About Us | History and Leadership | Essex Property Trust

Our mission is to create quality communities in premier locations and our vision is to provide great communities in which to live, work and invest.

We are Essex—the proven leader in West Coast apartments. We are a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily apartment communities located in supply-constrained markets. With a commitment to the vibrant coastal economies in which we operate, we continually push to innovate, improve, and add value to the lives of our residents, associates, and shareholders.

The Essex Difference

Essex Apartments Great Communities

Great Places to Live

We know every resident is unique; that's why we provide flexible lease terms to fit to your needs. You can move in when you please and stay as long as you like. With Essex, you get a one-of-a-kind living experience that provides convenience and peace of mind.

Essex Apartments Sustainable Living

Sustainable Living

At Essex, sustainability and corporate social responsibility ("CSR") impact all aspects of our business and contribute to the success of the company. We take full responsibility for our impact on the planet, which is why we work tirelessly to uphold our CSR goals: providing great communities in which to live, offering a positive place to work, and reducing our environmental footprint across our organization.

Essex Apartment Giving Back

Community Involvement

We care about social impact as much as a solid balance sheet. With a range of programs, fundraisers, and charitable partnerships, we work to build a better, stronger community that connects both residents and their surrounding neighborhoods. At Essex, we believe that making a difference is the best way to make yourself at home.

Shareholder Services and Information

Essex is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily apartment communities located in supply-constrained markets. The Essex portfolio is concentrated along the West Coast, including Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Seattle metropolitan area. Please see the general Company Presentation for additional information about the Essex portfolio.

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Business History

Through a proven investment strategy grounded by research and discipline, we have evolved from a small real estate company to an industry leader over the past five decades.

1971

George M. Marcus founded Essex

1994

Essex Property Trust goes public (NYSE: ESS) at $19.50 per share

2004

Obtains investment grade rating

2014

ESS closes $16B merger with BRE Properties and is added to the S&P 500 Index

2019

ESS celebrates 25th year as a public company

2020

Achieves S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat status

2021

ESS celebrates 50th anniversary since the company was founded

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