Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA (101 Rentals)

Located in Santa Barbara County in Southern California, Santa Maria traces its rich history back to the Spanish colonial period. Initially occupied by the Chumash native tribe, conquistadors flooded the region during the 18th Century, establishing a mission in 1782 called Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. This pivotal religious and cultural institution played an essential role in the region. The township was surveyed in 1874 and became the County Seat a year later. People routinely gathered for festivals and oak ember barbecues. Santa Maria would emerge as a central location for cattle ranching and farming, before oil was discovered during the 20th Century. Today, it enjoys a thriving economy that blends modern occupations with ranchers and farmers who reside in the neighboring foothills.