Overview and Location
Park La Brea is a large apartment complex located at Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA, in the Mid-Wilshire district. It sits within walking distance of the Grove shopping centre and a short drive from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California. The property offers studios, 1‑bedroom, 2‑bedroom, and 3‑bedroom units, plus general apartments, with monthly rents ranging from US$1,993 to US$4,630 (indicative — confirm with the operator). Minimum lease term is 3 months. Amenities listed include Wi‑Fi, pet‑friendly accommodation, and EV charging stations, though the “not_available” tag suggests some features may not be currently active — confirm directly.
With a Google rating of 3.8 from 1,491 reviews, Park La Brea is a mixed‑feedback property. The complex itself is older, but its location and unit variety attract a broad range of tenants, from students to working professionals. The city of Los Angeles has a lowest listed monthly price of US$725 across 98 properties on the platform, so Park La Brea sits well above that entry point.
Who This Residence Suits
Park La Brea works well for tenants who value a central location and a large community environment. If you need easy access to both UCLA and USC, the complex is roughly a 15‑minute drive from each campus (traffic dependent). Bus routes and Metro lines are nearby. Shoppers and diners will appreciate being across the street from the Grove and a short walk from restaurants on Fairfax Avenue.
The property is pet‑friendly — a practical choice if you have a dog or cat. The EV charging stations are a plus if you drive an electric vehicle or plan to lease one. The minimum lease of 3 months gives flexibility for short‑term stays or academic quarters; students on semester schedules may find this length convenient.
Units come in a range of sizes, so groups of three or four can share a 3‑bedroom and split costs, bringing each person’s share closer to US$1,000–1,500 monthly (indicative — confirm with the operator). That can make the complex more affordable for housemates compared with renting individual studios elsewhere.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Park La Brea may not suit anyone who prioritises modern finishes and responsive maintenance. The complex is older, and multiple reviews highlight management and maintenance issues. If you cannot tolerate delays in repairs — especially for problems like flooding — you risk frustration.
Budget‑conscious solo renters might find the starting price of US$1,993 (indicative — confirm with the operator) high relative to other Los Angeles options. The city’s lowest listed price is US$725 (indicative — confirm with the operator), so many cheaper rooms and studios exist, especially in shared houses or smaller complexes. If you are on a tight monthly allowance, look for a private room in a shared apartment in other neighbourhoods.
Also, if reliable elevator service and strong cell reception are essential, the complex may disappoint. One review (discussed below) describes being stuck in an elevator with no cell service. Those with mobility concerns should verify the condition of lifts and check whether ground‑floor units are available.
What Residents Actually Say
Three reviews from the Google listing capture the range of experiences. All are quoted verbatim.
Anna Muzova (1 star)
“Think a lot before signing a lease here. The management is terrible — I’ve never seen such disrespectful and unprofessional behavior. We’ve been living with flooding in the kitchen for over a month already. We call them and come to their office every day, but there’s still no effort to actually fix the problem. So be a”
This review points to serious maintenance delays and poor communication. Flooding left unresolved for over a month is a major habitability concern. Prospective tenants should ask about current maintenance response times and request a walkthrough of the specific unit.
Treana Renea (5 stars)
“Hello my family and.I love our new apartment it’s beautiful nice clean atmosphere the view is very nice and everything you want and need for as food clothes Market the Grove right across the street are close by we are grateful and bless family the staff at Park Labrea all are nice everybody we have no complaints about ”
A positive experience: clean apartment, good views, and convenient location. This tenant found the staff pleasant and the complex well‑maintained. It suggests that satisfaction can depend on the specific unit and the management team in place at the time.
Benjamin Lloyd Rudy (5 stars, with a caveat)
“I love my apartment at Park La Brea, but the complex is rather old, and frequent management changes are concerning. A major safety issue occurred when I was stuck in the elevator with no cell service. The call box was working, but nobody answered, leaving a loud, blaring dial tone that persisted for many minutes before”
Even a generally satisfied resident flags safety concerns: elevator entrapment, no cell service, and unanswered emergency call box. The comment about frequent management changes hints at instability that could affect service continuity.
