USC Neighborhoods: Where to Live and What to Expect
Choosing where to live near USC means finding the right mix of safety, convenience, cost, and community vibe. Here’s what students say about the five most talked-about areas.
North University Park
Why Students Like It:
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5–10 minute walk to campus.
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Covered by USC DPS patrols, free Lyft at night, and well-lit streets
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Pretty much only USC community living there
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Loud/active on gamedays but relatively quiet
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Affordable rent
Things to Consider:
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Mostly houses. Not as many apartment complexes
Student Demographic: Mostly Upperclassmen and Graduate
Greek Row
Why Students Like It:
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5–10 minute walk to campus.
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Heart of USC’s social life, surrounded by sorority and fraternity houses.
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Covered by USC DPS patrols, free Lyft at night, and well-lit streets
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Loud/active on gamedays
Things to Consider:
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Noise can be constant, especially Thursday–Saturday nights.
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Demographically is very Greek Life-dominated
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Limited parking
Student Demographic: Mostly Sophomores and Juniors
Exposition Park
Why Students Like It:
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Walkable to campus, although biking is recommended
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Affordable
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Walking distance from Metro Line
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Covered by USC DPS patrols, free Lyft at night
Things to Consider:
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Some students/faculty and some LA residents.
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Has more of a residential vibe than a purely student living one.
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Safe, but not as much of a bubble as North UP
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Stay vigilant and stay in familiar areas
Student Demographic: Sophomores, Upperclassmen, and Graduates
West Adams
Why Students Like It:
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Affordable area
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Lots of grocery and food options ne
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Short bike ride and drive from campus
Things to Consider:
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Some students/faculty and some LA residents.
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Further from campus, not very walkable
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WA, being further from campus, means it has a more inner city vibe than other neighborhoods
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Doesn't feel like an extension of campus
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Stay vigilant and stay in familiar areas
Student Demographic: Sophomores, Upperclassmen, and Graduates
Things to Remember
1. Always research the area BEFORE you sign any lease or agreement. The area around the USC campus is an inner city area, and safety consideration is an absolute MUST.
2. Map out your commute. Use Google or Apple Maps to determine how long it would take you to bike or walk to your specific school on campus. For example, if you're a business major, you should map your walk to the Marshall School of Business
3. Consider parking. If you plan to drive to campus, look into parking garages and factor in the cost of a permit.
4. Don't venture too far from campus! USC is a bubble, meaning the further away you get, the less safe the neighborhood will be.
5. Consider a bike! It may seem doable to walk everywhere, but investing in a bike will save you more time than you realize. USC is a flat campus, meaning skateboards and scooters are an option, too.