3 Apartments in Mammoth Lakes, California

With an elevation of 7,920 feet, Mammoth Lakes is the highest city in California.

Mammoth Lakes is also almost exactly a five hour drive from either San Francisco, Los Angeles or Las Vegas, so if you can't decide between blackjack, beaches and the Bay Area, move to Mammoth Lakes and take road trips to all three of those famous metropolises. This small town had a population of 8,234 in the 2010 census. It's most known for its ski facilities, but offers some nice dining options and just about every type of outdoor activity you can think of.

Moving to Mammoth Lakes

The winters here are long, with cold and often snowy weather stretching from October until May. Driving a moving truck here during winter can be particularly difficult, as Mammoth Lakes is set deep in the mountains. December through March is peak ski season, which means you'll need to book many vacation homes months ahead of time, and even that may not be enough. In summer, rental prices are cheaper, plus we like to think that sunshine, flowers and frolicking forest creatures are better than ski bums and blizzards.

What You'll Need

As much of the lodging in Mammoth Lakes is cabins, vacation rentals, camping, RV sites and other temporary housing, you often won't need much other than a credit card and ID to move here. There are some longer term options, whether you're looking for a studio apartment for rent in Mammoth Lakes or something more spacious. For those, you'll need to provide the standard credit report, proof of income, rental history and maybe a background check.

Mammoth Lakes Neighborhoods

With a population of just over 8,000 people, Mammoth Lakes doesn't exactly have major neighborhoods. The city has a collection of campgrounds, RV parks, boutique hotels and cabins, both in the town center and stretching out into the mountains and forests that surround Mammoth Lakes. Many of these sites host long term guests, but there are also more conventional apartment complexes as well.

Mammoth Creek Park: This city park is in the eastern part of Mammoth Lakes. It has picnic areas and playgrounds and is near the Sherwin Plaza Shopping Center and several other shopping centers in the business district of town. One-, two-, and three-bedroom condos are available for sale there in Sierra Manors. There are also rental homes in Bristlecone Apartments. Slocum's Bar and Grill will keep you warm and well fed.

South Mammoth Lakes: This residential area sits along the Snowcreek Golf Course. Two and three bedroom apartments can be rented at places such as Aspen Village, with a recreation center and laundry room. The Snowcreek resort has vacation rentals, from one bedroom apartments to four-bed 3-3/4 bath units. There are also condos for sale there.

West Mammoth Lakes: Built right on the edge of trails that lead to gulches, canyons and forests, this neighborhood is a nature lover's dream. Serviced apartments are available as vacation rentals in Timber Ridge Condominiums. If you like your stay there, you might want to buy one of the wooden townhomes available for sale. Mammoth Ski and Racquet will keep you active when it's too cold to do anything outside except run towards your car.

Other places to live in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Mountain Park: A ski resort that offers luxurious all bills paid vacation homes.

Convict Lake Resort: Prisoners who had escaped from a prison in Carson City used this area as an escape route in 1971, and also had a shootout with the authorities. It's much quieter now, with cabins, luxury lodges and a "casual elegant" restaurant.

Sierra Meadows Ranch: Set on 17 acres of land, Sierra Meadows offers short and long term boarding. Your horse is also welcome.

Living in Mammoth Lakes

Residents of Mammoth Lakes love the outdoors, otherwise they've made a great mistake in living here. In winter, you can warm up after falling down in the snow by dipping in natural hot springs. The summers are warm and dry, ideal for hiking up mountains, camping, fishing in the many lakes and streams, biking, escaping from prison and getting in shootouts with the sheriff. The legendary Yosemite National Park is just 45 minutes away. The popular tourism industry in the city also means that local residents have many options for dining out in international restaurants, indulging in spa treatments or relaxing at neighborhood pubs, including The Tap saloon and pool hall. Shopping options include backpacking gear at Kittredge Sports, ice cream parlors, florists, wine specialty shops, handcrafted foods and high fashion.