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Fremont
What is Fremont like?
When looking at apartments in San Francisco Bay Area cities, Fremont can be a terrific place to search. Siting on the southeast side of the Bay, this town has a population of 213,000 people. It is one of the larger cities in the state of California. Located in the Silicon Valley, Fremont is near both I-880 and I-680. It is also close to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. This means that getting around is easy for those with a car—and those without. Those who need to travel by air frequently will be pleased to know that San Jose Airport, Oakland Airport and San Francisco International Airport are all nearby.
Good public schools, parks and plenty of natural surroundings are just some of the reasons that people move to Fremont. Lake Elizabeth and Central Park provide recreational opportunities right in the area, and many businesses are also located here. Apartments in Fremont run from economical options to luxury rentals, so there are plenty of choices to consider. If you are hoping to find a town with good access to downtown San Francisco, but with plenty of amenities of its own, Fremont is definitely worth considering. |
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Luxury Rentals In San Francisco
Are there luxury rental options in San Francisco?
If you are searching for luxury apartments, San Francisco is probably one of the best places to look in the state of California. This city is one of the most popular places to reside in the United States, and many of the apartments here reflect the fact that living here is a privilege. Luxury options include both furnished and unfurnished rental properties, and they are found throughout the city. The Bay Area also offers numerous choices.
One of the most coveted locations is along the water, and here you will find numerous rentals that boast an amazing view. Downtown is another hot spot for luxury rentals, and those who like to be in the heart of the city will find that there are plenty of options. Properties here don't come cheap, so expect to pay a good-sized rent for a smaller place than you would in many other areas. Still, the higher-end rental properties make up for this by their location, and often by adding amenities such as spas, pools or other perks for residents to enjoy. |
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Cheap Apartments In San Francisco
Is there any way to get a cheap apartment in San Francisco?
If you are searching for cheap apartments, San Francisco may not be the best place to start looking in the Bay Area. Other cities in this region can offer rentals at a more reasonable cost, and they may be worth considering. Towns such as Oakland, Fremont and Palo Alto are still located in the area, but may have more cost-efficient options for those who are on a budget. If you still have your heart set on living in San Francisco, there are some ways to keep the costs down.
Begin your search by looking for only those properties that fit within your budget. That way you won't be tempted to get something that will be difficult to afford down the line. You may also want to consider checking to see what lease options are available. Sometimes you can get a break on price if you sign a one-year lease. Downsizing can be another good way to get into an affordable rental in the downtown area. If you normally would rent a two-bedroom, consider going down to a one-bedroom, or even a studio. Space is at a premium in San Francisco, and if you can adjust your needs a bit, it can help you find a place to live at a reasonable cost. |
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Getting Around The Bay Area
How can I get around in the Bay Area?
If you are searching for California apartments, San Francisco Bay Area rentals are quite appealing. The good news is that getting around here is easy. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is well designed, and it is probably the best option for getting around quickly and efficiently if you don't own a car or prefer not to drive to work. BART connects the San Francisco peninsula with other major cities in the area, such as Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont and Walnut Creek.
BART makes allowances for pets and bicycles (read up on the details before you bring them), and the trains run every 15 minutes, with the exception of early Saturday morning. Although the trains are not available 24 hours a day, the schedule has most of them running until at least midnight,or later in some areas. This makes them a great option for commuting to work. If you need to get around in the region, chances are good that BART can take you where you need to go. For more information on bikes, pets and schedules, check on their Website at http://www.bart.gov. |
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Introducing San Francisco
What is San Francisco like?
San Francisco is a well-known city and as a result is a popular place to live, with a population of 845,559. San Francisco covers about 48 square miles and boasts 7.5 miles of coastline. San Francisco apartments are plentiful, but be prepared to pay more here than in other parts of the U.S. Don't worry—if you put effort into your apartment search, you should be able to find something that suits your tastes and your budget.
San Francisco has 11 historic districts, 35 community gardens and 40 cable cars. San Francisco is famous for its cable cars, which were declared a historic landmark in 1964. Major companies in the area include Hewlett-Packard, Cisco Systems, Inc., Apple, Inc. and Google. Home to the famous Golden Gate Bridge and known for its dining and culture, San Francisco is a popular tourist stop as well as a wonderful place to live. |
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Getting Around In San Francisco
Is it easy to get around in San Francisco?
