Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA (131 Rentals)

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424 East Mill Street
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

424 East Mill Street

418-424 E Mill StSanta Maria, CA 93454
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Vizcaya Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Vizcaya Apartments

1720 S Depot StSanta Maria, CA 93458
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1505 Ash Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1505 Ash Ave

1505 Ash AveSanta Maria, CA 93454
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Centennial Gardens
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Centennial Gardens

800 W Battles RdSanta Maria, CA 93458
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Montiavo
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Montiavo

2460 S Rubel WaySanta Maria, CA 93455
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127 E Bunny Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

127 E Bunny Ave

127 E Bunny AveSanta Maria, CA 93454
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Westgate Courtyards
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Westgate Courtyards

1240 W Bethel LnSanta Maria, CA 93458
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Arbolinda
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Arbolinda

231 N College DrSanta Maria, CA 93454
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625 S Pine St
3 Bedroom Apartments

625 S Pine St

625 S Pine StSanta Maria, CA 93458
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317 W Park Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

317 W Park Ave

317 W Park AveSanta Maria, CA 93458
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108 S College Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

108 S College Dr

108 S College DrSanta Maria, CA 93454
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127 Agnes Ave
Studio Apartments

127 Agnes Ave

127 Agnes AveSanta Maria, CA 93458
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225 S Russell Ave
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

225 S Russell Ave

225 S Russell AveSanta Maria, CA 93458
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525 W Mill St
Studio Apartments

525 W Mill St

525 W Mill StSanta Maria, CA 93458
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319 N Oakley Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

319 N Oakley Ave

319 N Oakley AveSanta Maria, CA 93458
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223 E Bunny Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

223 E Bunny Ave

223 E Bunny AveSanta Maria, CA 93454
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409-415 Tiffany Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

409-415 Tiffany Dr

409-415 Tiffany DrSanta Maria, CA 93454
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Knollwood Village
Studio Apartments

Knollwood Village

4012 S Bradley RdSanta Maria, CA 93455
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Lolita Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Lolita Apartments

323 Lolita LnSanta Maria, CA 93458
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806 E Main St
2 Bedroom Apartments

806 E Main St

806 E Main StSanta Maria, CA 93454
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626 E Mill St
Studio Apartments

626 E Mill St

626 E Mill StSanta Maria, CA 93454

Santa Maria, CA Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer  - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

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Santa Maria Overview

The California apartments in Santa Maria present unique opportunities for people who wish to enjoy their leisure time in a culturally diverse city with temperate seasonal weather and day-trip options. If you are thinking about relocating, Santa Maria apartments may deliver the quality of life experience you desire.

What is the history of Santa Maria?

Located in Santa Barbara County in Southern California, Santa Maria traces its rich history back to the Spanish colonial period. Initially occupied by the Chumash native tribe, conquistadors flooded the region during the 18th Century, establishing a mission in 1782 called Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. This pivotal religious and cultural institution played an essential role in the region. The township was surveyed in 1874 and became the County Seat a year later. People routinely gathered for festivals and oak ember barbecues. Santa Maria would emerge as a central location for cattle ranching and farming, before oil was discovered during the 20th Century. Today, it enjoys a thriving economy that blends modern occupations with ranchers and farmers who reside in the neighboring foothills.

How is the weather in Santa Maria?

Summers tend to be hot and long, prompting people in Santa Maria apartments to run air conditioning units during much of July and August. That’s when temperatures typically rise into the 80s and mid-90s. During the fall, temperatures generally drop off by 9 degrees and run in the mid-60s on average. Although usually pleasant, the area does experience occasional upticks into the 80s. Winter months are quite temperate, with the seasonal average hovering around 63 degrees and overnight temperatures rarely dipping below freezing. Spring continues to be pleasant weather, with average highs under 70 degrees and lows of around 50 degrees. The wet season mirrors the low temperatures, with dry, arid summers and the average snowfall is zero.

How do I get around town?

Although passenger vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation in the California community, people living in the Santa Maria apartments have plenty of alternatives. The city of 109,000 has ride-share options such as Uber, Lyft, and traditional yellow taxi cabs. Public transportation includes the Santa Maria Regional Transit, which offers discounted rates for students and seniors. The transit system crisscrosses the city and provides timely and convenient pickup and drop-off locations. Santa Maria is also considered a bicycle-friendly community, providing ample pedestrian sidewalks.

