San Rafael Apartments for Rent

Find Your New Apartment Home in San Rafael!

San Rafael is a luscious, green North Bay community in Marin County, California. Nestled in its own secluded section of shoreline and located between the big city and wine country, this small city of 58,000 is a dream hometown. Apartments are available in San Rafael, surrounded by the hills and palms of northern California, and MyNewPlace has the tools to help you find your ideal apartment.

In addition to offering tools to help you select the right apartment by size, location, and amenities, MyNewPlace can help you find a rental that fits your budget. We've collected and plotted apartment rental trends in San Rafael so you can match quotes you've been given to area averages to make sure you're getting the best deal. budget? Check out some of the links below to filter out rentals that you know are out of your price range.

Living in San Rafael

The rolling hills, established trees, and mild climate make San Rafael an enticing place to live. It's population of 58,000 and close proximity to the greater San Francisco Bay Area means residents can enjoy a small town feel without having to give up access to the benefits available in a large metropolitan area. This is also a great place to raise a family. The award-winning San Rafael City Schools operate 13 locations throughout town. Plus the cool, Mediterranean climate lends itself to the many gorgeous, cultivated parks in the city and surrounding hills. The city boasts many distinct neighborhoods, giving you a variety of options when searching for your new apartment. Whether you'd prefer living downtown and next to the water, or on the outskirts of town, no matter where you live, you're privy to gorgeous landscape and stunning natural beauty.

Historical San Rafael

In 1817, the Mission in San Francisco commissioned Mission San Rafael Arcangel, a hospital for the Miwok Native American tribe. But by 1844, possession of the San Rafael Mission had changed hands, and then the establishment was closed. It wasn't until the 1880s, when major railroads through the area were built, that San Rafael started to become what it is today. The iconic Mission that served as the town center was reconstructed in 1949 and modeled after the original; it is the now the most popular landmark in the city.

Films, Video Games, and Software

You’ve discovered a surprising hotbed for the entertainment industry, spurred largely by the residency of filmmaker George Lucas who rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s. That was when Star Wars and Indiana Jones, along with his production company Lucasfilm Limited, became popular. Lucasfilm spawned numerous other companies like LucasArts, which creates video games based on Lucas' films, and THX, the apex in high-quality audio and video replication. Many scenes from Lucas' film American Graffiti were filmed here, as were scenes from the film Gattaca. Several video game companies are headquartered in the city as well, including Visual Concepts, Totally Games, and Telltale Games.

A Short Trip to Wine Country

You could be living less than an hour's drive from Napa Valley, the most celebrated and visited wine country in North America. In addition to the fine vineyards that dot the gorgeous, rolling countryside, it's a popular destination due to the sightseeing, dining, golf, and spa resorts. Boutiques include art galleries and antique shops, and there are even regular farmers’ markets. From your apartment in San Rafael, Napa Valley is a perfect weekend getaway.