Apartment Size in California: Where to Find the Most Spacious New Rentals

With its stunning coastlines, iconic cities, and diverse landscapes, California has long been a magnet for renters seeking an exciting and fulfilling lifestyle. From the tech hubs of Silicon Valley to the entertainment mecca of Los Angeles, California cities offer unparalleled opportunities for career growth, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventures.

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder people are drawn to the Golden State. But where can renters find the roomiest apartments in the state? If you too are wondering about the typical apartment size in California cities, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the top five California cities with the largest new apartments (built between 2014 and 2023) and see if Los Angeles makes the list.

Fresno has the largest new apartments in California

Renters looking for spacious new apartments in California should consider Fresno, where new apartments built between 2014 and 2023 average an impressive 1,007 square feet. That’s more than the national average apartment size (916 square feet) and the typical units built in Fresno before 2014, which average 881 square feet. So, if you’re looking to move to California and apartment size is a top priority, Fresno is a great place to start your search.

Renter life in Fresno offers a mix of urban amenities and easy access to natural wonders. Plus, living here means you can explore the city’s thriving arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and numerous parks and green spaces. With its central location, Fresno is also a gateway to iconic destinations like Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, making it an ideal home base for outdoor enthusiasts.

Irvine

Second on our list is Irvine, where new apartments average 893 square feet. While this is slightly below the nation’s average apartment size, it’s still enough to make living in this Orange County destination worthwhile. Oh, and did we mention you’re just a stone’s throw away from Disneyland?

With its master-planned communities, top-rated schools, and low crime rates, Irvine is a popular choice for families and professionals seeking a high quality of life. The city boasts plenty of parks, hiking trails, and bike paths, as well as a thriving business district and easy access to nearby beaches.

San Jose

A Silicon Valley city might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about apartment size in California — yet, here we are. New apartments in San Jose average 883 square feet, which is 57 square feet larger than the average size of apartments built before 2014. So, if you’re looking for a spacious new apartment in the Bay Area, San Jose is a solid choice.

San Jose is a globally known hub for tech innovation and career opportunities. So, when techies are not in their apartments enjoying the extra legroom, they can immerse themselves in the city’s bustling downtown, which features a variety of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. If you’re not the social butterfly type, know that the city also offers easy access to outdoor recreation, with numerous parks and trails, as well as proximity to the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Coast.

Anaheim

Speaking of Disneyland, in Anaheim, new apartments average 877 square feet, which is 46 square feet larger than the average size of rentals built before 2014. This makes Anaheim another great option for renters prioritizing apartment size in California.

Anaheim is best known as the home of Disneyland Resort, but the city offers much more than just theme park thrills. A downtown stroll means access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city also boasts numerous parks, sports facilities, and easy access to nearby beaches and mountains. This makes Anaheim not only a great place in California for roomy apartments, but also an attractive option for renters seeking a balance of urban amenities and outdoor recreation.

San Diego

If you appreciate extra apartment space as well as life by the beach, San Diego is the “it” place. Here, apartments built between 2014 and 2023 average 865 square feet, a 33-square-foot uptick compared to older pads.

San Diego’s laidback lifestyle, perfect weather, and beautiful beaches make it a dream destination for many renters. The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, from the downtown — the city’s culture hub — to the quirky charm of Hillcrest and the beachside paradise of La Jolla. Other things renters might appreciate in San Diego are the year-round outdoor activities, a thriving craft beer scene, and a rich cultural landscape that includes museums, theaters, and music venues.

What about apartment size in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a top rental hotspot and apartment hunters can still find relatively spacious new apartments here. Specifically, the average apartment size in Los Angeles is 800 square feet, way below the national average of 916 square feet but above rentals in San Francisco, which average 756 square feet.

So, when it comes to apartment size in California, renters have several cities to choose from if they’re looking for more generous floor spaces. Fresno tops the list with the largest new apartments, followed by Irvine, San Jose, Anaheim, and San Diego. Even in competitive markets like Los Angeles, new apartments tend to be larger than older units.

Searching for rentals on the East Coast? Check out the size of apartments in New York City.