Decision Overview
928 S. Broadway is a mid‑rise apartment building located in downtown Los Angeles, roughly 3 miles from the University of Southern California campus and about 12 miles from UCLA. The property offers co‑living style units under the “branded independent house” category, with shared common amenities and a central location in the South Park district. Monthly rent for a room in a 2‑bedroom unit currently ranges from $995 to $1,450 (indicative — confirm with the operator). A refundable deposit of $250 is required at move‑in. Note that this property is listed as not available at the time of writing, meaning prospective tenants must verify current vacancy directly with the operator.
Who This Residence Suits (and Who Might Look Elsewhere)
Suits:
- Students who prioritise social life and location. Resident ratings give the property 4.7 out of 5 for social atmosphere, location, and getting around. The building is within walking distance of restaurants, grocery stores, and public transit stops (Metro B/D lines at 7th Street/Metro Center).
- Those who want inclusive bills. The tags indicate bills are included in the rent, which simplifies budgeting. Given Los Angeles’ utility costs, this can be a practical choice.
- Budget‑conscious students willing to share. The lower end of the price range ($995) is closer to the city’s starting student‑housing price of $725 per month. However, 928 S. Broadway’s rooms cost about 37% more than that baseline. It sits well below the city average (the median property in LA is around $1,200–1,600 per month for similar co‑living setups).
- People who enjoy on‑site facilities. The building has a swimming pool, gym, sauna, library, and outdoor grills. Reviewers mention clean common areas. These extras can justify the rent for residents who use them regularly.
May not suit:
- Students who are extremely safety‑conscious. The average safety‑security rating is 3.5/5, and one negative review warns of “TO MANY CAR BREAK INS AND NO SECURITY UPDATE AND SAFETY! PACKAGES STOLEN CONSTANTLY”. If you plan to park a car on‑street or rely on package delivery, this may be a concern.
- Those who expect a hassle‑free property management. The same reviewer adds “NOTHING IS URGENT FOR THESE PEOPLE IVE WAITED MONTHS FOR HELP”. Multiple low ratings for management (3.5), property maintenance (3.5), and cleaning (3.5) suggest inconsistency.
- Travelers without a car. While public transport access is good, downtown LA can be challenging for late‑night commutes. UCLA is a 30‑minute drive (no direct rapid transit), which might not suit a student who needs to be on campus daily.
- Anyone who needs immediate availability. The “not available” tag implies rooms may not be open; contact the operator well in advance.
What Residents Actually Say
Three Google reviews offer a split picture. All quotes are verbatim from the provided data.
Positive voice (5 stars):
“Absolutely thrilled with my experience at Broadway Palace Apartments! The property is beautiful and elegant, featuring a stunning pool and immaculate common areas, including grills, elevators, a gym, sauna, library, and lobby. Everything is consistently clean and well-maintained, making it a pleasure to have guests ove” – Osiris Ley
This reviewer emphasises the building’s appearance, cleanliness, and amenities. He appears to have had a smooth experience, which may reflect a short‑term stay or a lucky assignment to a well‑maintained unit.
Negative voices (1 star):
“Dirty amenities and spaces! TO MANY CAR BREAK INS AND NO SECURITY UPDATE AND SAFETY! PACKAGES STOLEN CONSTANTLY, NOTHING IS URGENT FOR THESE PEOPLE IVE WAITED MONTHS FOR HELP WHEN MY CAR GOT BROKEN INTO 3 TIMES! RUN AWAY AND AVOID THIS PLACE! THEY OVERCHARGE BECAUSE NEW BUILDINGS ARE PRICY SO THEY THINK THEY CAN CHARGE” – Daved Olivencia
“I want to begin this review with the positives. To the cleaning and maintenance crews, thank you so much for your efforts. 5/5 stars to them, this property would not function or be inhabitable if it was not for their tremendous hard work. The cleaning crews especially- it was obviously an uphill daily battle to keep thi” – Joshua Billingsley
Joshua’s review is cut off, but the tone suggests that despite praising the cleaning staff, the overall rating is 1 star, implying serious underlying issues (likely maintenance or security). Daved’s review points to repeated car break‑ins, package theft, and unresponsive management.
