Renting and Leasing
— 1200 Lakeshore
Located on historic Lake Merritt with spectacular views of the lake, Downtown Oakland, the Oakland Hills and the bay sits the luxurious 25-story 1200 Lakeshore, which rated 94 out of a possible 100. Here, spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom residences come with all the modern amenities and features demanding urban dwellers have come to expect. Recently renovated, the apartments large private decks and modern finishes in the kitchens and baths, including fine contemporary cabinetry, granite counters, new designer appliances and plush carpets. The amenities here will please all residents who enter its grand lobby entrance with 24-hour lobby attendants and also enjoy a resident lounge for entertaining or relaxing, a fully equipped fitness center, redwood sauna, professional business center and an outdoor garden courtyard, which complements the building’s pet-friendly policy. 1200 Lakeshore residents can walk to a convenient BART station and have easy access to the finest Oakland dining and shopping destinations. Plus a complimentary daily commuter breakfast creates the impression of living at a fine hotel. For more information, call (510) 834-1200 or visit www.1200lakeshore.com.

— Acappella Apartments
Scoring a high 94 out of 100, Acappella Apartments at the Crossing in San Bruno in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula introduces stylish contemporary luxury living. At Acappella, residents find one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments with a unique blend of timeless classic design and contemporary amenities. The residences have spacious walk-in closets, nine-foot ceilings, extra-large windows, granite countertops, custom cabinetry GE appliances in gourmet kitchens. Residents also enjoy inviting bathrooms, private patios or balconies, in-unit washer and dryer, prewired portals for state-of-the-art telecommunications and elegant ceramic tile flooring. Community amenities include a fully equipped fitness center, resort pool, whirlpool spa and modern grilling stations within a lushly landscaped interior courtyard. Walking distance to shops at Tanforan and Bayhill Plaza, Acappella is conveniently close to BART and CalTrain public transportation so residents have easy access to all of the fine shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural destinations available in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, call (866) 247-5812 or visit www.liveacappella.com.

— Archstone
In the heart of San Mateo, which is situated perfectly between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the Archstone apartment community rates an impressive 90 out of 100 to bring the best of the San Francisco Bay Area to its residents. The apartments are loaded with thoughtful features and upgraded finishes, including fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, crown molding and gourmet kitchens. Community amenities include a game room with billiards, shuffleboard and an amphitheatre; a business center and conference room; resort-style pool and spa; movie theater with stadium seating; and a state-of-the-art fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights and flat-screen TVs throughout. Situated in a beautiful park-like setting with picnic areas and barbeque grills, Archstone also has an on-site yogurt shop, plus great restaurants and quaint shops are right out the front door. For more information, call (866) 788-1332 or visit www.archstoneapartments.com.

AMENITIES GALORE
In addition to affordable rents in the area, amenities provided by many apartment complexes in the Bay Area are considered luxuries in other U.S. cities. Expect to find conveniences, such as disability access, some paid utilities, balconies or patios, cable-ready outlets, emergency maintenance, laundry facilities, outdoor pools, hot tubs and spas. Many have tennis courts, basketball facilities, billiard rooms, playgrounds and fitness facilities outfitted to rival private gyms. Also available at many complexes are limited-access gates, dry cleaners, detailed landscaping and basic cable TV. Some apartments have extravagant clubhouses with big-screen TVs, executive business centers, parking garages, sundecks, gazebos, elevators and video-monitored limited-access entries.

Interior features considered standard for most San Francisco apartments include heating, air conditioning, miniblinds, fully equipped kitchens with a dishwasher and multiple phone lines. Other features might include nine-foot ceilings, crown molding, oval garden tubs, bay windows, fireplaces or garages or covered parking. In addition, some communities have resident programs that include free and optional services, such as maids, concierges, aerobic classes, guest suites for visitors, free shuttle services and car detailing centers.

WHAT TO EXPECT
In San Francisco, it’s wise to arrive at every prospective rental prepared to write a deposit check to hold the property. Also bring a copy of your credit report for the building manager or leasing representative. Landlords will want references from your previous residences as well as your basic employment information. They can request only nonsmokers, they can prohibit pets other than a working dog, and they can bar you from having overnight guests for more than a certain number of nights per year.

   
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Chapters
Buying Your New Home Thanks to a sound economy, ...
Building Your Custom Dream Home Now that you are ...
Metropolitan Living Across the Bay East Bay is the ...
Learning From Kindergarten to College California’s public education system ...
Your Guide to Financing and Mortgage Although a newcomer ...
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Protecting Your Family and Property in San Francisco Once ...
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RURAL PLEASURES NEAR THE URBAN CENTER The North Bay ...
A DIVERSE COMMUNITY IN THE BAY AREA The Peninsula ...
Planning and Managing Your Move It’s been a hectic ...
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