Who The Orchard Works Best For (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)
The Orchard is a student apartment complex in Los Angeles, located at 90007, near the University of Southern California campus. Based on resident reviews and the available data, this property fits a specific type of tenant: someone who prioritises walking distance to campus and is willing to accept limited natural light and basic interior features in exchange for convenience and a handful of amenities.
Suits:
- Students attending the nearby university (University of Southern California) who want a commute under 5 minutes on foot.
- Residents who value having a pool as a common area amenity.
- Those who prefer an all-inclusive rental structure — the property is tagged “bills included”, so electricity, water, and likely internet are covered in the monthly price.
- Students who do not rely on overhead lighting and are comfortable using floor lamps or other task lighting.
- People who want on-site laundry facilities and the option to park a car (though parking availability should be confirmed directly).
Does not suit:
- Anyone who needs strong natural daylight in their living or sleeping areas. A resident review specifically notes that “depending on the apartment, you won’t get much sunlight in at all.”
- Students on a tight budget. The starting price of USD 3,000 per month is significantly higher than the citywide student-housing from-price of USD 725. While the city figure likely includes shared rooms or very basic older units, The Orchard positions itself well above entry-level options.
- Someone who expects modern finishes or abundant lighting fixtures. The same reviewer called the lack of overhead lighting a drawback.
- Families or older students who may prefer a quieter, more residential setting — the complex appears heavily student-oriented.
- Those who need a short (1–2 month) lease; no minimum lease term is published, so you must verify directly whether short-term stays are allowed.
What Residents Actually Say
The property has a Google rating of 4.1 (based on 26 reviews). The three available reviews offer a mix of praise for location and complaints about interior quality.
Sam Cavalcanti (rating 4):
“It’s what you pay for. It is the cheapest of housing options for USC students, has a pool, and is less than 4 minutes from campus, so it is very conveniently located. However, there is a lack of overhead lighting, and, depending on the apartment, you won’t get much sunlight in at all. The apartments have general heatin” (the review cuts off, but the takeaway is clear: good value for location and amenities, but dark interiors).
Tom Farrenkopf (rating 5):
“Century CSC and apartments are a part of the greater USC student housing system. This location serves as a main hub for several apartment buildings around the area. The staff has always been friendly and picking up my packages is a breeze. This location has other amenities, like a pool, but I suspect it’s for students” — this review highlights a helpful front-desk team and central package collection, plus the proximity to other campus housing resources.
Francisco Barajas (rating 3):
“Took my daughter here to visit a friend in these apartment complex” — a neutral parent’s perspective, confirming the property functions as social housing for students.
The overall tone from reviews is that The Orchard delivers on proximity and basic needs, but interior comfort is underwhelming. The 4.1 average suggests most guests are reasonably satisfied, although the sample is small.
Price Positioning vs. the City’s From-Price
Los Angeles has a student-housing from-price of USD 725 per month. That figure typically represents the lowest advertised price for a shared room or a very basic unit far from campus. The Orchard’s minimum price of USD 3,000 is about 4x that entry level. Even at the lower end, this places the property in the mid-to-upper tier for student housing near USC. The maximum of USD 4,200 would likely apply to larger units (3-bedroom apartments) or higher-floor options.
To put it in perspective:
- Many older apartment buildings in the USC area list rooms for USD 1,200–2,000 per person.
- The Orchard’s prices suggest either a newer (or well-maintained) building, inclusion of utilities, and a premium for being less than a 5-minute walk to campus.
- The “bills included” tag can save USD 150–300 per month compared to paying utilities separately.
You should treat these prices as indicative — confirm with the operator for your exact unit and lease length. Special offers or seasonal discounts may exist, but the data shows no such promotions.
Room-Type Guidance
The Orchard offers apartment units with 2 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms, and general “apartment” layouts. The exact floor plans (e.g., whether units are private bed/bath or shared) are not specified in the data. However, the $3,000–$4,200 monthly range implies these are entire apartments, likely rented per unit rather than per bedroom.
If you are looking for:
- A private studio or 1-bedroom — not available here.
- A shared apartment with one or two roommates — 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom options suit that.
- A single room in a shared unit — some landlords rent by the room, but the listing does not confirm that. Inquire directly.
- An apartment that can accommodate a small group — 3-bedroom units could fit three or more people.
Lease terms: no minimum lease duration is published. Given the student market, most contracts run 9–12 months, aligned with the academic year. Confirm availability for summer or short-term rentals.
Booking Timing
Since the property is tagged “not_available” in the inventory, it may currently have no vacancies. For the 2026–2027 academic year, typical booking windows for Los Angeles student housing open in October–December of the prior year (e.g., late 2025 for fall 2026). However, The Orchard’s status suggests you should check back frequently or contact the operator directly for updated availability.
- If you are planning for Fall 2026: begin inquiring in early 2026 (January–March).
- If you need a unit for Spring 2027: start looking in September–October 2026.
- Waitlists: some operators maintain lists when they are sold out; ask if you can join one.
- Cancellation policy: not available in this data; request full terms in writing before signing a lease.
Because the property is in high demand due to its location, early booking is advisable. However, do not commit without a written lease and a clear move-in date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Orchard open to non-USC students?
The property’s reviews and tags strongly indicate it is part of the USC student housing ecosystem. The address is less than a 5-minute walk from campus. While the listing does not explicitly prohibit non-students, the practical orientation is toward university students. If you are attending a different school in Los Angeles (e.g., UCLA), the commute would be substantial. Confirm eligibility directly with the operator.
What is the parking situation?
The property is tagged “Parking” and also “not_available”. This likely means parking spots exist but may be limited or currently not offered. Inquire whether parking is included in the rent, available for a separate fee, or entirely unavailable. Street parking near USC can be competitive.
Are utilities really included?
Yes, the data includes the tag “bills_included”. That typically covers electricity, water, gas, and sometimes internet. However, the exact scope (e.g., cap on electricity usage, trash collection, cable TV) is not specified. Always ask the operator for a detailed list of included services before signing.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
For live availability at The Orchard or other student residences in Los Angeles, use the on-site assistant at the bottom of this page.
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