Apartments in downtown San Francisco have easy access to many different public transportation options. City government has also made efforts to make the city safe for pedestrians if you choose to travel by foot. An environmentally-conscious city, San Francisco has a great bicycle sharing program and hopes to one day see the highest per-capita bicycle use in the nation. The weather here tends to cooperate for both walking and biking, making them an alternative that isn't available in many U.S. cities.
The San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) is another way to get around the downtown area quickly and easily. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and carries over 200 million passengers each year. The fleet is made up of streetcars, light railcars, buses and the famous cable cars. There are 80 routes throughout the San Francisco area, and with 90% of residences within two blocks of a stop, chances are public transportation will be a convenient option for you. |
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The East Bay Area
What is the East Bay area like?
The East Bay area includes cities like Oakland, Berkeley and Concord. Oakland is home to approximately 400,000 people. Berkeley is significantly smaller with about 102,000 residents. Concord is just a little bit bigger than Berkeley with 121,000 people. Each city has its own atmosphere, but one thing they share is the fact that they continue to grow and develop. If you choose to live in the East Bay area, know that you will have access to many big-city amenities.
Apartments in East Bay are plentiful, in towns such as Alameda, Hayward, Richmond, San Pablo and Pinole. Some are large and some are small, but all of these areas offer an urban feel and access to all the culture and amenities of neighboring San Francisco. In this region it is easy to take in a ballet, dine in a top-tier restaurant or attend the symphony. Finding a rental property here is not a problem, but with all the East Bay area has to offer, you may have trouble deciding which area to settle down in. |
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Marin County
What should I know when I look for apartments in Marin County?
Apartments in Marin County can be found in cities like Corte Madera, Fairfax and San Rafael. Close to both Sonoma and Napa, Marin County is really a terrific place to live. San Francisco is just a bridge away, and recreational opportunities abound. If you are looking for great shopping and scenery, Corte Madera might be a good place to start. Off in the distance you can see Mt. Tamalpais, and two large shopping centers in town will satisy your shopping needs.
Fairfax is located 16 miles north of San Francisco, and it makes a great place to live if you enjoy a community atmosphere but don't like to do without amenities. Award-winning schools, great nightlife and plenty of restaurants give residents options while retaining that sense of small-town charm. San Rafael is both the biggest and the oldest city in Marin County. Here you will find beautiful buildings that have been restored to their original splendor along with plenty of green space. Other cities in this county to consider in your search for a rental include Larkspur, Novato and Mill Valley. |
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Napa County
What are some of the towns in Napa County?
Although Napa Valley is known for its wine, there are many other reasons you might want to look for apartments in Napa County. The rolling hills and beautiful climate make it a scenic spot, and the amenities are such that you can really live in comfort. This area is a popular tourist destination, and with good reason. American Canyon is one example of a lovely town in this area. Located 35 miles northeast of San Francisco, this city has been called "The Gateway to Napa Valley."
Spas, restaurants and wineries are popular in this region, making it a great place to rent an apartment if you enjoy relaxation at its finest. Golf and shopping for antiques are other popular activities in the area, and the arts scene here is rich as well. Calistoga, Napa and Yountville are three major cities in the region and they each offer their own unique atmosphere. There are also some outlying areas that you may want to investigate, including Pope Valley, Angwin and Lake Berryessa. This is a highly desirable place to live, so apartments here may be more expensive than in other cities in the region, but the benefits to living in Napa Valley are many. It truly is a beautiful place. |
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The Peninsula
What is peninsula living like?
If you are looking for apartments in San Francisco peninsula, you may already know that the coastline here is well known for its beauty. Culturally diverse, this area is alive with arts, gourmet food, shopping and a multitude of different activities. Here you can find everything from simple studio apartments to full homes that are available for rent. There are also some apartment communities that you may want to consider if you enjoy that style of living. The price tag may be a bit higher here, but you should be able to find a great apartment that fits your budget.
One of the best things about the peninsula is the convenient access to San Francisco. Even if you don't live in the heart of this famous city, peninsula living puts you right next door. The views off the coast coupled with the bustling urban atmosphere here make for a wonderful and unique mix. The area also has numerous parks for the enjoyment of both visitors and residents. If you find an apartment for rent in this area you won't have to travel far to find the best of culture, dining and nightlife. |
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Santa Cruz County
What is Santa Cruz County like?
