CSULB affordable housing options for students

Introduction

Finding affordable housing near California State University, Long Beach is a major priority for students trying to balance academic life with the rising cost of living in Southern California. Long Beach offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with its own price points, atmosphere, and commute options—yet not all areas are equally budget-friendly. Fortunately, several neighborhoods around CSULB offer competitive rental rates, convenient access to campus, and strong student communities that make off-campus living both enjoyable and financially manageable. Whether you prefer a beach-adjacent lifestyle, a lively urban setting, or a peaceful residential neighborhood, this guide highlights the best CSULB affordable housing options to help you find a comfortable place to call home while staying on budget. By exploring these standout areas early, students can secure better deals and avoid last-minute stress during the busy leasing season.

1) Traffic Circle: Affordable, Convenient, and Filled with Student Rentals

Traffic Circle is one of the most popular neighborhoods for CSULB students because it offers unbeatable convenience and competitive rental prices. Located just minutes from campus, this area features a mix of older apartment buildings, shared student housing, and multi-unit complexes that tend to be more affordable than neighborhoods closer to the beach.

Students living in Traffic Circle appreciate its walkability and access to everyday essentials. Grocery stores, restaurants, fitness centers, and study-friendly cafés line the area, making it easy to maintain a balanced routine without needing a car. Because of its affordability and location, Traffic Circle often fills quickly during leasing season.

Why students love Traffic Circle:

• Quick commute to CSULB

• Lower rent than coastal areas

• Tons of student-friendly amenities

• Walkable and convenient

Traffic Circle remains one of the most reliable choices for students wanting affordability and everyday convenience.

2) East Long Beach: Quiet, Residential, and Ideal for Budget-Conscious Students

East Long Beach offers a peaceful residential environment with plenty of reasonably priced rental options. This neighborhood is filled with older apartment buildings, duplexes, and single-family homes that are often converted into shared student housing. Rent prices in East Long Beach tend to be lower than those in downtown or coastal areas.

This neighborhood appeals to students who prefer calm surroundings away from the busier parts of Long Beach. Tree-lined streets, parks, and lower noise levels create a comfortable environment for studying or relaxing after a long day on campus. Commuting to CSULB is simple via bike, car, or bus.

Why East Long Beach works well:

• Lower rental prices

• Quiet areas ideal for studying

• Safe, residential feel

• Easy commute to campus

East Long Beach is an excellent choice for students who want affordability and a calm place to recharge.

3) Best Spots in East Long Beach for CSULB affordable housing

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Within East Long Beach, several pockets stand out as top choices for students seeking CSULB affordable housing. Neighborhoods around Palo Verde Avenue, Atherton Street, and Stearns Street offer clusters of older apartment complexes that maintain lower rental prices while remaining within a short distance of campus. These areas are especially attractive for students who prefer shared two- or three-bedroom units, which significantly reduce monthly costs.

These neighborhoods also provide easy access to grocery stores, cafés, libraries, and bus stops, making everyday life convenient even without a car. The combination of affordability and access to essentials makes these pockets of East Long Beach ideal for budget-minded students.

Reasons students choose these sections of East Long Beach:

• Reliable access to transit routes

• More spacious units at lower prices

• A peaceful, community-focused atmosphere

• Easy access to grocery stores and daily essentials

These areas offer a strong balance of comfort, price, and convenience for CSULB students.

4) Belmont Shore: Beachside Living with Budget Possibilities

Belmont Shore is known for its coastal charm, nightlife, and beach-adjacent lifestyle. While it is typically more expensive than inland neighborhoods, students can still find affordable housing opportunities—especially when renting rooms in shared townhomes or older buildings located farther from the waterfront.

Belmont Shore is ideal for students who value lifestyle and are willing to explore shared housing options to keep costs manageable. The proximity to Second Street’s restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores makes the neighborhood lively and entertaining.

What makes Belmont Shore appealing:

• Beach access and outdoor activities

• Vibrant social scene with student-friendly hotspots

• Strong community vibe

• Opportunities for shared rentals

For students wanting the perfect blend of lifestyle and convenience, Belmont Shore remains a top-choice neighborhood.

