This one’s for Pepperdine students trying to figure out the off-campus side of college life, which nobody really explains up front.

Here’s how the main options near Pepperdine actually compare, beyond just “close to campus or not.”

Malibu (near campus)

Extremely limited and expensive rental stock — Malibu has very little off-campus housing built for students specifically.

Point Dume / further Malibu

Even pricier and further from campus, mostly single-family rentals.

Santa Monica / West LA (commute)

Some students choose to live further away in cheaper areas and commute up PCH, trading rent for a longer drive.

How to actually decide

If it’s your first time living off campus, weight walkability and proximity to other students higher than price — a cheaper place that leaves you isolated tends to be a worse trade than most first-timers expect. If you’ve already got a car and a set group of roommates, the calculus shifts toward whichever neighborhood gives you the most space for the money.

Getting a feel for each one before you commit

Don’t sign based on photos alone. Walk or drive through at different times of day, and if you can’t visit in person, at least do a live video walkthrough before sending any money.

Search current listings by neighborhood near Pepperdine on RentNova to see what’s actually available in each of these areas right now.