If you are searching for apartments in Santa Cruz County you may want to check out the cities of Capitola and Scotts Valley. Scotts Valley is a great place to live if you enjoy a city feel with plenty of nature nearby. The Santa Cruz Mountains are here, along with giant redwoods and a multitude of nature trails to explore. It is a smaller town, with a population of approximately 11,600 people. Located six miles north of Santa Cruz and 26 miles southwest of San Jose, big city amenities are just a short drive away.
Capitola is the oldest seaside town in the state of California, giving it a unique charm and atmosphere. It too is a smaller town, with a population of only 10,500 people. The city covers two square miles and its location between two bluffs gives it additional scenery beyond the water. It is a very pretty town with an almost exotic appeal. Other places to check out in this region include Bonny Doon and Santa Cruz itself. Located on Monterey Bay, this city has a population of just over 53,000 people, and it is a nice mid-sized city to consider if you want to live on the beautiful central-California coast. |
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Sonoma County
What is Sonoma County like?
Apartments in Sonoma County offer good proximity to San Francisco, but also boast an allure of their own. With over 200 award-winning wineries, 21 golf courses and a large number of spas, restaurants and stores, this area is a destination all by itself. About 466,000 people live in Sonoma County, and there are many cities to choose from if you are looking for a rental property. Santa Rosa may be one of the most well known, and it is the County Seat. Only 55 miles north of San Francisco, this town can make a great home for those looking for an active lifestyle and convenient access to the city.
Other towns in this region include Cotati, Kenwood and Sonoma. Although there is plenty to do in the area, relaxing and unwinding in nature is another perk of living in this county. The Russian River, redwood trees and amazing beaches all add to the beauty of Sonoma County, and make it a popular area for tourists. Bed and Breakfasts, country scenery and cozy wineries combine with trendy shopping and excellent dining for a blend of country and city that can't be beat. |
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The South Bay Area
What are some smaller towns in South Bay?
Apartments in South Bay areas can be found in towns such as Los Gatos, Sunnyvale and Gilroy. Los Gatos is about 60 miles to the south of San Francisco, at the base of the Sierra Azules. This scenic town is on the smaller side for the region, but it is bordered by San Jose, which means that there are plenty of amenities nearby. Sunnyvale is another town in this area that can be worth investigating for good rental property.
Campbell is in this region as well, and it is a city with about 38,000 residents. If you like a town with a quiet side, Gilroy might be somewhere to search. Award-winning parks and a "urban forest" are two trademarks of this smaller town that have a great deal of appeal. The population here is just over 40,000 people. Overall, the South Bay region offers alternatives to the hustle and bustle of downtown San Francisco and some of the other large cities in the area. Even with a more suburban feel, the towns here still have great access to the city and all that comes with it. |
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Palo Alto
What is Palo Alto like?
If you are looking for California apartments, San Francisco is a great place to live, but there are other communities nearby that also have a lot to offer. Palo Alto is one such community. With a population of just over 63,000 people, this mid-sized town has over 10,000 rental housing units. This means that finding an apartment here is farly easy. Not only does Palo Alto give you convenient access to downtown San Francisco, but it also has perks of its own.
There are 35 parks in town, covering 170 acres. Two nature centers and a golf course provide even more access to green space. Those who enjoy sports will appreciate the fact that Palo Alto has over 50 tennis courts, three public swimming pools and an athletic center. With the beautiful weather in the area, outdoor activities are a part of everyday life in Palo Alto. A cultural center, zoo and junior museum help round out the list of things that this city has to offer residents. If you are looking for a good alternative to living in San Francisco, you may want to consider this town as you search for rentals in the area. |
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San Pablo
What is San Pablo like?
When searching for apartments for rent, San Francisco is a lovely area to look—but it does have a large population. For those who prefer a town with more of a community feel, San Pablo can offer a nice alternative to big-city living. Located in Contra Costa County just off I-80, this small town has some terrific neighbors. San Pablo is close to Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco, so those looking to head into the city won't have far to travel. The best part is that living in this smaller community doesn't mean that you won't have anything to do. There is plenty to keep you busy right there in town.
With a population of about 30,000 people, San Pablo has a tight-knit feel compared to some of the larger communities in the Bay Area. It is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the region and the Civic Center in town is done in a Spanish style. There are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, with Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, San Pablo Reservoir and Kennedy Grove all in the city. This East Bay town is really a nice place to search for a rental. |
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Finding Rentals In The San Francisco Area
Is it difficult to apartment hunt in the San Francisco area?
