LMU student housing areas near campus

Introduction

Finding a comfortable and affordable place to live near Loyola Marymount University is a top priority for many students, especially those balancing academic demands with Los Angeles’ rising cost of living. While LMU’s beautiful bluffside location is one of its major perks, it also shapes the surrounding housing market, creating unique pockets of student-friendly neighborhoods with varying rental prices and vibes. Fortunately, there are several excellent LMU student housing areas that offer convenience, safety, and community while still remaining within a reasonable budget. Whether you want to live right next to campus, prefer beachside living, or need a quieter, more residential environment, the neighborhoods surrounding LMU provide strong options for students looking to make the most of their college experience without overspending. This guide breaks down the top places students choose to live near LMU, helping you discover the neighborhood that best matches your lifestyle and financial needs.

1) Westchester: The Most Popular Neighborhood for LMU Students

Westchester is by far the most common housing choice for LMU students thanks to its unbeatable proximity to campus. Many students can walk, bike, or take a short drive to class, making this neighborhood ideal for anyone who prioritizes convenience. Westchester features a wide variety of housing options—including student-friendly apartment buildings, duplexes, shared homes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The area is full of everyday essentials, from grocery stores and pharmacies to coffee shops, restaurants, and gyms. With its peaceful residential streets and strong safety record, Westchester provides a comfortable and relaxed environment that fits the needs of both undergraduate and graduate students.

Why students choose Westchester:

• Extremely close to LMU

• Quiet residential environment

• Wide range of housing options

• Walkable access to stores and dining

For students who want to stay close to campus while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle, Westchester consistently ranks as the top choice.

2) Playa Vista: Modern, Upscale, and Full of Student Amenities

Playa Vista has grown into one of Los Angeles’ most desirable neighborhoods and is especially popular among LMU students who want a modern living environment. Known for its sleek apartment complexes, landscaped parks, and community-oriented layout, Playa Vista offers an upscale feel while still providing great access to campus.

While this neighborhood is more expensive than some others on this list, shared apartments and occasional student deals help make it more accessible. Playa Vista also offers shuttle services, easy bike paths, and close proximity to tech hubs, making it ideal for students studying business, communications, or technology.

Why Playa Vista is attractive to LMU students:

• Modern apartment buildings with updated amenities

• Safe and well-maintained community

• Near LMU and Silicon Beach opportunities

• Many parks, shops, and dining options

Playa Vista is perfect for students seeking a polished, community-focused living experience.

3) Best sections in Westchester for LMU student housing areas

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Westchester contains several micro-neighborhoods that are particularly appealing for students seeking the best LMU student housing areas. Streets surrounding Lincoln Boulevard, Manchester Avenue, and Loyola Boulevard tend to offer some of the most competitive rental prices, especially in older apartment buildings or shared homes. Many LMU students appreciate the walkability of these pockets, as grocery stores, eateries, and bus stops are all within short distances.

Another benefit of these sections of Westchester is their strong student presence. Shared homes often host multiple LMU students, creating a built-in sense of community and making group housing options easier to find. Rental prices here are also more predictable than newer luxury buildings, which helps students plan more effectively.

Why these parts of Westchester work well:

• Walkable access to LMU and necessities

• Reliable availability of shared housing

• Lower prices in older apartments

• Strong student community atmosphere

For Bruins looking for affordability and convenience, these sections of Westchester are ideal.

4) Playa del Rey: Coastal Living Close to LMU

Playa del Rey offers a beautiful coastal environment just minutes from LMU. For students who love the beach, ocean breezes, and scenic views, this neighborhood delivers an unmatched lifestyle. Playa del Rey features a mix of older beach apartments, shared homes, and small multi-unit buildings—many of which offer more reasonable rent than newer developments elsewhere on the Westside.

Students enjoy the relaxing vibe of the area, with access to biking paths, quiet beaches, and charming local cafés. The slightly higher commute time is a fair trade-off for the lifestyle benefits.

Why students choose Playa del Rey:

• Beach access and scenic views

• Quiet, peaceful atmosphere

• Good mix of older affordable buildings

• Relaxed community vibe

Playa del Rey is perfect for students wanting a beach-adjacent lifestyle.

