Pits and the Beverly Center. Those who want a sense of small-town charm and a break away from the bustling city life may opt for places like Koreatown, Larchmont, and Hancock Park, which are only a few residential gems of LA.
Stunning views can be seen from Hollywood Hills’ twisting residential streets, which intersect with hiking trails and green spaces. Located at Western Avenue’s north end is Griffith Park, an urban wilderness. There are many eclectic businesses and mid-priced apartments in hipster enclaves, such as Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and Echo Park in the southeast.
The most southerly point of downtown LA is generally a safer space for residents who are looking for rent prices on the lower end of the city’s budget. Areas close by are a little run-down, but there is a lot of charm and character to be seen living here.
Downtown LA
Located in the heart of the financial district of Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles is a vibrant urban area full of culture and art. This notoriously congested area, bordered by busy freeways, is one of the most congested parts of the city.
There are many things to love about Downtown LA. It is host to some of the best attractions in the entire city. Attractions such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Crypto.com Arena put on tremendous shows and events. For modern art lovers, you can visit museums such as The Broad and MOCA. Anyone who has intrigued about Japanese culture will have a joyous time in Little Tokyo with all of its restaurants, shops, and even a Buddhist temple.
The vibrant art district of Downtown LA is a firm favorite for students from all over. Sitting from 1st Street to 7th (north/south) and Almeda Street to the LA River (east/west), you will be greeted by street cinemas, food trucks, art walks, and much more. The vibrant energy of this area is why it is loved so much.
What Are Your Options For Student Living In LA
Although it may not seem like it on the surface, there are lots of affordable living options in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is known as being one of the most expensive places to live in all of the United States, so here are some ideas on how you can save money on the cost of living in LA.
Shared Accommodation
If you would like to share an apartment with other students off-campus, the shared living situation could be your best option. In most apartments, there will be separate bedrooms and a kitchen/living area shared between them.
Residents of Halls
In addition to campus communal dorms, USC in Los Angeles offers other kinds of student housing as well. If you prefer to live with other students rather than with a host family, then this option may be best for you.
Private Accommodation
If you would like some flexibility and a discussion of how involved you would like to be with your host family, a private room could be perfect. Private rooms are a great way for homeowners to generate a little extra income from the unused space in their homes while also offering an affordable option for students wanting to live in the city. It is up to you and the homeowners to decide what your boundaries will be once you enter the agreement. A family that provides you with homestay care and support is expected to take good care of you.
Homestay Accommodation
If you have ever been a part of a foreign exchange program, then homestays may be something you are quite familiar with. In these kinds of living conditions, students will be provided with a private bedroom, meals, laundry facilities, and much more from an extremely-vetted LA family. Being a student, you will have the option to choose your host family, make contact with them during the booking process and also receive 24/7 support from the trained staff who work to run the homestay program.
