Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA (703 Rentals)

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Marina Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Marina Apartments

55 Bahia WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
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1476 Lincoln
1 Bedroom Apartments

1476 Lincoln

1476 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Northgate Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Northgate Apartments

825 Las Gallinas AveSan Rafael, CA 94903
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Terra Linda Manor
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Terra Linda Manor

101 Nova Albion WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
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The Meridian
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

The Meridian

400 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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West End Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

West End Apartments

1827 2nd StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 15

San Rafael, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

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San Rafael Overview

Known as 'the city with a mission', San Rafael is located in the northern bay area of California, just a hop and a skip from San Francisco and boasting a budding population of close to 60,000 residents. Flush with culture, nightlife and natural beauty to spare, this sunny locale is a winning destination for good reason.

What is the history of San Rafael?

Settled in the 1800s, San Rafael truly came into its own with the addition of the North Pacific Railroad in 1879, seeing full national rail linking a mere decade later. The area found popularity among the film industry in the late 1970s, including a studio by George Lucas. Home to an abundance of forest and marsh, San Rafael is also a natural landscape brimming with wildlife, while still offer all of the conveniences and amenities of a growing California city.

How is the weather in San Rafael?

Winters tend to be mild for those living in San Rafael apartments, with the city rarely seeing below-freezing temperatures. Summers can be warm, however, with the rainy season covering largely the November to April months.

How do I get around town?

Golden Gate Transit offer much in the way of bus service for the San Rafael region, and several lines of the SMART Rail system extend outward from the city limits. A direct rail line to the nearby Santa Rosa Airport was completed in 2017, making travel for those residing in apartments in San Rafael a breeze. Bicycling and ride sharing are also popular among the city dwellers, although many still claim ownership of at least one personal automobile as well.

What is the San Rafael commute like?

"U.S. Route 101 handles much of the traffic leading up the northern coast, as well as south to San Francisco. Interstate 580 leads to the East Bay, with the Richmond - San Rafael Bridge get much use by commuters. Traffic can snarl during peak 9-to-5 hours for those headed to San Fran, although travel across the city proper generally moves at a reasonable pace most days. "

What are the local media outlets?

San Francisco media covers much of the day-to-day for San Rafael apartment residents, with the online outlet MarinScope offering additional coverage. Broadcast television is wide in scope, from NBC to CBS, and radio tends to offer up a mix of modern rock, talk radio and R&B.

Why live in San Rafael, CA?

With a great economic base thanks to local technology employers such as Comcast, Telltale Games and Stormfront Studios, San Rafael rentals are an excellent place to live and work. Offering plenty of that world-famous California weather, as well as a mouth-watering array of cuisine, this west coast hot spot is an ideal locale for a variety of lifestyles.

What San Rafael landmarks should I see?

The Rafael Theater gained fame in the film 'American Graffiti', and the Akbar College of Music is known around the world for its focus on Indian classical. The Marin County Civic Center was designed by architecture legend Frank Lloyd Wright, and the San Rafael Film Center is a must-visit for cinema fans.

What is there to do around San Rafael?

Get in to the swing of things at the Peacock Gap Golf Course, or take the dog for a walk at the scenic China Camp State Park, both easily accessible from a variety of San Rafael apartments. Cheer on the San Rafael Pacifics as they battle for baseball glory, or enjoy brunch with friends at the popular Crepevine.

Any annual festivals or San Rafael events to know?

The aptly named Wonders of Space and Time Festival focuses upon biotech innovation, while the San Rafael Food and Wine Fest pays homage to some of the local's favorite indulgences. The Italian Street Painting Festival combines art with local music and cuisine, making it a hit with a variety of San Rafael apartment residents.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

San Francisco is an obvious choice for those eager for a weekend escape, from the famed bridge to the nearby wine country tours. Head north along 101 all the way up to scenic Eugene, Oregon for some camping or fishing, or head south to the bright lights and glamour of Los Angeles, both an easy car ride from many San Rafael apartments.

Where is the best place to move in San Rafael?

Whether you are in the market for a luxurious San Rafael 2-bedroom apartment with sweeping water views and private reserved parking, or simply desire an economic family rental that offers easy access to area schools and has pet-friendly policies, we are confident that the ultimate San Rafael rental is out there waiting for you. Start your hunt today and begin enjoying all that California has to offer!

Best Local Schools in
San Rafael, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

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Getting Around San Rafael, CA

Walk Score®

76 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

45 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?

  • Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
  • Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
  • Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Frequently Asked Questions about San Rafael

How much are Studio apartments in San Rafael?

There are currently 244 Studio Apartments in San Rafael with rent ranges from $1,790 to $3,280 with an average price of $2,317.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom San Rafael Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in San Rafael ranges from $1,999 to $3,900 with an average monthly rent of $2,774.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in San Rafael cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in San Rafael range from $2,600 to $5,500. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $3,639.

How expensive are San Rafael Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 128 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in San Rafael on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $3,386 to $11,001 - averaging $5,656 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent

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If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

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Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

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The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

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For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.