Auburn, CA

51 Apartments for Rent with Balconies

There might not be gold left in the hills of Auburn, California, but drive through this historic California town at sunset on a warm summer evening and the golden light glinting from its historic county courthouse hints at its rich past and bright future. Auburn is a city comfortable with its place in California history -- it has a strong sense of place, a thriving community, and might be just the place for your next rental home.

Gateway to Gold Country

Auburn has been around longer than the state of California -- it was a boomtown, founded by a group on its way to the Coloma gold fields just up the road. By 1865, it claimed a place in history as the terminus of the first leg of the Transcontinental Railroad. Rich in both gold rush and indigenous people's history, Auburn is a living embodiment of the western spirit and the California dream.

With about 13,300 residents (as of the 2010 U.S. Census) in a roughly seven-square-mile area, Auburn strikes the right balance between peaceful foothill living and just the right amount of neighborly support. At an elevation of about 1,200 feet, Auburn gets some snow when the snow level dips sufficiently. It's a relatively easy drive along Interstate 80 to Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe and further on to Reno. Downhill, you'll find the Sacramento Valley, including major retail centers in Roseville and the state capitol in Sacramento. Amtrak and commuter bus lines serve the city, as do Sacramento and Reno International airports and the smaller Auburn Municipal Airport. See more

Balconies are a coveted amenity for many renters looking for high-rise views and opportunities for fresh air. However, you should keep in mind that balconies often come with restrictions.

Before signing a lease, ask about how many people can be on the balcony at once. Also, ask about whether you’re allowed to store a bike or other items.

You’ll also want to know about any maintenance schedules. Using your balcony as storage could result in fines and intervention from your property management.

Keep in mind that not all balconies are created equally. You may discover the views of the parking area are less than optimal or reduce your overall privacy.

Balconies can also get messy with debris, foliage, dirt, and pollen depending on your location. Renters are typically responsible for any clean-up and basic balcony upkeep.

Regardless of the issues to keep in mind, balconies are usually a big win for Auburn renters. Ask about apartments on higher floors for the best views.