Elements Apartments Santa Maria: What Renters Discover

Last Updated: Written by Isadora Leal Campos
elements apartments santa maria what renters discover
elements apartments santa maria what renters discover
Table of Contents

Elements Apartments Santa Maria: Quick Facts and Value Verdict

Elements Apartments Santa Maria is a new-construction, 167-unit mid-rise community at 3519 Mercury Dr in Santa Maria, CA, offering studios through 3-bedroom townhomes with rents from $1,795 to $3,800/month and a RATED 8.5/10 for amenities, location, and price value. Built in 2023 with 5 stories and family/pet-friendly features including a rooftop spa deck, outdoor kitchen, dog park, and fitness center, it sits next to Waller Park and the Santa Maria Airport with walkable access to award-winning schools, restaurants, and wine tasting bars.

Location and Neighborhood Context

Elements Apartments occupies a strategic prime Santa Maria location in Santa Barbara County, directly adjacent to Waller Park and the Santa Maria Airport, giving residents quick access to recreation, aviation-related employment, and major roadways like Highway 1. The community falls within the highly regarded 93455 ZIP Code, known for award-winning schools that serve families seeking quality education alongside modern housing. Nearby amenities include cafes, wine tasting bars, and full-service restaurants, creating a walkable urban-village feel uncommon in Central Coast California.

elements apartments santa maria what renters discover
elements apartments santa maria what renters discover

Rental Pricing and Unit Mix

Elements Apartments offers a diverse unit portfolio spanning studios to 3-bedroom townhomes, with monthly rents ranging from $1,795 for a 462 sq ft studio to $3,800 for a 1,371 sq ft 3-bedroom townhome with garage. This pricing sits above Santa Maria's 2026 average rent of $1,982/month but delivers premium new-construction finishes and amenities that justify the 10-20% premium over older inventory.

Unit Type Bed/Bath Square Feet Rent Range (Monthly) Units Available
Studio 0/1 462 $1,795 - $2,100 3
1 Bedroom 1/1 619 $2,295 - $2,500 6
3 Bedroom (D4) 3/3 1,263 $3,195 - $3,600 Available
3 Bedroom + Garage (D2) 3/3 1,371 $3,495 - $3,800 Available

Amenities and Community Features

Elements Apartments distinguishes itself with resort-style amenities including a rooftop spa deck, fire pits, outdoor kitchen, dog park and pet spa, children's playground, secure indoor bike storage, fitness center, and a artistically designed lobby with meeting room. Every unit includes washer/dryer hookups, keyless door locks, and fiber/internet readiness, while select units offer attached garages and covered parking.

  • Rooftop spa deck and sun deck with panoramic Central Coast views
  • Outdoor kitchen and community game room for social gatherings
  • Dog park, dog wash, and pet spa for pet owners
  • Secure package room and indoor bike racks for urban convenience
  • Fitness center and children's playground for family lifestyle

Development Background and Financial Backing

Elements Apartments is a 2023 new-construction project funded by a $34.8 million construction loan from Thorofare Capital, signaling strong institutional confidence in Santa Maria's rental market. The 5-story, 167-unit mid-rise represents one of the newest Class-A apartment communities in Santa Barbara County, designed to attract young professionals, aviation workers, and families drawn to modern amenities and school quality.

Who Should Consider Elements Apartments?

Elements Apartments is ideal for families seeking schools, young professionals working near the airport or Highway 1 corridor, and pet owners who value resort-style amenities without driving to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo. The community's proximity to Waller Park, award-winning schools, and wine country tastings makes it especially attractive to those balancing urban convenience with Central Coast lifestyle.

  1. Families prioritizing access to top-rated Santa Maria schools within walking distance
  2. Aviation industry workers commuting to Santa Maria Airport or nearby facilities
  3. Pet owners needing on-site dog park, pet spa, and pet-friendly leasing
  4. Young professionals seeking new-construction finishes and rooftop social spaces
  5. Renters valuing walkable access to restaurants, cafes, and wine tasting bars

Competitive Comparison: Elements vs. Santa Maria Average

Compared to the broader Santa Maria rental market, Elements Apartments commands a premium price but delivers disproportionate value through new construction, amenities density, and community rating. While the average 1-bedroom in Santa Maria rents for $2,292+, Elements' 1-bedroom at $2,295-$2,500 includes modern finishes, keyless entry, and rooftop access that older buildings lack.

Metric Elements Apartments Santa Maria Average Variance
Average 1-Bed Rent $2,295 - $2,500 $2,292+ +0.1% to +9%
Community Rating 8.5/10 N/A Exceptional
Year Built 2023 Varies (many 1980s-1990s) New construction
Pet-Friendly Yes (dog park + spa) Varies Superior

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Is Elements Apartments Worth It?

Elements Apartments Santa Maria delivers strong value for premium-seekers willing to pay 10-20% above market average for new-construction quality, resort amenities, and an 8.5/10 community rating in a walkable, school-rich neighborhood. For families, pet owners, and professionals prioritizing modern living over budget constraints, it represents one of the best Class-A rental options on Santa Maria's Central Coast.

Everything you need to know about Elements Apartments Santa Maria What Renters Discover

What is the exact address and office hours?

Elements Apartments is located at 3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93455; the leasing office operates Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM and is closed Saturday-Sunday.

Is Elements Apartments worth the price compared to Santa Maria averages?

Yes-while rents are 10-20% above Santa Maria's $1,982/month average, Elements delivers new-construction quality, 2023-built amenities, and an 8.5/10 community rating that older complexes cannot match.

When was Elements Apartments built?

Elements Apartments was completed and opened in 2023 as a new-construction mid-rise with 167 units across 5 stories.

What is the lease term at Elements Apartments?

Elements Apartments offers 12-month lease terms as the standard option for all unit types.

Is parking included or available?

Yes-select units include attached garages, and covered parking is available for select units; additional secure indoor bike storage is provided for all residents.

Are utilities included in the rent?

No-rent does not include utilities; residents pay separately for electricity, gas, water, and internet, though units are fiber/internet-ready.

What is the pet policy at Elements Apartments?

Elements Apartments is a pet-friendly community with an on-site dog park, dog wash, and pet spa; specific pet rent and deposit details require contacting the leasing office.

How do I schedule a tour?

Call 608-3621 or visit the leasing office at 3519 Mercury Dr during Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; 3D Matterport tours are also available online.

Explore More Similar Topics
Average reader rating: 4.3/5 (based on 93 verified internal reviews).
I
Editorial Strategist

Isadora Leal Campos

Isadora Leal Campos is an editorial strategist and former correspondent for O Estado de S. Paulo's education desk. She earned a BA in Journalism from USP and a specialization in Latin American Education Narratives from the University of Chile.

View Full Profile