Overview of South Olive Apartments
South Olive Apartments is a residential property located at Alhambra, CA 91801, within the broader Los Angeles area. The property offers a range of unit types — studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments — with monthly rents between USD 1,779 and USD 2,696 (indicative — confirm with the operator). It is listed on the Amber platform as of 2026, with availability starting from 7 June 2026. The minimum lease term is 9 months. On-site amenities include a media room, laundry facility, and swimming pool. The property holds a Google rating of 2.9 out of 5 based on 22 reviews.
Location and Surroundings
The address falls in Alhambra, a suburb east of downtown Los Angeles. While the city field in the data lists Los Angeles, the physical location is in the San Gabriel Valley, roughly 15–20 minutes by car from downtown LA. Public transport options are limited compared to central LA; a car or rideshare is generally needed. Nearby universities include the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) — about a 40-minute drive without traffic — and the University of Southern California (USC), roughly a 20-minute drive. Students considering this property should factor in commute times and transportation costs. The neighbourhood itself is residential with local shops and restaurants, but it is not a typical student hub.
Price Positioning vs. the City’s From-Price
Los Angeles has 98 student housing listings tracked on the platform, with a city-wide from-price of USD 725 per month. That entry-level figure typically reflects shared rooms or basic studios in older buildings far from campus. South Olive Apartments starts at USD 1,779 — more than double the city baseline. At the upper end of USD 2,696, it sits above the median for the city’s student-oriented stock. This price range positions the property in the mid-to-high segment, especially considering that the city’s from-price only applies to the least expensive options. Prospective tenants should view the quoted prices as indicative and confirm final figures with the operator, as utility surcharges and parking fees can push the total higher (see resident feedback below).
Room-Type Guidance
The property lists four unit types: studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and “apartment” (which likely refers to a generic layout). Given the price spread:
- Studio or 1-bedroom will be at the lower end of the range, likely around USD 1,779–2,000 per month. These suit single occupants who want private space without sharing.
- 2-bedroom units are at the higher end, probably USD 2,400–2,696 per month, and work for two sharers splitting costs — effectively USD 1,200–1,350 per person, which is closer to the city from-price level.
- The “apartment” type is ambiguous; it may cover layouts not otherwise categorised. Confirm exact floor plans with the operator.
All units come with a media room and swimming pool as shared amenities, plus in-unit laundry facilities. Note that parking is not included and costs an extra USD 50 per month (see review details below).
What Residents Actually Say
Three reviews are available on Google. Here is what they say verbatim:
Kalie Garza (5 stars):
“I had the pleasure of touring an apartment here with Anthony, The Community Manager. I was extremely impressed with the tour from start to finish. From the moment I walked through the door he made me feel at home. He was exceptionally knowledgeable and answered any and all questions about the property, apartments, and”
- (Review truncated at the source; context suggests a positive impression of the tour experience and staff.)
Racoon Racer (2 stars):
“I don’t live here but did do a tour of the apartment. Two major issues that made me not rent at this place. #1: you will need to pay an extra $50 to have a parking spot #2: you will be charged water and trash. What this means is that you’ll never know exactly what your total rent is going to be month to month. Maybe $5”
- (This review highlights hidden costs: mandatory parking fee and variable utility charges for water and trash, making the total unpredictable.)
Paul Nelson (2 stars):
“We attempted to lease from this office for an early April move in and the date was pushed back due to the current tenant deciding to stay longer. While that is an understandable issue, it took multiple messages and follow ups to get a response from the property manager. After putting down a holding deposit and receivin”
- (This points to delays in move-in timing and poor communication from management, plus a holding deposit that may have been tied up.)
The two negative reviews (2 stars each) cite two recurring concerns: unpredictable monthly costs and unreliable responsiveness from the management. The single positive review (5 stars) praises the tour and staff knowledge but does not comment on longer-term living. With a Google rating of 2.9, the majority of the 22 reviews are likely below average.
Who This Residence Suits / Does Not Suit
Suits:
- Students or young professionals who need a 9-month lease and prefer a suburban setting with pool and media room amenities.
- Those willing to drive to USC or other Southland campuses and can tolerate a commute.
- Roommates splitting a 2-bedroom, bringing per-person costs down to around USD 1,200–1,350, which is more aligned with typical Los Angeles student budgets.
- Individuals who place high value on a positive tour experience and do not mind variable utility bills.
Does not suit:
- Students who rely on public transit or need to be walking distance to UCLA or USC — this location requires a car.
- Budget-conscious renters looking for all-inclusive, predictable rent: the water/trash surcharge and parking fee (USD 50 extra) make the true monthly cost unclear.
- Anyone who values responsive management and guaranteed move-in dates — the delay and communication issues reported are a risk.
- Students with a strict maximum budget below USD 1,779 (indicative) per month; city-wide cheaper options exist from USD 725 but typically with fewer amenities or shared rooms.
Booking Timing
Availability starts from 7 June 2026. Since the property has a 9-month minimum lease, tenants moving in June 2026 would be committed until March 2027. For an academic year starting in August or September 2026, you would need to negotiate a lease start aligned with that — the listing states the available-from date as June, but other move-in dates may be possible after that. Given the negative reviews about delays and deposit issues, it is advisable to:
- Contact the operator well in advance (at least 2–3 months before desired move-in).
- Get all costs — base rent, parking, utilities — in writing before signing.
- Confirm the exact move-in date and hold-deposit refund policy in the lease.
- Check current availability on the platform frequently, as the 98 total Los Angeles listings suggest moderate competition, but this specific unit count is unknown.
A late booking (within a month of move-in) increases the risk of encountering the communication problems noted by one reviewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking included in the rent?
No. According to a reviewer, you must pay an extra USD 50 per month for a parking spot. This fee is not included in the advertised price range. Confirm the exact amount with the operator when you inquire.
What utilities are charged separately?
The property charges for water and trash on top of the base rent. That means your total monthly bill will vary depending on usage, and the exact amount cannot be known in advance. The base rent range (USD 1,779–2,696) is indicative only; the total will be higher.
Can I move in before June 2026?
The listing shows available from 7 June 2026. Earlier move-in dates are not indicated in the data. If you need a spring 2026 move-in, this property may not be suitable. For summer or fall 2026, the June date works for a 9-month lease that ends in March 2027. Always verify the exact start date with the operator.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
For live availability and up-to-date room options, feel free to use the on-site assistant on the property page.
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