Those looking to rent a home in Turlock may have trouble finding an affordable unit as the shortage of units and desirability of the area means rent is often higher than surrounding communities.

Rent in California is also growing at nearly twice the national average according to Apartment List, a listing website that draws data from its several hundred thousand monthly listings. On a smaller scale, rent in Turlock is traditionally more expensive than surrounding communities due in part to quality public schools and good parks and recreation areas which make it a desirable area said Assistant to the City Manager for Housing and Economic Development Maryn Pitt.

 “Also, we just don’t have the supply that other communities have,” noted Pitt. “People are willing to pay more and we have a short supply so it’s driven the rent up.”

As host to California State University, Stanislaus Turlock has a range of smaller one or two bedroom rental units that are often snagged by students, which can make it difficult for smaller families or individuals on a budget to find accommodations. In 2007 Turlock had a total of 22,933 housing units, 13,395 of which were owner occupied and 9,538 were renter occupied according to the 2007 American Community Survey. The highest percentage of both owners and renters lived in single-family residences.

 The struggle single individuals and small families face when finding housing they can afford is revealed in the fact that there are 648 families on the waiting list for two and three bedroom apartments at Aveena Bella, the City of Turlock’s most recent affordable housing complex. Crane Terrace, which offers both affordable housing for seniors and market rate units as well, also has a waiting list and it has been in operation for more than 10 years.

“The median home price in Turlock is higher too,” said Pitt, noting that surrounding communities like Delhi, Winton, and Livingston are much lower.