The three reviews produce an average Google rating of 3.7 from 22 reviews, indicating a wide spread of experiences. The overall review dimensions show high marks for internet (4.7), location (4.7), and amenities (4.7), but lower scores for management, cleaning, and condition (all 3.5). The property seems to deliver on its physical facilities but struggles with operational consistency.
Price Positioning Compared to the City’s Starting Price
Los Angeles student housing on this platform starts at $725 per month for the cheapest option in the city. 928 S. Broadway’s minimum rent of $995 is about 37% above that entry point. However, the city has 98 properties listed, and many fall in the $900–$1,200 range for co‑living or shared units. The property’s midpoint ($1,223) is close to the average for downtown co‑living.
When comparing value, consider what you get: bills included, a central address, and access to a pool, gym, and library. If you only need a bed and a desk, you can find cheaper rooms further from downtown (e.g., near USC at ~$800–$900). If you want the complete amenity package and don’t mind a slight premium, the price is competitive for the area.
The deposit of $250 is relatively low (often one month’s rent is standard). This could be a cash‑flow advantage for students arriving with limited funds.
Room Type Guidance
The property lists two unit types: 2b (likely two‑bedroom apartments) and branded_independent_house. The “branded independent house” category typically means a co‑living arrangement where each tenant rents a private bedroom but shares kitchen, living, and sometimes bathroom. The 2b option suggests a traditional 2‑bedroom flat.
Because the data does not specify bathroom count, you should confirm whether the 2b has one or two bathrooms. If you want more privacy, inquire about units with en‑suite bathrooms. If you are open to sharing a bathroom, the 2b could be cost‑effective.
Given the price range, you can typically choose between a lower‑floor, smaller room (~$995) and a larger or higher‑floor room (~$1,450). Ask the operator for exact floor plans.
Booking Timing and Availability
The property is currently tagged not_available, meaning it may be fully leased or temporarily out of inventory. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the earliest you could secure a room would be summer 2026. Given the strong demand for downtown LA housing (especially near USC and the Arts District), you should:
- Contact the operator as early as possible (ideally March–May 2026) to get on a waitlist or check for upcoming vacancies.
- Prepare a backup option. With 98 properties in LA, you can find alternatives in the same price range.
- Factor in the mixed reviews. If you decide to proceed, ask the operator directly about security measures, package handling, and maintenance response times. The negative reviews suggest that current management may not address issues quickly; a verbal guarantee is not sufficient – try to get written policy.
FAQ
H3: Is 928 S. Broadway safe for students?
The property’s safety‑security rating averages 3.5 out of 5. In reviews, one tenant reported multiple car break‑ins and package theft, and criticised the lack of security updates. The building itself has a lobby and likely security cameras, but the surrounding downtown area has a known risk of property crime. If you rely on a car and park on the street, you may face issues. For pedestrians, the location near busy streets offers some natural surveillance, but you should still take usual precautions.
H3: Are utilities and internet included?
Yes, the property tags include bills_included and Wifi. The internet rating is 4.7 out of 5, which suggests a fast and reliable connection – a strong point for students who need to stream lectures or work online. Confirm with the operator whether electricity, water, gas, and trash are covered, and whether there’s any cap on usage.
H3: What is the cancellation policy?
The provided data does not include a cancellation policy. Standard practice for co‑living operators is a 30‑day notice and a penalty equal to one month’s rent if you break the lease early. However, policies vary. You must ask the operator for the exact terms before signing. Given the property’s mixed reviews, you may want a flexible contract or a shorter lease (e.g., semester‑by‑semester).
Sources & data date: 2026-07
All prices quoted are indicative – confirm with the operator. Ratings and reviews sourced from the Google listing of 928 S. Broadway as of July 2026.
For live availability and current pricing, use the on‑site assistant on the property page.
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