Apartments for Rent in Watsonville, CA - Rated by Verified Residents

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Average rent in Watsonville, CA

$2,200/mo Watsonville, CA average rental price, March 2025

The average monthly rent of apartments in Watsonville, CA is $2,200.

Watsonville, CA apartment rent ranges

Watsonville, CA rent trends

Check out the average rent prices in Watsonville by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,755, the average rent in Watsonville, CA is $2,200.

Getting around in Watsonville, CA

50 /100

Somewhat Walkable

37 /100

Some Transit

68 /100

Bikeable

Walk Score®: 50, Transit Score®: 37, Bike Score®: 68

Frequently asked questions

When were prices and availability in Watsonville, CA last updated?

Prices and availability in Watsonville, CA were last updated on 19 Apr 2025.

What are the best apartments in Watsonville, CA?

The best apartments in Watsonville, CA are: Garden Hill Apartments, 44 Hill Ave., 611 Tuttle Ave., 116 -120 Elm St. and Vista Montana Apartments.

What is the average rent in Watsonville, CA?

The average rent in Watsonville, CA is $2,309.

What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Watsonville, CA?

The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in Watsonville, CA is between $1,937 and $7,471.

What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Watsonville, CA?

The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in Watsonville, CA is between $1,903 and $6,121.

What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Watsonville, CA?

The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in Watsonville, CA is between $1,903 and $7,471.

What type of rental buildings are in Watsonville, CA?

In Watsonville, 56% of the residents are renting compared to 44% owning a home, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large-scale apartment buildings with more than 50 units represent 11% of Watsonville’s rentals, 47% are small-scale complexes with under 50 units, and 40% are single-family rentals.

What do typical apartment communities look like in Watsonville, CA?

The average age of rental buildings in Watsonville is 33 years old, with 45% being newer apartment buildings completed since 2000. The average height of apartment buildings in the city is 2 stories, of which all are garden-style apartment communities, none are mid-sized buildings, and none are high-rises. These characteristics describe large-scale apartment communities of 50 apartments or more.

What apartment floorplans are common in Watsonville, CA?

Studio apartments in Watsonville are around 6% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 28% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 38% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.

Living in Watsonville, CA

Watsonville is a small town in central California located near the Pacific Coast. It's approximately 20 miles southeast of Santa Cruz and 45 miles south of San Jose, and many local renters commute to these two cities. Watsonville is a quiet, laidback town that is known as a farming community and a major agricultural distribution center. The town was originally settled by Spanish explorers in the late 18th century and was briefly part of Mexico. Many historic buildings from this era remain in Watsonville's charming downtown. Renters in Watsonville love the area's mild, temperate weather, as well as the many outdoor activities available nearby. For instance, Sunset State Beach is just 10 minutes away, and there's plenty of hiking to check out in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. Additionally, there are five golf courses within a 30-minute drive of Watsonville, as well as many festivals and events for renters to check out during the summer months, including regular farmers' markets, the Strawberry Festival and arts festivals.

Renting in Watsonville, CA

The rental market in Watsonville consists mostly of single-family homes, although there are a few apartments in the area, too. There's also a variety of unique historic buildings in Watsonville, many of which feature classic Spanish Colonial architecture styles. Ranch homes and more contemporary architecture are also common for rental properties in Watsonville, and the downtown area is somewhat walkable, while suburban neighborhoods are more spread out. Notably, rental prices in Watsonville are much more affordable than those in larger nearby cities, like San Jose. However, rents here are still more expensive than the national average. Additionally, demand for apartments in the area is high, so you're likely to face some competition when applying.

Shopping in Watsonville, CA

Shopping options for Watsonville renters are limited, but you'll still be able to pick up all of your essentials here. Specifically, major shops with locations in Watsonville include Target and Ross. There are also many locally owned shops in downtown Watsonville, and local renters have plenty of grocery options to choose from, as well. This includes major chains, like Safeway and Grocery Outlet, as well as a variety of locally owned markets, many of which carry traditional Mexican and South American ingredients. Otherwise, for more shopping options, Watsonville renters can travel to nearby Santa Cruz. The nearest indoor mall is the Capitola Mall, which features a mix of department stores and boutiques. Plus, downtown Santa Cruz also has a large shopping district with unique shops that renters won't find elsewhere.

Transportation in Watsonville, CA

Driving is the easiest way to get around Watsonville and most renters in the area have cars. Accordingly, most apartments in the area have driveways, although not all rentals offer covered parking. Here, Route 1 runs through the west side of Watsonville and connects the town directly with Santa Cruz, making commuting easy for local renters. Many renters in Watsonville also opt to bike, as the area has excellent weather and a large network of bike trails and routes. Alternatively, for renters who don't have cars, the Santa Cruz Metro runs several bus routes in Watsonville, some of which connect to downtown Santa Cruz. Or, the Watsonville Circulator bus provides more frequent service through town to connect key destinations. Finally, the nearest CalTrain station is located in Gilroy, which is 30 minutes away from Watsonville and connects renters to public transit options throughout the Bay Area.

Look for apartments near me

Are you looking to land that one apartment near you that ticks all the boxes? Now you can browse through available RentCafe apartment listings in your area, rated and reviewed by verified residents. Comparing the size, price, amenities and location of apartments for rent near you is easier than ever. Do you feel like expanding the search beyond your neighborhood and ZIP code? Browse apartments for rent in your city and state to find the best fit, wherever you are in the U.S. Somewhere out there is the perfect apartment just waiting for you.

Whether you're looking for a studio, an apartment with one or more bedrooms, or maybe you're upgrading to a luxury apartment or need to acommodate a pet, RentCafe allows you to easily search for a rental near you based on your criteria, anywhere in the U.S. So, let's find your new home today!

RentCafe is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in Watsonville, CA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in Watsonville, CA, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse Watsonville, CA apartments with rents starting from $1,903 and submit your rental application today!

Finding a home nearby is easier than you think. Check out our Apartments Near Me page and take your pick!

1 BED	Ask for Pricing
2 BEDS	$2,580+
3 BEDS	$3,153+

2 BEDS	Ask for Pricing
3 BEDS	Ask for Pricing
4 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

1 BED	$1,937
2 BEDS	$2,308

2 BEDS	$1,903
3 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

STUDIO	$2,250
2 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

1 BED	$2,156+
2 BEDS	$2,542

Apartments for Rent in Watsonville, CA 50 Rentals Available

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