The 12 Best Overall Student Apartments Near USC (October 2026)

1. 1.

   

   Sierra Apartments

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   3.4(6 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Sierra Apartments earns its top spot as the overall best near USC thanks to its unbeatable location just a few minutes' walk from campus in the heart of the action. Students consistently praise the responsive management team and the genuine sense of safety the complex provides, which matters a lot when you're settling into a new city. The building's proximity to both the university and downtown LA means you're never far from class or weekend plans. As one resident noted, it's "well located student lodges" that puts you right where you want to be.

   16 min walk to USCGreat locationResponsive managementSafe
2. 2.

   

   25th St Nest

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   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: 25th St Nest stands out as a uniquely memorable place to live near USC, offering something you won't find in typical student housing. The property has become a destination in its own right, drawing residents and visitors who appreciate its cultural significance and distinctive character. Students love the chance to be part of something with real story and presence in the community. As one enthusiast put it, "I'm a huge six feet under fan and excited I stumbled upon the house they used in the show," capturing the special appeal that makes this address feel like more than just an apartment.

   24 min walk to USC·$1300/person/mo
3. 3.

   

   Apex. The One.

   view → Apex. The One.

   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Apex. The One. rises to the top overall near USC because of its consistently exceptional leasing team that genuinely cares about getting you into the right home. Residents rave about staff members like Ty, Marsha, and Liz people who go genuinely above and beyond, staying late, comparing units with you, and solving problems with real creativity and patience. The apartments themselves are spacious and well-designed, but what really sets this place apart is how the team treats the leasing process like they're apartment hunting for themselves. As one grateful resident shared, "TY kept helping me find solutions, and I finally moved in on the lease's end," showing how the team's persistence actually changes outcomes for students.

   54 min walk to USC
4. 4.

   

   Figueroa Eight

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   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Figueroa Eight earns its ranking as an overall standout near USC by building genuine community in a way that goes beyond typical apartment living. The staff especially community leaders like Brian, Malik, and Daniel actively foster connection and make residents feel genuinely welcomed and valued. Students praise the stunning amenities, thoughtfully curated spaces, and the palpable sense that management believes in the power of building real community. As one resident put it, "They go above and beyond for their tenants and they really believe in the power of BUILDING COMMUNITY," capturing the spirit that transforms this complex from just a place to live into a place where you actually want to be.

   59 min walk to USC
5. 5.

   

   The Lorenzo

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   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The Lorenzo stands out as the overall best near USC because it genuinely feels like a resort destination rather than just a place to crash between classes. Students rave about the resort-quality amenities amazing pools, a great gym, and beautiful study spaces plus a genuinely social community that hosts weekly events to keep things lively. The real magic here is the staff: Brandon, Jessica, Bianca, Frankie, and Eric consistently go above and beyond, making the leasing process smooth and maintenance requests lightning-fast. As one resident put it, "It honestly feels more like a resort than student housing amazing pools, great gym, beautiful study spaces, and always something happening." That's the vibe that keeps people coming back.

   23 min walk to USC
6. 6.

   

   616 Kenmore

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   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: 616 Kenmore earns its spot as a top overall choice for its unbeatable combination of location, maintenance, and a management team that genuinely cares. Situated in Koreatown with world-class restaurants and H-Mart steps away, the building itself is immaculate and surprisingly quiet despite the bustling neighborhood. Danny, Estephany, and Angel have built a reputation for being responsive, proactive, and kind residents consistently mention staying for multiple years because the place feels like home. As one long-term resident reflected, "The building is maintained impeccably, maintenance requests are addressed promptly, and the community really feels like home." That's the kind of stability and care that makes a place worth staying.

   73 min walk to USC·$2203/person/mo
7. 7.

   

   The BORA 3170

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   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: The BORA 3170 stands out for delivering a genuinely modern, well-maintained living experience with staff who make you feel genuinely welcome. Everything here feels fresh and intentional from the high-tech gym with a golf simulator to the beautiful terrace, daily cleaning, and quiet infrastructure that actually lets you rest. Helen, Sabrina, and Jose create an atmosphere where students feel safe and comfortable, and the attention to detail in maintaining both common spaces and amenities is immediately noticeable. As one resident noted, "Everything here feels fresh and new the gym, the office areas, and especially the terrace... The building is cleaned every day, which makes a big difference." It's the kind of place where you can tell management genuinely takes pride in what they've built.

   61 min walk to USC
8. 8.

   

   Rise Koreatown

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   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: Rise Koreatown earns its ranking by creating a community where residents feel genuinely cared for something that's rare enough to inspire people to write reviews for the first time. Josh, Alex, and the maintenance team (Jay, Aiden, and Martin) are consistently responsive and thoughtful, while amenities like the weekly food truck, dog park, and rooftop terrace with DTLA views make daily life feel special. The building itself is modern with quality finishes and Samsung appliances, and the cleanliness standards are visibly high. As one three-year resident put it, "Most apartments are simply places you live. But considering how much of our paycheck goes toward rent, I think most people hope to feel genuinely cared for where they live and that's not something I've experienced before." That's the difference between housing and home.

   71 min walk to USC
9. 9.

   

   NEXEN

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   5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

   why it ranked: NEXEN stands out near USC for delivering the kind of responsive, genuinely caring management that most student housing complexes promise but rarely pull off. Residents consistently praise Katie and Michael for being solution-focused, present, and willing to go the extra mile whether that's handling maintenance requests quickly, managing the rooftop patio and gym thoughtfully, or upgrading security with the ButterflyMX system. As one resident put it, 'The leasing team has been amazing: very responsive, professional, and truly helpful.' The building itself stays clean and well-maintained, and the staff's attention to detail makes the whole community feel welcoming.

   66 min walk to USC
10. 10.

    

    Zephyr Koreatown

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    5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

    why it ranked: Zephyr Koreatown wins for overall near USC by nailing the balance between affordability, location, and genuine community care a rare trifecta in the area. The management team is consistently responsive, the building stays clean and well-maintained, and the smaller tenant base means less noise and drama than you'd find at bigger complexes. Residents love the designated parking, modern units, and walkability to everything Koreatown offers, plus amenities like the gym and roof patio. As one resident put it, 'This apartment balances comfortability and market prices, and I would be surprised to find other complexes in the area that can provide this much at this price level.' It's the kind of place where you actually feel heard.

    65 min walk to USC
11. 11.

    

    Kurve

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    5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

    why it ranked: Kurve stands out overall near USC for creating a community that feels genuinely special where staff don't just manage the building, they actively celebrate living there alongside residents. Christine and her team are known for going above and beyond, staying quick to respond and proactive about maintenance, while the property itself delivers resort-level amenities like a pool and gym that actually get used. Residents rave about the themed community events, beautiful views, and the care that goes into keeping everything spotless. As one resident shared, 'The best part, though, is the management team. Christine and her team have always been quick to respond, super helpful, and genuinely go above and beyond for residents.' It's the rare complex where people don't just live they actually want to be there.

    69 min walk to USC
12. 12.

    

    Manali Residence

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    5.0(5 reviews)FMP Score

    why it ranked: Holds a 5.0/5 overall score from verified USC reviews. I’ve lived at Bahay for over a year and it’s been an amazing living experience! The front office team (Malcolm, Shannon and…

    59 min walk to USC

Walk times are door-to-door to USC campus. Rent is per person, per month.