Westwood Rents Soar: California's Most Expensive Apartment Market

For the second consecutive year, Westwood, a vibrant Los Angeles neighborhood packed with students, has clinched the title of California's most expensive place to rent an apartment. According to a recent study from RentCafe, residents in the 90024 ZIP Code are paying an eye-watering average of $4,944 per month. This marks a 4.1% increase compared to the previous year, solidifying Westwood's position as a prime location for renters, albeit at a steep cost.

With this staggering rental price, Westwood now ranks fourth in the nation, only behind three neighborhoods in Manhattan. Interestingly, the rent here is nearly $50 higher than that of West Hollywood's 90048 ZIP Code, where the average rent is $4,896. This significant price point reflects not just the desirability of the area, but also the dynamics of supply and demand that are currently at play.

For those seeking to rent, one-bedroom apartments in the Legacy at Westwood Apartments start around $3,757 per month, with prices climbing to as much as $6,659 for larger units. The increasing rental prices can be attributed to the lack of new supply in the area, as noted by Doug Ressler, manager of business intelligence at Yardi Matrix. He emphasizes that without more available apartments, competitive price reductions are unlikely to happen anytime soon.

The Rental Landscape in Westwood

Westwood is not just a place to live; it's a thriving community known for its proximity to UCLA. The area has seen a surge in applications to the university, yet the acceptance rates have dwindled. In fall 2016, UCLA received 97,121 applications and admitted only 17,474, resulting in an 18% acceptance rate. Fast forward to last fall, and that number dropped to a mere 14% acceptance rate amidst 113,761 applications.

With the growing student population comes increased demand for housing, pushing rental prices higher. Many students, like Raul Garcia-Gomez, have found themselves in shared living situations, splitting costs to make ends meet. "It’s ridiculously expensive to live here," he says, highlighting the financial strain many face in this market.

What Contributes to High Rental Prices?

The high costs in Westwood can be attributed to several factors:

• Demographics: The area is appealing to affluent millennials who prefer renting over buying homes.
• Location: Its proximity to UCLA and major highways makes it attractive for students and young professionals alike.
• Limited Supply: The lack of new apartment developments means less competition and higher prices.

According to recent rent reports, California dominates the list of the most expensive rental markets, with 18 of the top 50 ZIP codes located in the state. This trend reflects not only the desirability of these areas but also the challenges faced by renters in metropolitan regions.

Recent Legislative Changes

In response to escalating rental prices, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed a bill that establishes a cap on annual rent increases at 5% plus inflation, aiming to protect tenants from unjust evictions. This legislation is set to take effect on January 1 and will last for a decade. However, some landlords are already exploring ways to circumvent these new regulations.

As the rental landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these legislative measures will impact the market. For many, the hope is that increased regulations will lead to more affordable housing options in the near future, bringing relief to those struggling to keep up with rising rents.