5) Belmont Heights: Historic, Beautiful, and Budget-Friendly When Shared

Belmont Heights offers a mix of historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and older housing that often provides more affordable options compared to nearby Belmont Shore. This neighborhood includes charming older apartments and bungalows that can be surprisingly cost-effective—especially when shared among roommates.

Students appreciate Belmont Heights’ peaceful atmosphere paired with easy access to dining and entertainment. The area sits slightly inland, making rental prices more reasonable while still providing proximity to the beach and CSULB.

Why Belmont Heights is ideal for students:

• Older, character-filled buildings at lower prices

• Quiet, residential vibe

• Close to Belmont Shore and other hotspots

• Great for shared student rentals

Belmont Heights offers a strong mix of affordability, charm, and walkability.

6) Downtown Long Beach: Urban Lifestyle with Hidden Affordable Options

Downtown Long Beach is known for its modern apartments, nightlife, and cultural events—yet it also contains some of the best hidden deals for students. While luxury complexes dominate parts of downtown, students who explore older mid-rise buildings and shared units can find highly competitive rent.

Living downtown gives students access to public transit, restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, and entertainment venues. The neighborhood is ideal for students who thrive in an energetic urban setting.

Why students choose Downtown LB:

• Access to transit lines connecting to CSULB

• Tons of dining and entertainment options

• Great opportunities for shared living

• Walkable and lively

Downtown Long Beach is great for students who value convenience and social interaction.

7) Zaferia: Up-and-Coming, Affordable, and Student-Friendly

Zaferia is one of Long Beach’s most underrated neighborhoods—and a rising favorite for CSULB students on a budget. Known for its artistic community, casual eateries, and diverse housing options, Zaferia offers more affordable rental prices compared to coastal areas.

Students are attracted to Zaferia’s youthful vibe and access to bars, cafés, and small music venues. The neighborhood’s older apartment buildings often have lower rent, making it easy to find affordable student housing.

Why students like Zaferia:

• Lower rent compared to surrounding areas

• Artsy, creative, youthful energy

• Plenty of affordable dining spots

• Good bus routes to campus

Zaferia is perfect for students wanting affordability and personality.

8) Lakewood Village: Safe, Suburban, and Surprisingly Affordable

Lakewood Village is a quiet suburban neighborhood just north of CSULB. It is particularly appealing to students who want a calm environment and more spacious housing options. The area includes single-family homes, duplexes, and modest apartment buildings that often offer reasonable rental prices.

Lakewood Village provides a sense of community and safety that students find comforting. The neighborhood’s proximity to grocery stores, parks, and restaurants makes it easy to manage daily responsibilities.

What makes Lakewood Village popular:

• Quiet, suburban atmosphere

• Good value for larger units

• Safe and community-oriented

• Close to campus

For students who prioritize peace and space, Lakewood Village is an excellent place to live.

9) Bixby Knolls: Stylish, Community-Oriented, and Great for Students

Bixby Knolls is a stylish neighborhood known for its boutique shops, tree-lined streets, and strong community presence. While it’s farther from campus than other neighborhoods, Bixby Knolls offers many older apartments and shared homes with surprisingly affordable rent.

Students enjoy the artistic atmosphere and the variety of local restaurants, cafes, and small businesses. For students willing to commute a little farther, Bixby Knolls provides great value.

Why Bixby Knolls is a solid option:

• Affordable older apartments

• Creative, community-driven area

• Safe, clean, and welcoming

• Excellent local food and shops

For students wanting stylish yet affordable living, Bixby Knolls is a top contender.

Conclusion

Finding affordable housing near CSULB doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With so many neighborhoods offering reasonable rental prices, vibrant atmospheres, and easy access to campus, students have numerous options for building a comfortable off-campus lifestyle. Whether you prefer the convenience of Traffic Circle, the quiet charm of East Long Beach, or the creative energy of Zaferia, exploring a variety of CSULB affordable housing areas can help you discover a home that fits your needs and budget. By researching early and considering shared housing options, students can secure comfortable accommodations that support both academic life and personal well-being throughout their time at CSULB.

Visit CSULB Universe Housing as a great resource to meet roommates and find off-campus housing at:👉 https://csulb.offcampus-universe.com/housing-near-csulb