Overall, residents appreciate the location, views, and atmosphere but consistently mention ageing infrastructure and inconsistent management. The 3.8 rating reflects a split — many are happy, but a notable minority have serious complaints.
Price Positioning and Value
The minimum monthly rent at Park La Brea is US$1,993 (indicative — confirm with the operator), and the maximum is US$4,630 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The lowest available price in Los Angeles on the platform is US$725 (indicative — confirm with the operator), meaning Park La Brea starts roughly 2.7 times higher.
That premium buys a central Mid‑Wilshire address, a large complex with multiple unit types, and on‑site amenities like EV charging and pet acceptance. For a studio at the lower end, you are paying about US$1,993 (indicative — confirm with the operator) — comparable to many mid‑range apartments in the area, though cheaper options exist in neighbourhoods like Westwood, Palms, or Koreatown.
If you share a 3‑bedroom with three other people, each person might contribute roughly US$1,000–1,200 (indicative — confirm with the operator) depending on the unit price. That can be more affordable than renting a solo studio elsewhere, but still above the city’s low‑end shared room prices.
Value depends on your priorities. For location and flexibility (3‑month leases), the price is reasonable. For pure budget savings, consider properties below US$1,500.
Room Type Guidance
Available unit types are: studio, 1‑bedroom, 2‑bedroom, 3‑bedroom, and apartment (the “apartment” tag likely covers floor plans not otherwise listed). If you are a single student or professional, a studio or 1‑bedroom offers privacy but costs US$1,993 and up (indicative — confirm with the operator). Two people sharing a 1‑bedroom would split rent roughly 50/50, bringing each share to around US$1,000 (indicative — confirm with the operator) — assuming the lower end of the price range.
For groups of three or four, a 2‑bedroom or 3‑bedroom is more economical. A 3‑bedroom at, say, US$3,500 (indicative — confirm with the operator) split three ways is about US$1,167 per person; split four ways (if two share a bedroom) could be lower. Check the specific unit layout — some 2‑bedroom units may have a den that can serve as a third space.
If you need a room for a short‑term study period, the 3‑month minimum lease works for quarters or semesters. Longer stays (6 or 12 months) may be available — ask the operator.
Booking Timing
Given the mixed reviews and management changes, early booking is advisable to inspect the exact unit and confirm its condition. The property is not flagged as fully available (“not_available” tag), so you should verify current availability directly with the operator before making plans.
For a move‑in date of January 2026, begin contacting the property by October‑November 2025. For July‑August 2026 (typical student intake), reach out by April‑May. Because the complex has many units, availability may be decent, but the limited 3‑month minimum lease means tenants cycle frequently — search early to lock in your preferred floor plan and floor level.
Always ask about:
- Specific unit condition and any pending repairs
- Management company and recent ownership changes
- Elevator service history and emergency protocols
- Current pet policy and any additional fees
FAQ
How does Park La Brea compare to other Los Angeles student housing near UCLA?
Park La Brea is about a 15‑minute drive to UCLA (without traffic) and offers a larger complex with more amenities than many smaller houses near campus. However, its monthly price starts at US$1,993 (indicative — confirm with the operator) versus the city from‑price of US$725 (indicative — confirm with the operator). More affordable shared rooms exist in Westwood or Palms. If you prioritise living directly across from campus, look at properties within walking distance, but expect higher per‑person costs. Park La Brea suits those who want a bit more space and a central location near shops rather than being right on campus.
What is the minimum lease term, and can I rent for just one semester?
The minimum lease term is 3 months. That aligns with a typical quarter or one semester. A 4‑month lease would also fit most semester calendars. Confirm the exact term with the operator, as some units may require longer commitments. You can usually extend month‑to‑month after the initial term.
Are the EV charging stations functional and free of extra charges?
The property lists EV charging stations as an amenity, but the “not_available” tag suggests they may not be in service at all times. Ask the operator whether they are currently working, how many stations exist, and whether there is an additional usage fee. Do not assume free charging — verify the cost and availability.
Sources & data date
All prices, ratings, reviews, and availability data are sourced from the Amber platform records as of July 2026. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Ratings and reviews are from Google as of the same period.
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