11 Best Neighborhoods in Alameda, CA: A Comprehensive Guide

11 Best Neighborhoods in Alameda, CA Featured Image

Alameda is a city in California located on the eastern side of San Francisco Bay. It is home to approximately 80,000 residents and is known for its historic district, naval air station, and abundance of parks and beaches.

It’s about 7 miles from downtown San Francisco and is accessible via the Bay Bridge. The city is bisected by a narrow strait that connects the bay with the Pacific Ocean. The city’s western half is on an island, while the eastern half is on the mainland.

Also, Alameda is connected to Oakland and Berkeley by bridges and to San Francisco by a tunnel. The city is home to various cultural and recreational amenities and boasts some of the best neighborhoods in the area.

Alameda Neighborhood Facts and Figures

  • Alameda neighborhoods are situated in a temperate climate zone. The city experiences mild winters and warm summers, with average temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the high 80s. The city also experiences a fair amount of rainfall yearly during the winter months.
  • Alameda has a diverse economy, with some significant employers within its borders. These include the Alameda Naval Air Station, the Oakland Zoo, and Kaiser Permanente.
  • The median household income in Alameda, CA was $106,737 in 2020, higher than the national average of $64,994.
  • Alameda is served by the AC Transit bus system and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train system. Major highways that run through Alameda neighborhoods include Interstate 880, State Route 61, and State Route 26.
  • The city also has several historical landmarks, including the USS Hornet Museum, the Alameda Museum, and the Hubble House.
  • Alameda is considered a safe city, with a crime rate significantly lower than the national average. The city’s violent crime rate is only 1.3 per 100,000 residents, while its property crime rate is 9.4 per 100,000 residents.
  • As of July 22, 2022, the unemployment rate in Alameda is 2.9%.

Alameda Population Figures

The population of Alameda is diverse and has been steadily increasing over the past few years. According to the most recent U.S. census, the ethnic makeup of Alameda is 45.92% White, 31.83% Asian, 7.06% African American, and 12.78% Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

Alameda Population Figures

The city’s population is also well-educated, with over 28.67% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Alameda's Real Estate

Alameda's Real Estate

The cost of living in Alameda is quite high, as there are several upscale neighborhoods in this area. The median home price in the city is over $1 million, and the median rent is over $2,500. However, there are also some more affordable neighborhoods.

The city has a robust real estate market, with prices remaining high or increasing in most areas. If you want to buy a house in Alameda, it is essential to be aware of the city’s zoning regulations. These regulations can limit the size and style of homes to be constructed and the number of cars that can be parked on a property.

These regulations are designed to help protect the character of Alameda’s neighborhoods. As a result, families often compete fiercely for the limited number of homes that come on the market each year. 

If you want to buy a home in Alameda, CA without going through this stress, I’d be happy to help you find a property that meets your desires.

Local Cafés, Restaurants, and Bars

Alameda is a charming and foot-friendly city with plenty of local cafés, restaurants, and bars to please any palate. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Alameda neighborhoods.

For coffee lovers, there’s Blue Bottle Coffee in the Park Street Business District, Catahoula Coffee Company on Webster Street, and Philz Coffee in the South Shore Center. 

Alameda also has some great places to eat, including Bo’s Kitchen & Bar Room on Park Street, La Penca Azul, Cerrone’s Restaurant on Central Avenue, Pakwan Indian Cuisine, and Ozumo Japanese Restaurant.

And for a night out on the town, Alameda neighborhoods have places like Club 21, Rudy’s Pub & Grill, and The Hatch Oakland on Encinal Avenue to keep you entertained.

Alameda Schools

Alameda is served by the Alameda Unified School District, which includes nine elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools. The district also has several charter and private schools.

Notable public schools in Alameda include Alameda High School which ranked 184th in California, Encinal High School, and Alameda Science and Technology Institute. This public charter school specializes in STEM education.

Alameda Schools
w:National Register of Historic Places listings in Alameda County, California. Alameda High School, 2200 Central Ave, Alameda, CA. Photographed August 9, 2009 from the north side of Central Ave. between Oak and Walnut Sts. Alameda High School auditorium, one of three buildings that were built circa 1926–1928. [1] [2] The architecture, designed by local architect Carl Werner, is designed in the early-twentieth-century Neo-Classical Revival style. [1] Camera location 37° 45′ 55.56″ N, 122° 14′ 44″ W View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America. Its reference number is 77000280.

Faria Elementary School, part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Oakland, and The Academy of Alameda, a college preparatory school, are some of the notable private schools in the city.

Higher education institutions in Alameda include the College of Alameda, a two-year community college, and the University of California Cooperative Extension.

Alameda Resources

The city boasts several parks, as well as a variety of recreational facilities. In addition, Alameda has public libraries and senior centers, providing residents with access to books, movies, and educational programs.

Alameda has some community organizations that offer residents various services, such as the Alameda Food Bank and the Alameda Humane Society. These organizations make it easy for residents to get involved in their community and make a difference.

The local government also supports community gardening, with several community gardens located throughout the city. These gardens provide residents access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a sense of community.

Alameda County Transportation Commission also contributes to Alameda by providing residents access to public transportation.

What Are the Top Benefits of Living in Alameda?

What Are the Top Benefits of Living in Alameda?

Alameda is a beautiful city to call home. There are many reasons why this is true, but some of the top benefits remain that Alameda has a great location. Because it is situated right next to Oakland, this city provides residents with easy access to all that the Bay Area has to offer. The weather is perfect for those who don’t enjoy extreme temperatures.

