<p>I have spoken with many USC alums & they have commented that the area is SO much nicer & more secure than when they had been students in days of yore. When we’ve been at USC, we have seen kids walking around campus and extended perimeter int he evenings. S only had one theft–when he left his wallet & cell phone on the gym bench in plain view to use the bathroom one evening toward the end of the semester. That was a crime of opportunity & could occur most places, including our hometown of Honolulu, which I consider pretty safe.</p>
<p>I went to school at UOr & UCDavis. Both of those schools were quite safe back in the day but it was still recommended that we use “common sense” and not bike or walk around alone late at night. There were also a few reported violent crimes, including some rapes and other assaults.</p>
<p>I don’t mind having my kids living with secured dorms that require IDs to enter. I think the campus bubble around USC has indeed expanded as USC & realtors buy available land to make more housing.</p>