San Carlos Apartment Renter's Guide
San Carlos Apartment Renter's Guide
Overview
"Out where the crosses of San Carlos / shine 'neath a desert moon / near the canyons where Geronimo rode / and the ocatillo blooms." (-Tom Russell, "Crosses of San Carlos")
San Carlos is a small community located between Redwood City and Belmont. The town's motto sums things up nicely by calling it "The city of good living." That's exactly what this place helps the nearly 30,000 residents do: live well.
This is California after all, and housing here is always at a premium
"Out where the crosses of San Carlos / shine 'neath a desert moon / near the canyons where Geronimo rode / and the ocatillo blooms." (-Tom Russell, "Crosses of San Carlos")
San Carlos is a small community located between Redwood City and Belmont. The town's motto sums things up nicely by calling it "The city of good living." That's exactly what this place helps the nearly 30,000 residents do: live well.
Moving to San Carlos
This is California after all, and housing here is always at a premium. You will find renting an apartment here a bit easier than in some California cities, but it's still better to be prepared. Show up armed with copies of your credit report, references from your past landlords and proof of income. A letter of reference from your employer is also good. If you have pets, have the previous landlord reference what a good pet you have, just to make things easier. Be prepared to sign on the dotted line (and the check) immediately because if you wait, you may lose out on the apartment you want.
What It Will Cost
Take a deep breath and remember that this is California, and San Carlos is not even close to being as expensive as other towns and cities in the state. That said, be ready to part with up to $2000 for a 1 bedroom apartment in San Carlos, more if it's on the water. For 3 bedroom apartments or 4 bedroom rentals, you are looking at around $5000 per month.
San Carlos Neighborhoods
There are nine different neighborhoods in San Carlos. You also need to consider your proximity to water. The closer you are, the higher the rent in most cases.
Holly Street: This is an odd mix of a neighborhood. You have waterfront, but it's also partly industrial and contains the airport. Beyond that, living here gives you easy access to public transportation as well as making your drive to the airport much quicker. This is also a historic area with a trend towards the nautical and water activities.
City Center and El Camino: The City Center and El Camino neighborhoods has modern urban attractions. No matter which neighborhood you move to in San Carlos, be sure to check out the dining in this area.
St. Francis, Cordilleras Ave. and Alameda: These three neighborhoods are the cultural and artistic center of San Carlos.
Palomar Park: This area is one of the largest neighborhoods in San Carlos. Mostly stately older homes and a few newer McMansion types.
Brittan Avenue and Melendy: Expect plenty of outdoor activities and large houses. Arrive prepared. You snooze, you lose!