Living around USC?

Question

I will moving to LA in August to attend USC for graduate school. My budget for living is around $1000 a month, but I may be willing to pay more. I am ideally looking for a studio.

I found some places near USC affordable, but I am hesistant to live there because of the crime, etc. I know a few people who have lived near USC for many years and they all say it is not that bad; however, I have a hard time believing that after reading some of these threads. I also know that there is gang activity around there which results in robberies, some homicides, etc.

I was looking into Glendale, Santa Monica, and Venice as possible options. It looks like Pasadena and Burbank are too far away.

If anyone has suggestions on where I could find a safe area within a 30 min drive of USC, I would really appreciate it. Is LA so bad that I really have to avoid wearing blue and red? I am of indian descent, if that makes a difference.

Answer 1

I went to USC for grad school, and I found a studio for under $1000.

I moved to the San Gabriel Valley, immediately east of LA and south of Pasadena. I pay $870 for a SPACIOUS studio (in a building with a decent laundry room and a swimming pool). It's really suburban here. And yes, I can make it to main campus in half an hour. I can make it to the medical school in 10 minutes, and I can walk to the public health school.

Burbank is too far. Santa Monica and Venice are WAY too far, too trafficky and too expensive. Pasadena is actually reasonable because it's a straight shot on the 110 Freeway to USC main campus (and it is close to the Health Science Campuses, too).

If you are going to USC, you will be wearing a lot of red. It is their school colors (with gold, anyway). The area immediately surrounding the main campus is dodgy, so I'd avoid it. But otherwise, LA isn't as horrible as they say it is.

I have Indian friends who live across the street from the main campus. Their place is a bit of a dump, though. But they haven't had problems, if that counts for anything.

Answer 2

There are always lots of apartment communities near colleges with a diverse group. Look for ones that don't have a bunch of partiers and in a neighborhood where there is no loitering. People walking their pets are always a good sign... although who walks pets in LA, right? LOL!

You can check websites for the local news stations and they always have a 'crime watch' type link. There is always going to be something listed, but pick a place that you like and just make it your home. Keep to yourself. And, no, you do not need to worry about colors your wear unless you are in the projects/ghetto. You will know if you hear loud car radios! (HATE THAT!)

Answer 3

Congrats! I am doing the same and am scrounging for neighborhoods as well.

I was told Silver Lake, Echo Park and Koreatown as well, but I'm a bit sketchy on K-town.