Anaheim Apartments and Rentals

For people relocating to Anaheim, CA, an array of apartments and rentals are available to suit just about any taste. Known primarily as the home of Disneyland, Anaheim is a tourist mecca, but so much more. Located south of Los Angeles, in Orange County, Anaheim is a mid-sized city with lovely residential neighborhoods, an industrial district, and the exciting and expanding "Platinum Triangle" around the city's sports complexes. Part of a large redevelopment project, the Platinum Triangle is converting a commercial and industrial zone into a hip urban community of housing, office towers and retail space.

Anaheim has an interesting history, one different than many early California communities that can trace their start to early Spanish missionaries. Anaheim's roots are far different. The city got its start in 1857 when it was founded by 50 German families from Bavaria. The name "Anaheim" selected by the founders means Annahome or "Home in the Valley" in German. After destruction of the early grape crops, locals planted walnuts, lemons and oranges, which became the most plentiful crop in the region and led to the county being named Orange County.

The agriculture community was changed forever when Walt Disney selected Anaheim as the site of his new amusement park. Construction began in 1954 and the rest is history. An entire tourism industry came to life around the theme park. Not surprisingly, tourism remains the most important industry in the city today.

There is a lot more to Anaheim than Disneyland, however. In addition to its lively resort district, which is also home to major sports franchises, the city has a healthy industrial and business base as well. Plus, more than 350,000 people call Anaheim home. Its residential communities are among the most desirable in Orange County. Popular Anaheim neighborhoods include: Anaheim Hills, The Canyon District, Platinum Triangle and The Colony.

Obviously, the tourism industry is the major employer in Anaheim. The Walt Disney Company is the largest single employer in the city, with thousands of others working at hotels, restaurants and other tourist-related businesses. What many don't realize is that city's Anaheim Canyon Business Park is the largest industrial district and the second largest business district in the county.

Some of the other large employers based in Anaheim include Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, AT&T, General Dynamics, Kaiser Foundation, Pacific Sunwear, Seagate and many more.

Although there are no universities or colleges in Anaheim, top notch institutes of higher learning are just a short freeway drive away. These include the University of California, Irvine, and California State University campuses in Fullerton and Long Beach, as well as one of California's oldest private universities, Chapman.

The cost of living in Anaheim is significantly above the average for the country, like most California cities. However, it is still possible to find affordable apartments and rentals in this lovely and busy California city. A two bedroom apartment in a typical low-rise, garden style building rents for between $1,000 and $1,500 a month. In a new Platinum Triangle development high-rise, you can find luxury two bedroom apartments for significantly more monthly, ranging from $2,300 to $5,000.

Obviously, the biggest entertainment draw in town is the Disney Resort with Disneyland and California Adventure as well as its destination hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district. Plus, as a town based on tourism, the city offers a wide selection of eateries, coffee houses, pubs and retailers. Live concerts are held at The Grove of Anaheim. For art lovers, there's MUZEO, an art museum in downtown.

Sports is also a big part of the city. Angel Stadium is the home of MBL's Angels, while the NHL's Anaheim Ducks play at the Honda Center, also in Anaheim. With great year-round weather, outdoor activities are a must, including trips to the nearby beautiful beaches of Orange County. Plus, as part of the metropolitan Los Angeles area, Anaheim residents can take advantage of all the attractions, events and venues that the metro area offers.

In addition to all the "regular" attractions in Anaheim, there are special events in the city throughout the year. The Anaheim Convention Center hosts events throughout the year that are open to the public, such as home & garden shows, travel shows, arts & crafts shows, boat and RV shows. At least once a year, Angel stadium changes gears to host to unusual events: top motorcycle Supercross riders from across and Monster Truck racing. Plus, with easy freeway access, Anaheim residents have literally hundreds of events to choose during the year.

If you are looking to make Anaheim, CA your new home, use Rent.com® to search for rental properties, including apartments and homes.