Chula Vista Apartments and Rentals

Nestled between the San Diego Bay and the foothills of California's coastal mountains, Chula Vista certainly lives up to its name, which translates to "beautiful view." Just seven miles from downtown San Diego and seven miles from the Mexican border, Chula Vista has become a Mecca of cultural diversity with a thriving economy. Between its rich culture, multiple entertainment options and vast nature preservation areas, those looking for Chula Vista apartments for rent will find plenty of reasons to enjoy this city.

Like many southern California cities, Chula Vista has its origins with native civilizations and Spanish settlements. In fact, the area can be traced back millions of years thanks to sea and land fossils, and some of the Native people who still live in the area can trace their family roots back to the Kumeyaay tribe, which roamed the area for hundreds of years before the land was settled by the Spanish. After becoming part of America with the rest of California, Chula Vista was one of the largest producers of citrus trees in the world for a period of time. Only after World War II did the face of Chula Vista change, wiping out the last of the lemon orchards and becoming one of the largest communities in the San Diego Area.

Today, it boasts 247,535 residents and is the second largest city in the San Diego metropolitan area. The city's many attractions have also made it a major tourist destination, providing seemingly endless recreational opportunities for its residents. It is perhaps most well known for its Olympic Training Stadium, which is one of the few year-round facilities in the U.S.

The city is also known for its excellent planning - its distinct neighborhoods, wide boulevards and straightforward transportation make it easy and enjoyable to live in, but many of the historic homes from the early orchard days still stand.

Chula Vista has one two-year community college with a student population of 20,000, but Sweetwater Union High School District serves more than 41,000 students in grades 7 through 12 and more than 16,000 adult learners. The school district is also the city's largest employer, with about 10 percent of residents working there. The Chula Vista Elementary School District is the second largest employer, but aerospace, healthcare and retail jobs are also prevalent.

Those looking for apartments in Chula Vista should be prepared to shell out about $1,000 on rent each month. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent in the city in 2009 was $1,263. With the average household income at just around $60,000, the cost of living is relatively high.

Chula Vista's many tourist attractions make for a thriving economy and a highly entertaining place to live. Aside from the U.S. Olympic Training center, the city frequently hosts large acts at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre. Although the Mediterranean-esque climate of Chula Vista is pleasant, the city's Knott's Soak City USA water park offers a fun way to cool off.

Like much of southern California, Chula Vista's golf courses are top-notch. However, perhaps the most sparkling gem of this city is its Nature Center, which has interactive exhibits about the history, geology and biodiversity of the nearby Sweetwater Marsh and San Diego Bay, with plenty of bird-watching opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Nature lovers might also enjoy the Otay Valley Regional Park that runs through Chula Vista, offering trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding.

To find a Chula Vista apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.