California , most populous state in the United States, located in the Far West; bordered by Oregon (N), Nevada and, across the Colorado River, Arizona (E), Mexico (S), and the Pacific Ocean (W). In 1776, Juan Bautista de Anza founded San Francisco, where he established a military outpost. The early colonists, called the Californios, lived a pastoral life and for the most part were not interfered with by the central government of New Spain (as the Spanish empire in the Americas was called) or later (1820s) by that of Mexico. The Californios did, however, become involved in local politics, as when Juan Bautista Alvarado led a revolt (1836) and made himself governor of Alta California, a position he later persuaded the Mexicans to let him keep. Under Mexican rule the missions were secularized (1833–34) and the Native Americans released from their servitude. The degradation of Native American peoples, which continued under Mexican rule and after U.S. settlers came to the area, was described by Helen Hunt Jackson in her novel Ramona (1884). Many mission lands were subsequently given to Californios, who established the great ranchos, vast cattle-raising estates. Colonization of California remained largely Mexican until the 1840s. California has an enormously productive economy, which for a nation would be one of the ten largest in the world. Although agriculture is gradually yielding to industry as the core of the state's economy, California leads the nation in the production of fruits and vegetables, including carrots, lettuce, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, and almonds. The state's most valuable crops are grapes, cotton, flowers, and oranges; dairy products, however, contribute the single largest share of farm income, and California is again the national leader in this sector. The state also produces the major share of U.S. domestic wine. California's farms are highly productive as a result of good soil, a long growing season, and the use of modern agricultural methods. Irrigation is critical, especially in the San Joaquin Valley and Imperial Valley. The gathering and packing of crops is done largely by seasonal migrant labor, primarily Mexicans. Fishing is another important industry.

Whatever lifestyle you choose you will find a great range of apartments for rent in California. Each city is made up of varied communities within the city with each having their own local flavor. California apartment rentals are as varied as the communities.

California is known as the Golden State. A state known for its diversity, one out of every four Californians has been born outside the United States giving it a cultural, racial, and ethnic richness. The world-class port and airport facilities of California are where goods enter the United States and a point of embarkation for American exports. California is known for its agriculture of vegetables and fruits. There is also diverse industry in California which includes electronic components and equipment, aerospace, film production, computers, software and tourism. There is a wide range of housing prices and apartment rentals in California.

With the warm climate, outdoor attractions can be enjoyed all year. The climate makes living in California very pleasurable and apartment rentals are available. Theme parks like Disneyland, resorts like Lake Tahoe, Hollywood, surfing, piers, museums and the beautiful Wine Country make California the most visited state in the U.S. California has over a thousand miles of beaches ranging from flat, sandy beaches to rocky shores. California is also home to immense mountains, deep canyons and huge sequoia groves.

Berkeley and UCLA are ranked among the leading universities of the world. Cal Tech is in the front ranks of science. Stanford University is a global leader of excellence, especially in medicine and engineering. California State University has 23 campuses and there are more than 100 two-year community colleges giving Californians an opportunity to have a good education in many disciplines. Students can find a wide range of apartments for rent in California as they pursue their education.