Truth be told, a lot of people plan and save to go on vacations at places that barely measure up to what Chesapeake Point has in spades. Laced along the tranquil Marina Lagoon of San Mateo, this lovely apartment community of town homes, single bedroom flats, and family sized cottages delivers a cozy, beachy joie de vivre to those in search of an idyllic and unique retreat to call home.

So who's been filling out change of address forms and moving in? Walk around Chesapeake Point Apartments in San Mateo and you'll see happy people walking their dogs, families enjoying an afternoon kayak trip on the marina, and couples getting together to grill something up before the sun goes down. It's a good collection of people - smart, sophisticated, and diverse. When it comes to amenities, the think-tank that came up with this dreamy homestead really outdid itself.

Close at hand are the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, downtown's eclectic scene, and easy access to all the crazy treasures peppered throughout the SF Bay area along with highway 101.