The Hub Figueroa
Demographic: Sophomores and Juniors mainly, but other demographics like Transfer Freshman, seniors, and Grad students also live here.
Cost: $1700–$2000/month, depending on unit size.)
Proximity: 15-minute walk from campus. 5-minute bike ride to campus.
Amenities: Nice gym, sauna, rooftop pool, study rooms, and other high-quality amenities.
Vibe: Depends on roommates/floormates. Typically quieter and cleaner, but can vary.
Floor Plans: Private rooms, studios, shared rooms
Pros:
✔ High-quality amenities
✔ Newly built and clean
Cons:
✘ Expensive.
✘ Some rooms are separated by makeshift walls
505 Apartments
Demographic: Upperclassmen and grad students mostly.
Cost: $1375–$3500/month, depending on unit size.)
Proximity: Decent — closer than Lorenzo, but not as central as Gateway.
Amenities: Smaller gym, friendly staff, very responsive maintenance.
Vibe: Quiet, clean, friendly
Floor Plans: Private rooms, studios
Pros:
✔ Staff know residents personally.
✔ High-quality maintenance.
Cons:
✘ Expensive.
✘ Smaller amenity spaces.
Gateway Apartments
Demographic: Mostly undergrad (party-heavy, Greek life friendly).
Cost: ~$1200/month.
Proximity: Excellent; walkable to Village, Row, CVS downstairs.
Amenities: Rooftop decks, gym, pool/fountain, study spaces.
Vibe: Very party-heavy, loud, lots of fire alarms.
Floor Plans: Mostly 2–3 bedrooms with private/shared rooms.
Pros:
✔ Convenient location.
✔ Great maintenance team.
✔ Nice rooftops.
Cons:
✘ Bad management.
✘ Fire alarms frequently.
✘ Dirty hallways sometimes.
✘ Apartments are not always cleaned before move-in.
The Lorenzo
Demographic: Undergrads — freshmen, sophomores, transfers, some grads.
Cost: Affordable compared to luxury options; often under $1200 with promotions.
Proximity: Farther (shuttle provided); near downtown.
Amenities: Resort-style: gym, pools, lounges, free food events.
Vibe: Very lively, party-oriented, social.
Floor Plans: Singles, doubles, 1-4 bedroom apartments.
Pros:
✔ Tons of events and free food.
✔ Huge amenity selection.
✔Affordable with deals.
Cons:
✘ Fire alarms often.
✘ The shuttle system is unreliable.
✘ Staff are largely unhelpful.
Tripalink
Demographic: Undergrads and grads — great for groups.
Cost: $1500–$1865 for a single, cheaper for shared.
Proximity: Depends on property; mostly north of campus.
Amenities: Fully furnished, utilities included, private bathrooms possible.
Vibe: Quiet to moderate, newer buildings.
Floor Plans: Private rooms + private/shared baths; various options.
Pros:
✔ Lots of locations and price options.
✔ Furnished Units
Cons:
✘ Newer properties more expensive.
✘ Vibe depends heavily on housemates. interaction.
✘ Management very uninvolved and difficult to contact
✘ Non students live there
Stuho Properties
Demographic: Undergrad-heavy.
Cost: Varies widely ($1200–$1600).
Proximity: Good — especially new buildings near W 37th St
Amenities: Depends heavily on which building; newer ones good.
Vibe: Mixed, depends on unit.
Floor Plans: Private rooms, shared spaces.
Pros:
✔ Newer units close to campus.
Cons:
✘ Older units not well-kept.
✘ Management not great.
Tuscany Apartments
Demographic: Mostly undergrads.
Cost: Higher mid-range.
Proximity: Excellent (walkable); very close to Village.
Amenities: 24-hr gym, study lounges, Amazon locker, limited pool.
Vibe: Social but not crazy.
Floor Plans: Mostly 2x2 layouts.
Pros:
✔ Very close to USC.
✔ Good food options nearby.
✔ Spacious units.
Cons:
✘ Expensive
✘ Washers/dryers are often broken.
✘ Water shut-offs.
✘ Concert noise.
Tessera
Demographic: Upcoming undergrad mix.
Cost: Expensive.
Proximity: Will be close (under construction).
Amenities: Promising but uncertain — floorplan changes possible.
Vibe: Unknown.
Floor Plans: TBD.
Pros:
✔ $1200 signing bonus currently.
✔ Modern finishes expected.
Cons:
✘ Construction delays are common based on Hub experience.
✘ Uncertainty around move-in timeline.
Off-Campus General Pricing
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North of Campus (Figueroa–Vermont):
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Private room + private bath: $1500–$2000
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Private room + shared bath: $1000–$1500
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Shared room: $800–$1200
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West of Campus (Normandie–Vermont):
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Private room + private bath: $1200–$1600
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Private room + shared bath: $900–$1300
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Shared room: $700–$1000
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West of Normandie
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Private room + private bath: $1000–$1300
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Private room + shared bath: $800–$1100
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Shared room: $500–$800
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Final Notes
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Don't trust the official websites for everything. Remember, they are trying to sell their property to you. Always seek out real experiences from past or current tenants before signing anything.
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Fire alarms are a real and frustrating thing at multiple big complexes (Gateway, Lorenzo).
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Maintenance quality varies A LOT. Ensure that everything is documented in writing.
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If it's in your budget, a higher-end option like the 505 or the Hub Figueroa is a safe bet.
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If you're prioritizing social, party-friendly living, look to something like Gateway. Avoid Gateway if you're a quiet person looking for a clean and high-end space.
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Consider a bike for a daily commute. Most off-campus living is a far walk from campus. USC campus is also flat and skateboard-friendly if that better suits you.