LMU Student Apartments: Off-Campus Housing Near Loyola Marymount
- Owen Conrad
- May 19
- 4 min read
Keyword: lmu student apartments
Meta Description: Find lmu student apartments near Loyola Marymount University. Browse off-campus rentals in Westchester & Playa del Rey.

Loyola Marymount University sits on a bluff in Westchester overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and LMU student apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods offer access to one of Los Angeles' most desirable coastal communities. If you're ready to start your search, you can Find off-campus housing near Loyola Marymount University to browse current listings.
The LMU Off-Campus Housing Landscape
Loyola Marymount University's student population is smaller than many LA universities, but LMU students are highly engaged in the off-campus rental market. The campus's location in Westchester—between LAX and the South Bay beaches—shapes the character of nearby housing options.
LMU guarantees housing for freshmen who request it, but most upperclassmen and graduate students live off campus in surrounding neighborhoods. The areas immediately adjacent to LMU offer a mix of apartment buildings, townhomes, and single-family rental homes with character distinct from other LA student neighborhoods.
The Westchester housing market benefits from proximity to LA's beach communities—Playa del Rey and El Segundo are minutes away—while maintaining better affordability than neighborhoods like Santa Monica or Brentwood to the north.
Best Neighborhoods for LMU Students
Westchester is the natural first neighborhood for LMU students. The streets surrounding LMU's campus offer apartments and houses within walking or biking distance of the main gate, making Westchester the most convenient option for those who prioritize campus access.
Playa del Rey, west of campus toward the ocean, is beloved by LMU students who want beach access without paying full Santa Monica prices. Del Rey Lagoon and the neighborhood's proximity to the ocean make it a premium location for LMU student apartments.
El Segundo, south of campus across Imperial Highway, offers slightly more affordable rental options in a small-city environment with its own downtown, restaurants, and community character. Many LMU business students and those with internships in the El Segundo tech corridor prefer this location.
Culver City and Mar Vista, east of campus, have seen significant development and restaurant growth, offering more vibrant neighborhood character for LMU students who want more urban amenities alongside their housing. To see what's available, Find off-campus housing near Loyola Marymount University and filter by your budget and move-in date.
Types of LMU Student Apartments Available
The Westchester and Playa del Rey areas offer apartment buildings ranging from older, more affordable 1960s–1980s complexes to newer developments with modern finishes. Many buildings in the area are 2–4 stories with units ranging from studios to three-bedrooms.
Townhomes are prevalent in Playa del Rey and parts of Westchester. LMU students favor townhomes for the multiple floors of space, private entries, and often included garages or covered parking. Two and three bedroom townhomes accommodate roommate living well.
Single-family rental houses in Westchester's residential streets provide the most space and privacy, though they're fewer in number. Groups of three or four LMU students sharing a house can achieve very competitive per-person housing costs.
Some newer apartment communities in Culver City and Marina del Rey offer high-rise living with amenity packages including rooftop decks, co-working spaces, and ocean views—premium options for LMU students with higher housing budgets.
Cost of Living Near LMU
Los Angeles is expensive, but Westchester and surrounding areas offer somewhat better value than neighborhoods closer to the LA city center. One-bedroom apartments near LMU typically run $1,700–$2,400 per month. Shared two-bedroom units run $2,200–$3,200 total.
Shared living is the dominant strategy for managing LA housing costs. LMU students commonly share two or three bedroom apartments, bringing individual costs to $1,100–$1,800 per person per month—significant but competitive for the area.
Utilities in LA are moderate—electricity is the primary cost, with no gas heat needed in LA's mild climate. Internet runs $60–$80 per month, and renter's insurance is often required ($15–$25/month).
Parking is an important consideration near LMU. Some apartments include parking; others charge $100–$200/month for a spot. Given LA's car-dependent culture and LAX-area traffic, having or sharing a car is practical for most LMU students.
Commuting to LMU from Off Campus
LMU operates a free shuttle from the surrounding Westchester area to campus, making transportation convenient for students living within a few blocks. The shuttle runs during peak class hours and is popular with students in nearby apartments.
LA Metro's buses serve the Westchester area with connections to the Metro Expo and Green lines, providing access to the broader LA transit network. The LAX Connector shuttle connects nearby to the Crenshaw/LAX Line.
Biking in Westchester has limited dedicated infrastructure but the area's relatively flat terrain and moderate traffic on residential streets makes cycling feasible for short distances. The Ballona Creek Bike Path connects the area to Culver City and the beach.
Many LMU students drive to campus. The university offers student parking permits, and Westchester's lower density compared to more central LA neighborhoods means parking is somewhat more accessible than in areas like Westwood or downtown.

The LMU Off-Campus Lifestyle
Living near LMU means access to some of LA's best outdoor recreation. Dockweiler State Beach is minutes from Westchester; the Ballona Wetlands and Playa del Rey's beachfront provide nature escapes; and the proximity to the South Bay beaches opens up a full range of water sports and beach activities.
Westchester's dining scene has grown in recent years, with solid options for everyday eating within reasonable distance of LMU. The area benefits from LA's generally excellent food culture without the tourist premium of places like Santa Monica or Venice.
LMU students benefit from the university's strong alumni network in LA's entertainment, tech, and business communities. Living in the Westside puts you within easy reach of internship and networking opportunities at major LA employers.
The community character of Westchester is more residential and family-oriented than many
LA neighborhoods, which many LMU students find appealing—a quieter base from which to engage with the broader city on their own schedule.
This article is provided by an independent housing resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Loyola Marymount University.




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