Located on the Southern border of the UCLA campus, the David Geffen School of Medicine is enriched by the offerings of a both premier university and a world-class city. The UCLA campus is a beautifully landscaped public university with abundant cultural and recreational activities. Residents enjoy access to low-cost fitness facilities, including an Olympic-sized pool in the serene Sunset Canyon Recreational Center. Housestaff also have access to the rich array of concerts, films series, lectures, college sports, and activities offered within this large, vibrant campus.

The second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles boasts a thriving economic base, a diverse population, and a temperate climate. Initially founded in 1781 as ‘The Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles,’ LA developed as the first major American city of the automobile age. Today, 4 million people have chosen to call Los Angeles home. A destination for immigrants from around the world, this sprawling metropolis is rich with markets, bookstores, restaurants, and cultural centers of astounding variety.

The temperate climate of Los Angeles lends itself to a multitude of outdoor activities. Many of our residents are avid surfers while others prefer to relax on the sands of our beaches. The Santa Monica mountains (which divide the "City" from the "Valley") provide wonderful opportunities for local hiking. The ski resorts at Big Bear and Mammoth are within relatively short drives for the skiers in the group. On days off residents run marathons, play on ultimate Frisbee teams, rollerblade, bike, picnic, or simply enjoy strolling in one of the city’s many outdoor promenades.

Cultural opportunities abound in Los Angeles. Because three quarters of all American motion pictures are produced in the area, the quality and variety of cinema is unmatched. The weather lends itself well to outdoor concert venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre. Frank Gehry’s freshly minted masterpiece, Disney Hall, is home to the renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic. Live theater venues are sprinkled throughout the city. Art lovers enjoy large metropolitan museums such as such as the Getty Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), as well as numerous smaller museums and galleries.

The UCLA campus is positioned between the upscale neighborhoods of Bel Air, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills. Most residents live in Westside neighborhoods such as West LA, Santa Monica and Brentwood. Others commute from nearby beach communities, West Hollywood, or the San Fernando Valley. For weekend getaways, San Diego, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara are all within two hours drive and Las Vegas is a five hour drive away.