California, PA

40 Apartments for Rent

The outer Pittsburgh suburb of California, Pennsylvania, was named after the State of California, thanks to having been founded the same year as the famous California Gold Rush. Town founders chose the name to symbolize their hopes for the borough's bright future.

Founded in 1849 and incorporated in 1853, the borough of California is comprised of two communities that merged in 1953: California Borough and East Pike Run Township. It is home to California University of Pennsylvania and the newly developed California Technology Park, which offers incentives to attract companies to relocate there. Among its noteworthy accomplishments, California's Vigilant Mine produced the world's largest single lump of coal and its Arlington Hotel is rumored to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. Today, this town along the Monongahela River is home to just shy of 7,000 residents who appreciate the town's proximity to Pittsburgh, the local natural beauty, and its developing identity as a technology hub.

Moving to California

Don't pack like you're moving to California, the state! While California, Pennsylvania, enjoys hot, humid summers befitting its northeastern location, winters will leave you colder than all but the highest of California (the state) mountain towns. December and January temperatures tend to range in the 20s-30s. You'll probably want to avoid relocating during the snowy winters and aim for solidly temperate (if sometimes rainy) spring or fall. Speaking of fall, however, later fall is better than early fall as California University (Cal U, for short) students return for the new year and create a rush of moving vans and apartment demand. With an enrollment of about 9,000 students, be prepared for the mini-population boom. In fact, when we said spring or fall, maybe spring is the best time to begin your search thanks to impending student renter turnover that should open some spots. While Cal U's student population means Zipcar is in town and available, if you're anything other than a student, you'll probably want your wheels to make errands and travel easier. The upside is that you may be a more attractive tenant prospect than a student if you plan to settle in for longer than a school-year lease. Come prepared to make your case with the usual renter arsenal of documents. You'll want to have your credit report, proof of income, deposit money, and perhaps the names of a few prior landlords who can vouch for your status as an upstanding citizen capable of timely rent payments.

California Neighborhoods

With about 11 square miles worth of area -- and most of them rural --you'll have two main areas to choose from when moving to California, PA, and your choice will probably be dictated by your desire to enjoy wide open spaces or your embracing slightly more urban living in the Borough center. Outer California: West from Highway 43, the outer California area is mostly rural and hilly with farms and farmhouses dotting the landscape. You're not likely to find an apartment to rent in California here. City apartments? Nope. Not at all. In fact, rentals will be hard to come by out here, so if you want to claim an expanse of land, start your search four or more months in advance and check listings daily. Restaurants? Retail? Nope and nope. This is country life. Not much available here aside from Peggy's Place soul food, which is located close to Highway 43. Borough Center: Tucked between the highway and the Monongahela River, the Borough Center is where most of the people are. Cal U's campus occupies a relatively substantial portion of the riverfront within the town boundaries and is surrounded by the streets on which you'll find an apartment to rent in an apartment complex to your liking. Two- or three-bedroom homes to rent are more likely to be found here as well. You can find a townhome or condo for rent a bit more toward the highway. Thank the student population for keeping more food and shopping options anchored here. Hit up High Point Restaurant for some local fare, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a trip to the DQ.

Apartment Complexes in California

Brodak Apartments University Plaza: Brodak Aparments University Plaza is a 52 unit apartment complex conveniently located next to Cal U, which offers an onsite manager and great walkability to local restaurants and services. Units come complete with appliances -- including refrigerators. This complex is just a block from the Monongahela River in one direction and Spuds restaurant in the other.

Vulcan Village: Located south of the main Borough Center, this apartment complex caters mostly to students with fully-furnished units, a game room, sports courts and planned social activities. Floor plans include four bedroom / two bath units and four bedroom / four bath units for those who'd prefer not to share a toothbrush holder. This development is close to Adamson Stadium and Roadman Park, making it a great choice for sports and outdoor enthusiasts. It also provides shuttle service to the main campus, cable television, a computer lab, and onsite laundry.

Living in California

California's riverfront location guarantees residents will never be at a loss for natural beauty or recreational options. Grab a kayak, boat, or canoe and your fishing pole and you'll have your weekend plans set for as long as the weather complies. Those who are more comfortable on land will enjoy getting exercise and air at Rotary Park on the track, at California Boro Park on its ball fields, or you can join a league for some soccer games at Phillipsburg Soccer Field. Roadman Park is a university facility where you can spend fall nights cheering on the Cal U team. Warmer weather means tennis or field sports. Of course, the university offers lovely grounds for strolling and plenty of community events in the form of music and theater productions, along with lectures from visiting speakers. Restaurants here are largely student-friendly, meaning fast food and take-outs dominate the landscape, but date nights are great at Lagerheads on the river, offering steaks and crab cakes. Retail shopping is limited to the basics in this college town, though big box retail is available just south of the town's borders.