Signal Hill, CA 217 Apartments for Rent

Before urbanization blocked sight lines with walls, roof lines, towers and palm trees, you could actually clearly see the hill that gives the city part of its name. As for the other part, long ago signal fires were lit on this hill that could be seen even from Catalina Island.

After it became part of a ranch, Signal Hill was supposed to be a tiny enclave heralded by a few mansions. But in 1917, oil wells sprouted across the landscape, making the city one of the most productive oil fields in the country. Only a few of the gushers remain. In their place rose houses, offices and parks -- maybe more green space than you expect to find in just 2.2 square miles. Fortunately, the 11,465 residents (per 2010 census) are okay with all those trees and fields.

Moving to Signal Hill

The warm California sun is good for more than tanning yourself. It also makes it easy to move to the city any time of year. There's no need to worry about freezing your fingers while carrying your box of belongings or digging through a snowdrift to get to your front door. Just think about the time of day. Avoid rush hour, especially if you're paying hourly rates, or your stuff will spend more time parked on the freeway than it does being unloaded. Try weekend mornings for the least traffic on I-405, Signal Hill's connecting freeway.

If you're coming by air, Long Beach Airport is just right across the 405. But if you're from out of state, brace yourself for a slap in the face from the rents. Monthly rates can easily be double what you're used to, although not quite as much if you're from a major metro area. The higher fee does get you some perks. Off-street parking, swimming pools and laundry facilities are common to most complexes.

You're not going to be getting a break from the rent, not when hoards of new arrivals constantly flood the area to enjoy the fair weather. But if you want to try the haggling approach, you're more likely to meet success with owners of house rentals or those who have a single apartment out back. With either complex or solo owner, make sure your monthly income is at least three or four times the rent. But your landlords aren't heartless; they know how expensive it is to live here because they're most likely from out of state like almost everyone else. They're pretty easygoing if you want to split expenses among two or more roommates.

Neighborhoods in Signal Hill

Unusual among So Cal neighborhoods, Signal Hill has a high Walk Score of 74. You can tool around town without a car as long as you stay within city limits. Though technically in Long Beach, the nearest Blue Line Station, Willow Street, even connects directly to downtown Los Angeles. But heading out of town usually means hopping onto the frequently jam-packed 405 freeway. Here are your three main choices in neighborhoods:

City Center: Many folks in this neighborhood are renters, so most of the apartment complexes in Signal Hill are located here. Big consumers can indulge in everything from big box stores like Best Buy to small independents, like Rocco's Deli Italiano. (Try any of the stomach-busting foot-long sandwiches.) If you're a medical wannabe, the American University of Health Sciences will give you the skills you need for a job.

Sea Breeze Manor Apartments: This community boasts townhouse style living with one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent. Yep, they do have the expected laundry, off-street parking and pool. And as a bonus, they do allow small pets.

Signal Hill (Redondo Ave / E Pacific Coast Highway): The priciest of the three communities counts the hill, its topper of a Hilltop Park, and any place that might have a view as its biggest features. You'll also have 50 percent fewer neighbors here than you would at the City Center because about half of the residents are single-family homeowners. Check out the Friday night tasting at The Wine Country for vintages from small producers.

2510 E Willow: Don't be put off by the lack of a formal moniker for this complex, which actually consists of condos for rent. You'll still get perks like a pool and hot tub. However, this community also offers two underground spaces, a fireplace, tennis court, fitness center, balcony or patio and a fitness center. So don't expect a discount for lack of name.

Northern (E 33rd St / California Ave): The Willow Street station is closest to here, and the 405 divides the area in two, making this neighborhood ideal if you want to leave your car behind. If you're into the new, about a third of the properties here were built in the current century. Half of the residents live in apartments for rent. Head for Koral USA to find the right togs for your MMA fight. But get your do done first at the Milano Collection Wig and Hair Salon.

Living in Signal Hill

So what if your rental doesn't include outdoor space for sunbathing? Signal Hill offers lots of manicured greenery in which you can catch some rays. The biggest belongs to the ten acres of Signal Hill Park for barbecuing under sheltered picnic tables, meeting at the community room or shooting hoops at the basketball court. Literally located at the apex of the city is Hilltop Park. Play Big Brother by using one of the telescopes to spy on your neighbors or enjoy the views as far away as Catalina Island or downtown LA.

Let's forget that you're right next door to Long Beach and all the coastline and big-city attractions that it has to offer. You can stay local by volunteering to organize or having fun at community events. A favorite summer soir̩e is the City Celebration and Picnic, which brings you good, music, classic cars and craft booths during the day, and at night, both silent and sound films at the community center. Fancy yourself a police officer? While you won't be wearing the uniform, you can hobnob with law enforcement by being a police volunteer to connect the community with enforcement services. And naturally, you'll find all the expected holiday celebrations like a Halloween Carnival, an Easter Egg Hunt and a Breakfast with Santa and Tree Lighting Ceremony.