5) Marina del Rey: Waterfront Views and Comfortable Living

Marina del Rey is well known for its waterfront atmosphere, sailing culture, and relaxed lifestyle. While often associated with luxury living, the neighborhood also offers affordable pockets—especially in older apartment buildings farther from the marina itself. These buildings can be surprisingly student-friendly and may offer shared bedroom layouts or roommate-friendly floorplans.

Many students love Marina del Rey for its outdoor activities, such as running along the harbor or renting paddleboards. Dining options, grocery stores, and retail spaces are plentiful, adding to the overall convenience.

Why Marina del Rey appeals to LMU students:

• Beautiful waterfront environment

• Many recreation opportunities

• Safe and walkable

• Hidden affordability in older buildings

For students willing to explore beyond the luxury complexes, Marina del Rey offers great value.

6) Culver City: Trendy, Lively, and Full of Student-Friendly Areas

Culver City has transformed into one of LA’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its modern developments, active arts scene, and thriving downtown. It’s located a short drive from LMU, making it an appealing choice for students wanting a more urban lifestyle.

Although some parts of Culver City can be pricey, many older apartment buildings provide reasonable rent for students willing to share units. Commuting to LMU is straightforward, and the abundance of restaurants, study cafés, and entertainment options ensures that students always have something to do.

Reasons students like Culver City:

• Lively and modern living environment

• Plenty of entertainment

• Affordable older apartment options

• Quick commute to LMU

Culver City offers a fun and convenient living experience for LMU students.

7) El Segundo: Safe, Suburban, and Surprisingly Student-Friendly

El Segundo is known for its small-town charm and safe suburban atmosphere. While it's a bit farther from LMU, it attracts students who want quiet residential living with reliable access to amenities. El Segundo includes both single-family homes and apartment buildings, many of which offer moderate rental prices.

Students appreciate the strong community feel, the walkable downtown area, and easy highway access. It’s especially appealing to graduate students or those who value peace and stability.

Why students consider El Segundo:

• Safe, quiet community

• Walkable, charming downtown

• Moderate rent in older units

• Easy commute via car or bus

El Segundo is a great option for students wanting suburban comfort.

8) Venice: Artsy, Beachy, and Popular Among Creative Students

Venice is one of LA’s most iconic neighborhoods and draws many LMU students with its artistic vibe, lively boardwalk, and variety of housing options. While some parts of Venice can be expensive, pockets of older buildings and shared homes offer reasonable rental opportunities.

Venice is perfect for students who want inspiration, creativity, and coastal living. Cafés, boutique shops, and beachfront activities are abundant, making the neighborhood an exciting place to live.

Why Venice appeals to students:

• Iconic beach culture

• Artistic, creative environment

• Great food and entertainment

• Affordable shared units available

Venice is ideal for students seeking a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere.

9) Ladera Heights: Quiet, Residential, and Budget-Friendly

Ladera Heights is a peaceful, residential community located just east of LMU. Known for its clean streets, spacious homes, and welcoming environment, it offers a comfortable living option for students who want more space at lower rent.

Many students choose Ladera Heights for its affordability and safety. With grocery stores, parks, and transit options nearby, the area is convenient without being busy or crowded.

Benefits of living in Ladera Heights:

• Great value for larger spaces

• Safe, quiet, and welcoming

• Quick commute to LMU

• Excellent for group housing

Ladera Heights is a great option for students wanting comfort and affordability.

Conclusion

Choosing the right place to live during your time at Loyola Marymount University can significantly shape your academic success, comfort, and daily experience. Thankfully, students have a wide range of LMU student housing areas to choose from—from the convenient streets of Westchester to the modern living of Playa Vista and the beachside charm of Playa del Rey. Whether you prioritize short commutes, affordability, peaceful surroundings, or vibrant cultural environments, there is an ideal neighborhood waiting for you. With early planning and an understanding of the best housing options available, LMU students can secure a living arrangement that supports every aspect of their college journey.

Visit LMU Universe Housing as a great resource to meet roommates and find off-campus housing at:👉 https://www.lmuniverse.online/housing-near-lmu