Santa Rosa Apartments and Rentals

If you want to live in a city that encompasses everything unique and wonderful about California, then Santa Rosa apartments for rent might be the perfect fit for you. Located just 55 miles north of San Francisco, this northern Golden State hub is close to redwood forests, the splendor of wine country and the crystal waters of the Pacific Ocean. Many people who live here love their way of life because of the fantastic wine, museums, cuisine, shopping and family-friendly amenities all at their doorstep.

The downtown district of Santa Rosa was named as one of the best in the state - mostly due to the fact that there are five historic residential neighborhoods, world-renowned chefs, plenty of places to do a little retail therapy and sunny, tree-lined streets. Santa Rosa is also home to Annadel State Park for those who want to see unique wildlife, flowers and trees native to the region. Annadel is also a fantastic place to cast a line or hit the trail. However, there are other city parks and Sonoma County parks that you can enjoy right in the city. Downtown Santa Rosa, West Santa Rosa and East Santa Rosa are the three main neighborhoods in the city, each with their own specific lifestyle and personality.

From 2000 to 2010, the population jumped by nearly 14 percent in Santa Rosa. The rising median household income, which increased by more than $8,000 per year from 2000 to 2009, growing business model and youthful population all contributed to its rise. Like any other community near the Bay Area, the cost of living in Santa Rosa is higher compared to the rest of the country, but with the rising income levels in the area, you should have no problem affording a Santa Rosa apartment for rent. In fact, the median rental rate in the area is 5 percent lower than the state's average, according to AreaVibes. The cost of a gallon of gas in Santa Rosa is around $3.82, which is comparable to the rest of the state. However, the average commute time is 13 percent lower, so you should be able to save on fuel once you move into your apartment in Santa Rosa.

There are several institutions in the area, including Santa Rosa Junior College, Empire College School of Business and Pacific Union College. Prominent universities in the area include Sonoma State University and the University of San Francisco, Santa Rosa. Due to its close proximity to wine country and stunning scenery there is a heavy tourism industry here. However, there are also growing trends in construction, healthcare and professional, scientific and technical services. According to the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce, the top employers in the area are Kaiser Permanente, the St. Joseph Health System, Agilent Technologies and Medtronic, so healthcare and technology are clearly two of the major driving factors for employment in the area.