What is the Santa Maria commute like?

Average commute times for people living in Santa Maria apartments and single-family homes run approximately 20 minutes. The drive in Santa Maria is consistently shorter than in the Santa Barbara County metro area and the Golden State overall. It’s also about 5 minutes faster than the U.S. average.  Santa Maria is located inland of Route 1, and Highway 101 runs through the western area, where many big box retail outlets are located. Nearly a quarter of residents carpool to work to save money and reduce emissions. Only 2 percent walk or bike to work.

What are the local media outlets?

Residents who take advantage of reasonably priced apartments in Santa Maria have an opportunity to read print newspapers and magazines in their leisure time. Local newsstands and convenience stores carry titles such as Latino Today, Santa Maria Times, Santa Maria Sun, and various state and national publications. The city also enjoys locally based radio stations that include KGDP (Christian Contemporary), KTAP-AM (Mexican), KGZO (Spanish Christian), as well as classic hits from Santa Barbara’s KRUZ, among others.

Why live in Santa Maria, CA?

People gravitate to Santa Maria apartments based on the pleasant weather, cultural diversity, and leisure amenities. The city enjoys lower prices for groceries and consumer goods than the California average. These cost-of-living benefits add to the quality of life experience residents and visitors embrace in Santa Maria.

What Santa Maria landmarks should I see?

The conquistadors and the influx of Spaniards left an indelible mark on the Santa Maria landscape. Its historical landmarks are dominated by religious structures such as the Paroquia de Nossa Senhora das Dores church. However, more modern popular sites include the Santa Maria Pier, Ponta Do Sinó Lighthouse, and Funana Casa da Cultura restaurant, which showcases artifacts.  

What is there to do around Santa Maria?

Those who decide to rent apartments in Santa Maria enjoy a wealth of entertainment opportunities. These include live performances at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre and wine tours through Presqu'ile, Rancho Sisquoc, Foxen Vineyard, and the Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, among others. History buffs are fascinated by the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum and the Santa Maria Museum of Flight. Santa Maria apartment residents and visitors also have local live music performances available to them.

Any annual festivals or Santa Maria events to know?

The Santa Maria Fairpark has emerged as a hub for festivals that raise the seasonal pleasure of residents and visitors alike. Ongoing events such as the Day of Hope Car Parade, Foundation Hoedown, Santa Maria County Fair, and the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival are among the many family-friendly celebrations everyday people attend. The city also promotes free concerts in the park, where occupants of Santa Maria apartments can walk or ride their bicycles on weekends. Ranked among the most iconic events, the Annual Santa Maria Elks Rodeo has been held for over 80 years.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

Those who decide to live in Santa Maria apartments place themselves in an enviable location. The commute to some of the nation’s finest beaches is worthwhile. Venice and Santa Monica beaches are less than a four-hour drive. Malibu Beach is just over two hours, depending on the traffic. Traveling to Laguna Beach for a day of surf, sun, sand, and art galleries is an easy day trip. National parks such as Yosemite, Death Valley, and Sequoia National Park are all reasonably distanced for weekend excursions. But California is renowned for its wine trails that are right in the backyard of the Santa Maria apartments.

Where is the best place to move in Santa Maria?

The apartments in Santa Maria tend to be more reasonably priced than many areas in California. That’s largely because the cost of living and housing prices are less expensive. The north end ranks among the prime places to live and rent Santa Maria apartments based on cost. The area trailing through central Santa Maria has a reputation for being hipster trendy.  Neighborhoods in the south of the city tend to be more expensive and upscale.

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Getting Around Santa Maria, CA

Walk Score®

58 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

53 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Maria

How much are Studio apartments in Santa Maria?

There are currently 16 Studio Apartments in Santa Maria with rent ranges from $950 to $3,101 with an average price of $1,984.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Santa Maria Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Santa Maria ranges from $1,550 to $3,273 with an average monthly rent of $2,274.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Maria cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Santa Maria range from $1,995 to $4,615. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $2,863.

How expensive are Santa Maria Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 39 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Santa Maria on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $1,365 to $5,270 - averaging $3,080 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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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.