South of campus toward Downtown LA, Westlake is one of the most affordable and densely populated neighborhoods near IAU, with older apartment buildings around MacArthur Park.
Commute to campus
A short Metro ride or bus/drive to campus.
Best for
Budget-conscious students prioritizing low rent over a newer building.
Vibe
Most affordable near campus · Dense, older buildings · Near MacArthur Park
Is Westlake cheaper than Koreatown?
Generally yes — it tends to have some of the lower rents of any neighborhood within easy reach of IAU.
Is Westlake safe for students?
Like much of central LA, it's a dense urban neighborhood — most students commute by Metro, bus, or car rather than walking after dark.