The Most Transit-Friendly Neighborhoods Near WNBA Finals Stadiums and What It Costs to Live There

Fans are hyped as the WNBA Finals are here with the first game Saturday, October 17 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries. As the two teams battle it out in a best-of-seven series across Atlanta and San Francisco, thousands of fans will head to State Farm Arena and Chase Center, day after day, game after game.

This WNBA Finals is shaping up to be one for the history books. The Golden State Valkyries hit the court for their first time as an expansion team in 2025 and have already made it to the finals in their second season. The Atlanta Dream won’t make it easy as they’ve returned to the finals for the first time since 2013, riding a 5-0 playoff and a 10-game win streak.

Some fans make cross-country trips to cheer on their home team, while others live in neighborhoods that put them a quick journey from tip-off. Find out which neighborhoods actually make it easy to catch the WNBA Finals without a car, and what it costs to live there.

Where and When the 2026 WNBA Finals Are Being Held

The first game between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries tips off in San Francisco at the Chase Center. Games 1 and 2 will be held there, while Atlanta hosts Games 3 and 4. Since it is a best-of-seven series, if needed, games 5-7 will be alternate cities. The full schedule is:

*If necessary

While fans have already cleared the hurdle of getting tickets, the next defense they have to break through is getting to the stadium.

How to Get to the Chase Center Without a Car — What Muni Metro Rail Actually Gets You

Muni’s T Third line running straight past Chase Center’s doorstep is about as close to a fast break you’ll get when it comes to public transit. It drops you off right at UCSF/Chase Center (16^th Street), close enough to the stadium that you won’t have to worry about the ref calling you for traveling.

If you’re coming in from out of town, the closest Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) stations are Powell Street and 16^th Street Mission. You’ll have to pass yourself to the T Third Line from Powell Street, or go for a breakaway on the 78X bus from 16^th Street Mission to finish the last leg of the journey.

Best Neighborhoods Near Chase Center with Easy Transit Access

Since the T Third Line drops you off right in front of Chase Center, every neighborhood along that line gives residents a clear shot at the basket.

Mission Bay

• Average rent in Mission Bay: $5,107/month
• Estimated travel time to Chase Center: 6-8 minutes
• T Line directions: Third Street & Mission Rock Street, 4^th Street & King Street, or 4^th Street & Brannan to UCSF/Chase Center (16^th Street)
• Transit score: 100/100

Mission Bay gives residents home court advantage as it is the neighborhood where Chase Center is located. Renters on the south side of Mission Creek can walk to the stadium. It’s just as easy for northern residents. There’s no need to break past a brick wall defense; the T Third Line provides a direct path to the basket. Depending on your starting point, you can board at Third Street & Mission Rock Street for the next stop, 4th Street & King Street for two stops, or 4th Street & Brannan for three stops to UCSF/Chase Center (16th Street).

The neighborhood isn’t just for basketball fans, but also baseball lovers. Oracle Park provides a San Francisco Bay backdrop to a San Francisco Giants game. Or residents can even take to the basketball court themselves by heading to the blacktop at Mission Creek Park North, reachable via waterfront paths along the creek. And if a pickup game works up an appetite, there are plenty of restaurants nearby to carry the day right into tipoff.

Dogpatch

• Average rent in Dogpatch: $4,860/month
• Estimated travel time to Chase Center: 9-10 minutes
• T Line directions: Third Street & 23rd Street, Third Street & 20th Street, UCSF Medical Center (Mariposa) to UCSF/Chase Center (16^th Street)
• Transit score: 100/100

Just down the court from Chase Center, Dogpatch is about as close as you can get without paying the higher rent prices of Mission Bay. It’s close enough that the streets fill with Valkyries jerseys, and whether you’re riding it or just watching it roll past, the T Line is packed with just as much love for the team.

Depending on your station, Chase Center is never more than a three-pointer away; three stops from Third Street & 23rd Street, two from Third Street & 20th Street, or a direct dunk from UCSF Medical Center (Mariposa). Beat the crowds by heading in early and exploring the converted warehouses and factories that now house breweries and galleries, or take it slow and enjoy the waterfront views.

SoMa

• Average rent in SoMa: $3,969/month
• Estimated travel time to Chase Center: 10 minutes
• T Line directions: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station to UCSF/Chase Center (16^th Street)
• Transit score: 100/100

SoMa has a full roster of museums, restaurants, and shops within its converted warehouses and contemporary buildings, all cross-court from the T Third Line on 4th Street. From there, it’s just four stops to Chase Center. The neighborhood’s low rent prices are the kind of slam dunk that makes the slightly longer trip worth it.

South Beach

• Average rent in South Beach: $4,600/month
• Estimated travel time to Chase Center: 12 minutes
• T Line stops: Yerba Buena/Moscone Station to UCSF/Chase Center (16^th Street)
• Transit score: 100/100

South Beach keeps you the closest to Downtown San Francisco. It wraps around Transbay, so renters in the blocks between 2^nd and 3^rd Street get the closest shot to the T Third Line. You’ll hop on at Yerba Buena/Moscone Station and then go four stops to Chase Center. That stretch also puts you next to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Moscone Center, and Yerba Buena Gardens, right in the heart of the cultural hub that is Yerba Buena.