Alameda also has a diverse population, creating a tolerant and vibrant community. The city is also known for its excellent schools – one of the main reasons families choose to move here. Public schools are consistently ranked among the top 10% in the state, and private schools are also highly regarded.

Moreover, there are plenty of things to do in Alameda, from exploring the waterfront to visiting the many parks and museums.

What Makes Each Neighborhood Unique?

Most Alameda neighborhoods have rich histories, which are reflected in their architecture and way of life. You can find anything from quaint bungalows in Fernside to historic Victorians in the West End. 

Alameda neighborhoods are great places to live because they offer various housing options. Each neighborhood has something unique to offer its residents. Plus, they’re all conveniently located near public transportation and the ferry terminal.

Which Alameda Neighborhood Should You Live In?

There are many outstanding neighborhoods in Alameda, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Here are some of the best neighborhoods you should consider moving to in Alameda, CA:

If you’re looking for a suburban feel with easy access to the city, Bay Farm Island is the place for you. This neighborhood is located on an island just off the coast of Oakland, and connected to the mainland by a bridge. 

Despite its proximity to the city, Bay Farm Island feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the urban setting. The island is home to a golf course, several parks, and plenty of walking and biking trails.

East EndEast End is known for its Victorian-style homes. It is located in the easternmost part of Alameda. East End is a great place to live if you’re looking for a tight-knit community. The neighborhood is also home to several parks, including Washington Park and Lincoln Park.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast community is located in the northwestern part of Alameda and is notable for its stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. 

This neighborhood is perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors, as there are plenty of parks and open spaces to enjoy. It’s just a short walk or bike ride away from Crown Memorial State Beach. 

The Gold Coast is also home to the Crab Cove Visitor Center, where you can learn about the local marine ecosystem.

Alameda Condos are a perfect blend of modern convenience and classic charm. Located in the heart of downtown, these brand-new condo units offer residents a unique mix of luxury finishes and sophisticated style.

Alameda Condos provide the perfect setting for relaxing and entertaining, with spacious floor plans and an array of amenities. From the rooftop pool and spa to the state-of-the-art fitness center, there is something everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for a primary residence or a second home, Alameda Condos are the perfect place to call home.

The Harbor Bay Isle neighborhood is situated on the southeastern side of Alameda. This neighborhood is home to the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, which provides access to San Francisco. 

This neighborhood is known for its nautical theme. If you love being on the water, this is the perfect place for you. The Harbor Bay Marina is also located here and is a great place to go kayaking or sailing.

The Bronze Coast in Alameda, CA is a beautiful coastline stretch located east of the Gold Coast neighborhood. It’s a great place to take a walk, go for a run, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

The lagoon forms the southern boundary of this primarily residential region, which Central Avenue bounds to the north, Park Street to the east, and Grand Street to the west. 

Numerous Queen Anne, Victorian, and Craftsman houses, as well as the rare Edwardian building, may be found throughout these well-established residential streets. Some of the residences in the most southern Bronze Coast communities have private docks on the lagoon for easy access to the water.

The Bronze Coast is symbolic of the best of Alameda and the East Bay, with its charming, majestic mansions, tree-lined avenues, and handy location. It’s easy to see why the locals are so pleased with this place they call home.

Central Alameda is a neighborhood located in the south part of Los Angeles. The community is home to various businesses, including restaurants, shops, and services.

Central Alameda is also a convenient place to live, with easy access to public transportation and the Oakland International Airport.

East of Alameda Landing on the north side of the main island is the fast-developing neighborhood of Marina Village. This waterfront community offers residents stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, as well as access to a variety of outdoor activities.

Alameda’s Marina Village neighborhood is located in the northwest part of the main island, just east of Webster Street and southeast of the Webster/Posey Tube. Highways like Marina Village Parkway and Atlantic Avenue serve as the backbone of the community. Leaving Marina Village, Marina Village Parkway does a half-loop to the north before returning to Alameda Landing.

New stores are always opening in the shopping center and business park, which means that the community is constantly evolving and growing. More recent, spacious residences may be found in the “California” development, while the “Panomar” apartment complex is quite large.

Fernside is an Alameda neighborhood situated just minutes from downtown Alameda. It is known for having perfect weather year-round, beautiful tree-lined streets, and charming bungalows. The Fernside community is very close-knit, with warm, friendly residents.

South Shore is 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level and is the southernmost neighborhood in Alameda, CA.

The Utah Construction Company developed the property in the 1950s and 1960s. The area features a mixture of tract homes and large apartment complexes inside a tight single-use zoning scheme, giving it a more suburban feel than the rest of the island.

South Shore Center, Alameda’s only major retail mall, can be found in this area. The two-mile-long Crown Memorial State Beach borders the southern coastline of the area.

The West End is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Alameda, CA. It’s home to some well-preserved Victorian homes and the Historic Alameda High School. The neighborhood has a lively commercial district with plenty of shops and restaurants.

11 Best Neighborhoods in Alameda, CA

Wrap Up

I live with my wife and two young daughters in Redwood Heights. One of the best decisions we’ve made was to buy a house and transform it into our dream home. So, you can rest assured that I know from experience how having your own property in Alameda can fulfill your wants and needs.

As a real estate agent, I can help you find the perfect neighborhood that meets your preference. Please contact me anytime if you want to purchase a property in Alameda, CA.