Whether you're starting your first semester, transferring to California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), or looking to move closer to campus, finding the right apartment is one of the most important parts of preparing for college.
Located on the east side of Los Angeles, Cal State LA offers students convenient access to Downtown LA, Pasadena, and the San Gabriel Valley. While the university provides on-campus housing, thousands of students choose to rent off campus every year. Cal State LA also offers housing resources to help students find apartments in nearby communities.
This guide will help you find the best neighborhoods near campus, understand rental requirements, and avoid wasting money on apartment application fees.
Why Students Choose to Live Off Campus
Many Cal State LA students rent off campus because they want:
- More independence
- Lower housing costs with roommates
- More apartment choices
- Flexible lease options
- Pet-friendly communities
- Easy access to internships and jobs throughout Los Angeles
Living off campus also allows students to choose neighborhoods that fit their lifestyle and commute.
Best Neighborhoods Near Cal State LA
Alhambra
One of the most popular places for Cal State LA students.
Why students love it:
- Just minutes from campus
- Excellent restaurants and cafés
- Grocery stores and shopping
- Plenty of apartment communities
El Sereno
Located directly next to campus, El Sereno offers one of the shortest commutes and a mix of apartments, duplexes, and rental homes.
Monterey Park
A quiet community with newer apartment buildings, great dining, and convenient access to campus.
South Pasadena
A safe, walkable neighborhood with tree-lined streets, coffee shops, and an easy commute to Cal State LA.
City Terrace
City Terrace is another popular option because of its proximity to campus and generally more affordable rental opportunities.
Highland Park
One of Northeast LA's most popular neighborhoods, Highland Park offers restaurants, nightlife, Metro access, and a vibrant community.
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
Students looking for modern apartments, entertainment, and internships often choose Downtown LA while commuting a short distance to campus.
What Should Cal State LA Students Look For?
Before signing a lease, consider:
- Commute time
- Metro access
- Parking availability
- Laundry facilities
- Internet speed
- Air conditioning
- Grocery stores nearby
- Roommates
- Lease length
- Pet policies
Living close to campus can save time and transportation costs while making it easier to balance classes, work, and social life.
Know the Rental Requirements Before You Apply
Apartment application fees can quickly become expensive.
Before applying, always check:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Co-signer policies
- Security deposit requirements
- Pet policies
- Move-in costs
Understanding these requirements beforehand can save both time and money while improving your chances of approval.
How ZRently Helps Cal State LA Students
ZRently was built to make apartment hunting more transparent.
Instead of guessing whether you'll qualify, you can search apartments by:
- Credit score requirements
- Income requirements
- Flexible credit policies
- Co-signer acceptance
- Pet policies
- Verified rental criteria
Whether you're searching in Alhambra, El Sereno, Monterey Park, South Pasadena, City Terrace, Highland Park, Downtown Los Angeles, or anywhere in East Los Angeles, ZRently helps you find apartments that match your qualifications before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cal State LA offer student housing?
Yes. Cal State LA offers residence halls and apartment-style university housing, and it also provides resources for students who want to live off campus.
What neighborhoods are best for Cal State LA students?
Popular neighborhoods include:
- Alhambra
- El Sereno
- Monterey Park
- South Pasadena
- City Terrace
- Highland Park
- Downtown Los Angeles
These neighborhoods offer a variety of apartment options, convenient commutes, and access to restaurants, shopping, and public transportation.
When should I start looking for an apartment?
It's a good idea to begin your apartment search 2–3 months before your desired move-in date, especially before the fall semester when demand is highest.
Can Cal State LA students use co-signers?
Yes. Many Los Angeles property managers accept co-signers, although each property has its own qualification requirements.
How can I avoid wasting money on application fees?
Apply only to apartments where you meet the listed credit, income, and co-signer requirements. Checking these qualifications before applying can improve your chances of approval and reduce unnecessary application fees.
Final Thoughts
California State University, Los Angeles gives students access to one of the most diverse campuses in the country while placing them near some of Los Angeles' most vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you're looking for an apartment in Alhambra, El Sereno, Monterey Park, South Pasadena, City Terrace, Highland Park, or Downtown Los Angeles, planning ahead and understanding rental requirements before applying can make your apartment search much easier.
At ZRently, our mission is to make renting more transparent by helping renters search apartments based on credit requirements, income requirements, co-signer policies, pet policies, and verified rental criteria before they apply.
If you're searching for apartments near Cal State LA or anywhere in East Los Angeles, ZRently can help you find a rental that fits both your budget and your qualifications.