San Leandro Apartments and Rentals

San Leandro first became famous for its abundant crops of cherries, but later gained notoriety as a center of industrial growth. During the 1940s, the San Leandro population doubled, and new developments soon replaced the cherry orchards on the outskirts of town. The city annexed 87 industrial parcels during its population explosion, and completed its shift from an agricultural community to an industrial city.

Its growth has continued since then, and due to its proximity to Silicon Valley, many San Leandro residents are active in the technology industry. Because San Leandro is situated between Hayward, Oakland and the San Francisco Bay, San Leandro apartments for rent are conveniently located in the heart of one of California’s most dynamic regions.

The San Leandro Marina is one of the defining features of the city. It boasts a 450-berth Marina, a boat launch ramp, and two yacht clubs. Marina Park also features hiking trails, numerous picnic areas and restored tidal and seasonal wetlands. The San Leandro dock is a favorite in the Bay Area due to its tranquil waters, restaurants overlooking the seashore, and first-class waterfront hotel.

Although San Leandro is known for its industrial expansion, it has maintained its quiet, well-defined neighborhoods. Residents show their price in the city through active involvement in neighborhood and homeowner’s associations, and San Leandro offers a diverse array of cultural activities to strengthen these communities. The temperate climate and ample open space within the city make San Leandro a perfect location for outdoor activity, while parks and hiking trails add to its appeal as a city that promotes healthy living.

San Leandro residents enjoy a strong local economy, and retail and service industries make up the majority of businesses in the area. The top San Leandro employers include big names like Target, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Costco; the City of San Leandro and Kindred Hospital are also top employers. In spite of the recession, the unemployment rate of San Leandro trends below both the Alameda County and California, and in October 2011 dropped below 10 percent for the first time since April 2009.

The high education level of San Leandro residents has contributed to its strong economy. Approximately 25 percent of residents in San Leandro have a Bachelor’s degree or advanced degrees, and there are numerous opportunities for continued education in the area. San Leandro is in close proximity to the University of California, Berkeley, California State University, East Bay and St. Mary’s College.

In 2007, San Leandro adopted a Living Wage Ordinance to set the hourly rate and benefit requirements for workers in organizations that do business with the city higher than the federal or state minimum wage. This ordinance has helped to bridge the wage-cost gap that exists throughout the Bay Area, and has helped San Leandro residents maintain their standard of living in spite of inflation and a weak national economy. The neighboring cities of Hayward, Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville have passed similar ordinances.

It’s easy to find affordable rentals in San Leandro, and the median rent rate in October 2011 was $1,092. This is markedly less expensive than rent in other Bay Area cities of a similar size, and renter-occupied housing makes up 42.5 percent of San Leandro real estate.

The San Leandro Downtown Association sponsors numerous events in the community. One of the most popular is the Farmer’s Market, which hosts approximately 2,200 guests every week. During the market, the Scribner Center hosts free live music, and each week features a different theme such as cooking demonstrations or wine tasting. The annual Sausage & Suds Music Festival draws crowds from all throughout the Bay area, and more than 8,000 people attended in 2011.

San Leandro is also home to the Monarch Bay Golf Club featuring two courses, and both courses have recently undergone a $9 million renovation featuring a new salt-tolerant grass on the fairways to improve playing conditions.

To find your next rental apartment or house in San Leandro, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.