Pacifica got its name from a contest held in 1957! The winning name faced down stiff competition from the alternative "Coastside" to win its place in history.
Pacifica is a California city in San Mateo County, right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It’s set in a highly desirable location between the bustling city of San Francisco and the beautiful and serene Half Moon Bay. Its a place people love to go for surf and sand, and it draws in many visitors each year who take in the coast's gorgeous ocean, valleys and mountains.Rich in history, beauty and community spirit, Pacifica has something for everyone! Aside from the beauty of the scenic coastal town, Pacifica is filled with an abundance of exciting neighborhoods, delicious food, rich culture, and eclectic festivals.
Having trouble with Craigslist Pacifica? Can't find that special apartment for rent on Apartment Finder or Zillow? Apartment List is here to help!
Moving to Pacifica
Pacifica is not an inexpensive place to live, so before you start looking for apartments to rent, make sure that you are aware of the rental prices and cost of living. The median list price for homes _much_higher than the national average and is steadily on the rise. About 93% of properties are single family homes and 3.6% are condos. Make sure to educate yourself on the rental laws and regulations before you move. It’s definitely worth it to come out to the area to visit a few times before you settle on anything. It’s one of the most expensive areas of the U. S. to live in, so you’ll want to make sure that you have all your bases covered and are getting the most bang for your buck! You might have to sign waivers letting you know about things like possible mold, asbestos, lead paint, etc., so be careful of what you are signing. These are the types of things landlords can get away with when the demand for property is so high. Knowledge is power so come in fully armed! Be prepared; have all your paperwork with you and ready to go. You don’t want to waste a single second having to call around to secure your references or proof of income because apartments here go like hot cakes. Come in with a professional attitude and demeanor and be prepared to read through the fine print and sign on the spot if you find a place you love.
Neighborhoods
Pacifica is divided up into roughly twelve neighborhoods and they each have a distinct and varied manner. Some are known for their coastal views and beautiful sunsets, while others are famous for the waves of fog that sweep in every afternoon in true Northern Californian fashion. Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods.
Rockaway Beach: This is a scenic location that has lots of shopping and dining, especially considering the dearth of eating and entertainment options in Pacifica.
Linda Mar Beach: This is the spot to go for surfers and for tourists looking for a beautiful beach vacation. It also stays sunny most of the time and avoids the daily fog that other areas see!
Fairmont: A great place to find apartments for rent, Fairmont is a beautiful community that offers the pleasures of the ocean air and the allure of classy apartments.
Pacific Manor: Just off Highway 1, this neighborhood is home to the Pacific Manor Shopping Center Area, which has everything you could possibly need to survive life in NorCal.
Vallemar: A small town feel with a strong sense of community, Vallemar has a good mix of elderly people, business people, families and surfers.
Living in Pacifica
With the beach on one side and mountains on the other, Pacifica is a wonderful place to live for people with an adventurous spirit. You can spend your mornings surfing and your afternoons hiking or biking through the mountain trails! San Francisco is only about 20 minutes away by car (with no traffic), so if you need a little more action and excitement in your life you don’t have to go far for it! Living on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean affords all kinds of opportunities for fun. The people are friendly and well-educated, which is likely how so many can afford such high rents!