In California, rental apartments are plentiful. Whether you are looking for a high-end rental on the water in San Francisco Bay or a small, practical rental unit in the outlying area, there are many different options for the potenial renter. For example, if you like the proximity to big cities without the urban atmosphere, try somewhere like Gilroy, south of the Bay area. Want to be on the water in a mid-sized town? Take a ride out to Santa Cruz and see if it works for you.
The nice part about hunting for a rental in this region is that there are so many cities located within a short drive of one another. Instead of having to pile into the car and go for an hour, you can simply stop in one town, then visit the next one down the road. Read up on some of the cities in the San Francisco area and try to narrow down your search ahead of time if possible. It can make things go more smoothly once you arrive. Another consideration is budget. With the expense of rentals in this area, you really should have a firm idea of what you can spend before you begin your search. |
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Getting Around The Bay Area
How can I get around in the Bay Area?
If you are searching for California apartments, San Francisco Bay Area rentals are quite appealing. The good news is that getting around here is easy. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is well designed, and it is probably the best option for getting around quickly and efficiently if you don't own a car or prefer not to drive to work. BART connects the San Francisco peninsula with other major cities in the area, such as Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont and Walnut Creek.
BART makes allowances for pets and bicycles (read up on the details before you bring them), and the trains run every 15 minutes, with the exception of early Saturday morning. Although the trains are not available 24 hours a day, the schedule has most of them running until at least midnight,or later in some areas. This makes them a great option for commuting to work. If you need to get around in the region, chances are good that BART can take you where you need to go. For more information on bikes, pets and schedules, check on their Website at http://www.bart.gov. |
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San Francisco Nightlife
What is the nightlife scene like in San Francisco?
If you are searching for apartments for rent in San Francisco that are near good nightlife spots there are many places you can look. The North Beach area of the city has great dining options as well as late night bars and a selection of after-hours clubs. The Marina District is upscale and beautiful—check out Chestnut Street for a sample of what is hot in this section of the city. Nob Hill is another place to spend some time in if you like the nightlife scene. The good news about San Francisco is that the options for evening entertainment are everywhere—you just have to find the part of town that fits best with what you like to do.
If you prefer a neighborhood feel, check out the Richmond District for pubs and taverns that won't break the bank, but still offer a good time. The Haight District is a good spot to be if you enjoy a real mix of establishments. The Mission District is one of the gems of the city—filled with great night spots and interesting people. There are so many places to be entertained in San Francisco. It can be hard to choose just one—but the good news is that if you live in the city, you can sample them all. |
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Furnished San Francisco Apartments
Are there furnished apartments in San Francisco?
If you are looking for furnished apartments, San Francisco has a number of good options. Renting an apartment that is already set up is ideal for short-term stays in the city or for those who need the flexibility of having a place in the area for business. It keeps you from having to do too much work, yet gives your place a finished look. When you don't have time to do the shopping yourself, it can really be the perfect solution. If you have an idea of what you would like in a furnished apartment, it can be a great help in your search.
In San Francisco, furnished apartments come in all shapes and sizes. You can find them in apartment communities complete with a pool and other wonderful amenities. You can also find them in buildings that are a part of the glorious skyline. There are also furnished homes that are for rent in the San Francisco area. Many of the high-end rentals in this category feature some nice touches as well. This attention to detail is nice because it makes the rental feel more like a home than a hotel. If you need a property that is furnished, this is a city that has plenty to offer. |
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Finding Rentals In The San Francisco Area
Is it difficult to apartment hunt in the San Francisco area?
In California, rental apartments are plentiful. Whether you are looking for a high-end rental on the water in San Francisco Bay or a small, practical rental unit in the outlying area, there are many different options for the potenial renter. For example, if you like the proximity to big cities without the urban atmosphere, try somewhere like Gilroy, south of the Bay area. Want to be on the water in a mid-sized town? Take a ride out to Santa Cruz and see if it works for you.
The nice part about hunting for a rental in this region is that there are so many cities located within a short drive of one another. Instead of having to pile into the car and go for an hour, you can simply stop in one town, then visit the next one down the road. Read up on some of the cities in the San Francisco area and try to narrow down your search ahead of time if possible. It can make things go more smoothly once you arrive. Another consideration is budget. With the expense of rentals in this area, you really should have a firm idea of what you can spend before you begin your search. |
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