A World War II Naval seaplane tender was named after Half Moon Bay. After the war, the ship went on to serve as a Coast Guard weather reporting ship for over 20 years.
Hugging the northern California Coast, north of Santa Cruz and south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is one of the most desirable stretches of oceanfront community in the country
A World War II Naval seaplane tender was named after Half Moon Bay. After the war, the ship went on to serve as a Coast Guard weather reporting ship for over 20 years.
Hugging the northern California Coast, north of Santa Cruz and south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is one of the most desirable stretches of oceanfront community in the country. With a population just above 11,300 residents, Half Moon Bay is the best of small town life, tourist destination, and natural wonder, all rolled into one. Half Moon Bay began as grazing lands for Mission, San Francisco, in the 1770s. It continued in this agricultural tradition as part of the Ranch Corral de Tierra Mexican land grant in the 1830s. Fishing soon joined grazing as the basis of the local economy. Despite the arrival of limited railroad service in the early 20th century, this area stayed sleepy, taking advantage of heavy coastal fog to become a hot spot of rum running during Prohibition.
Winters can be foggy and summers can be more crowded with seasonal residents, but there isn't necessarily a bad time to relocate here. The vacation renters peak in the warmer summer months and can decrease available inventory. For maximum options, aim for spring or fall and maybe you'll be able to strike a deal for all paid utilities apartment.
Half Moon Bay is a popular town and the nice places will have high expectations for their renters. Come prepared with your references, credit history, proof of income, and deposit money (about three months' rent should cover the security deposit and first and last months' rent). Finding an apartment to rent in Half Moon Bay is that easy!
For a relatively small city, there's a great selection of neighborhoods: each with its own character and charm. It is recommended that you spend some time walking and driving this city so you can pick your perfect neighborhood match. Here are a few to check out:
Alsace Lorraine: Large, detached homes for rent in Half Moon Bay. This neighborhood is all about location: you'll love being able to stroll to Ocean View Park and even the beach.
Ocean Colony: This gated, golf-course-centric neighborhood is located near the Ritz-Carlton -- which should give you a hint about its exclusivity. Ocean views, large lots, and homeowners' fees to cover the upkeep of local amenities are the hallmark of this area. You may find a luxury home for rent here, but not much in the way of rental apartments.
Spanishtown: Harkening back to Half Moon Bay's old name, this neighborhood features smaller, historic homes within an easy stroll of everything downtown Half Moon Bay has to offer. Oh, and if you find the right rental home here, you'll even be able to bring your trusty steed. This is a horse-friendly neighborhood.
Seahaven: A typical suburban neighborhood with mid-sized three and four bedroom homes built in the 1970s and 1980s. A rental home or rental apartment here puts you within about a half-mile walk to downtown or you can hop on the bus at the entrance to the subdivision.
Pilarcitos Park: This small enclave is a great place to look for condos for rent in Half Moon Bay. Duplexes, apartments, and one bedroom homes are available here -- all within walking distance to Strawflower Shopping Center and Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Grandview Terrace: You'll need a car (or at least a bike) to access Half Moon Bay's most popular amenities if you choose to rent a house here. Mountain rather than sea views are enjoyed by residents in this area, which is described most often as "quaint" with homes from the 1970s.
Today, Half Moon Bay is equal parts tourism and agriculture, with great local amenities and tons of character. It's a doable yet oftentimes congested commute to San Mateo and other Peninsula cities.
The weather here is what you'd expect for the northern California coast: cool, foggy, and very livable. You'll need a sweater most evenings when the temperature dips into the 40s and 50s. Daytime highs are in the 50s in the winter and settle in the low to mid-60s range in summer.
Locals and visitors alike wait all year for the annual Art and Pumpkin Festival. Half Moon Bay, the World Pumpkin Capital, hosts this yearly event featuring a pumpkin weigh-off, live music, arts and crafts show, and, of course, pumpkin carving contests.
Pillar Point Harbor offers scenic views of the coastline and the boats docked there sometimes sell their daily catch -- the freshest dinner you'll ever have. Sanddabs, rockfish, Pacific herring, lingcod, halibut, and starry flounder abound here.
This area is also home to the Montara State Marine Reserve and Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area. Think of them as underwater parks. Both aim to protect native marine ecology and wildlife. Grab your snorkel (and a wetsuit, definitely) and dive in. You know, in case you'd rather watch the fish than eat them.
Sporting types probably know that the world-renowned Mavericks big wave surf area is located on the north edge of Half Moon Bay. If you want to test your surfing mettle, there's no better place on earth to go. Of course, being a spectator is warmer, drier, and a bit safer -- so consider peeping the waves instead of riding them.
Restaurants are concentrated in downtown Half Moon Bay and Pillar Point. As you'd imagine, restaurants along the coast feature the freshest seafood around. Check out Miramar Beach restaurant for a great view and fabulous fare. Downtown favorites include Cetrella (Mediterranean food), Pasta Moon (seasonal Italian), and Spanishtown Mexican Restaurant.
Downtown shopping features the local Coastside Books, multiple fine arts galleries, and several surf shops and outfitters. Closer to the State Routes 1 and 92 interchange, you'll find your bigger, boxier stores, supermarkets, and the essentials for daily life.
Adventurers can check out San Mateo's only ghost town, the village of Purissima, or check out Montara Mountain and its miles of hiking trails offering a up close and personal visit with the spectacular local flora and fauna. If you go in winter, pack your puffy jacket, as this peak is one of the few in the Bay Area to enjoy a dusting of snow if the weather is right.