MARTA to State Farm Arena — Atlanta’s More Direct Option

With the SEC District MARTA station right in State Farm Arena’s shadow, trips to the stadium don’t require breaking past a tough defense. Merely hop on the Blue or Green Lines and you’ll be at the stadium in a couple stops. Those eastbound will take the Blue (Indian Creek) or Green (Edgewood/Candler Park) Lines, while those westbound will take Blue (Hamilton E. Holmes) or Green (Bankhead) Lines.

For those coming from the north or south, you’ll have to pass the ball as you need to transfer from the Red or Gold Lines at Five Points Station to the westbound Blue (Hamilton E. Holmes) or Green (Bankhead) Lines. From there, it’s only one stop to the SEC District.

Best Neighborhoods Near State Farm Arena with Easy Transit Access

While getting to State Farm Arena is possible from any neighborhood along a MARTA line, the obvious three-pointer is living on the Blue or Green Lines since there’s no transfer required.

Centennial Yards

• Average rent in Centennial Yards: $2,547/month
• Estimated travel time to State Farm Arena: 3 minutes
• MARTA directions: Five Points to SEC District
• Transit score: 100/100

Centennial Yards is center court in Downtown Atlanta, with Five Points Station positioned right at the jump circle, ready for tipoff. Walking to State Farm Arena is an option, but the quicker play is riding MARTA from Five Points to the SEC District, which also puts you right near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The neighborhood isn’t just great for stadium access, but also pre-game entertainment. Centennial Yard has Underground Atlanta, along with numerous restaurants and shops lining its streets. For a full slate of fun, Centennial Olympic Park and Pemberton Place, home to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, are within walking distance.

Oakland

• Average rent in Oakland: $1,600/month
• Estimated travel time to State Farm Arena: 5 minutes
• MARTA directions: King Memorial to SEC District
• Transit score: 90/100

Following the curve of the railroad tracks, Oakland isn’t huge as it’s comprised mainly of apartment communities. To reach King Memorial station, use a crossover to split past the railroad tracks by heading underneath them on Hill or Grant Street. Then, it’s just three stops to the SEC District. Even though Oakland sits just minutes from the stadium, it feels like an entirely different ball game, with converted factories turned lofts sitting next to modern mid-rises creating a history-meets-the-present vibe.

Inman Park

• Average rent in Inman Park: $2,109/month
• Estimated travel time to State Farm Arena: 7 minutes
• MARTA directions: Inman Park/Reynoldstown to SEC District
• Transit score: 50/100

Inman Park may be known for being a historic and charming neighborhood, but it also offers easy access to State Farm Arena. Between Krog Street and Little Five Points, there’s plenty to keep you entertained without ever leaving the neighborhood, and when you’re ready for game day at State Farm Arena in downtown, MARTA has you covered as it’s just five stops to the SEC District.

The Inman Park/Reynoldstown station sits on the south side of the neighborhood, but the Beltline, connector paths, and sidewalks set up an easy assist to the platform. Inman Park has the entertainment of Krog Street and Little Five Points in addition to easy access to downtown via MARTA, including State Farm Arena.

Reynoldstown

• Average rent in Reynoldstown: $1,856/month
• Estimated travel time to State Farm Arena: 7 minutes
• MARTA directions: Inman Park/Reynoldstown to SEC District
• Transit score: 60/100

On the other sides of the tracks from Inman Park is Reynoldstown. It shares the same MARTA station, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, so it’s just four stops until you can join the action at the game. The station is on the neighborhood’s northern border, which is why many residents drive over and park there before catching MARTA to State Farm Arena. The station technically sits across the tracks, but a pedestrian bridge connects it to Reynoldstown, making the walk over as easy as a free throw.

Edgewood

• Average rent in Edgewood: $1,656/month
• Estimated travel time to State Farm Arena: 9 minutes
• MARTA directions: Edgewood/Candler Park to SEC District
• Transit score: 40/100

Edgewood requires the longest MARTA trip at five stops, but it’s easier than sinking a three pointer. The train steadily fills with fans sporting Atlanta Dream jerseys, so you’ll get swept up in the energy even before you reach the stadium. The neighborhood runs from DeKalb Avenue to I-20, and with the Edgewood/Candler Park MARTA station in the north part of the neighborhood, across a dedicated walkway, residents there have easy access to the train and, thus, State Farm Arena.

Find Your Home Just a Few Stops Away From Your Game Day Seat

Catching a game live is unforgettable, but living close to the action all season is even better. Whether you’re chasing the Valkyries down the T Third Line or riding MARTA to catch the Dream in action, Apartments.com can help you find a place in the neighborhoods that keep you closest to the buzzer. Browse listings in Mission Bay, Dogpatch, Centennial Yards, and more to start your search for a rental that puts the Finals, and every season after it, just a quick ride away.