TOP 10 (OKAY, 11) REASONS I LOVE LIVING IN ALAMEDA

I am a 5th generation Alamedan. I love living in Alameda, and feel lucky to be raising my family here. I love walking along the beach, I love the diversity of architecture, and I love taking out-of-town visitors to Alameda’s Spirits Alley and showing them the fabulous views of San Francisco. There are SO many things I like about Alameda, that it was hard for me to narrow them down to ten (so I didn’t).

Here are my top 11 reasons why I like living in Alameda:

Tight-knit Communities

We take care of each other in Alameda. If you take a look around, you’ll see many signs that say, “Everyone belongs here.” We know diversity brings us strength, and we honor our differences.

The Beach

I love walking along the beach and marveling at the view of San Francisco! My family loves visiting the beach and walking along the walking/biking paths and through Washington Park (tip: stop at the top of the stairs and turn around for a great view of the Bay.) And, at Crab Cove, there are all types of activities for families and kids related to the beach - in fact, the Visitor’s Center offers all types of educational opportunities.

Commute Options

“A new study conducted by Canada’s University of Waterloo discovered a direct link between commute time and well-being.” (source). For anyone who has had a difficult or long commute, I don’t think that comes as a surprise. Alameda is the perfect spot for commuters. There are two ferry terminals​ - one on the main island and one on Bay Farm - you can find yourself in downtown San Francisco in 20 minutes; in South San Francisco in 40 minutes. There are a myriad of commuter buses to the city, and casual carpool pick-up spots. Freeway access is easy. It’s pretty much the perfect place for getting around the Bay Area.

Shopping & restaurants

It’s true that Oakland has some stellar restaurants, but Alameda has its fair share of tasty options as well. From Burmese to Vietnamese, from German to Lithuanian - you don’t need to leave the island for cuisine from all over the world. And, with South Shore Shopping Center, Marina Village Shopping Center, and Alameda Landing, your shopping needs can most likely be met right here.

Entertainment options for Kids and Families

Alameda is perfect for adults, kids, and families looking for entertainment. Alameda is even home to a pinball museum! Pay a one-time fee and play all night, and it features some really cool and rare historical games. There is also an arcade, a bowling alley (with a wall-sized PacMan game), and a historical movie theater. Outdoor activities are plentiful, from walking Shoreline Drive on the main island and the Bay Farm Island Shoreline Trail, to Stand-Up Paddling​ and Kiteboarding. There are also free concerts in at Crab Cove during the summer months, with food, beer, wine and great tunes. You’ll never get bored in Alameda!

Architecture

I’m a huge fan of older homes. I love Craftsman, Bungalows, Victorians, Queen Annes… I love the details, embellishments, and the unique features of each style. According to Alameda magazine, “It’s said there are more Victorian-style homes in Alameda, based on our population, than anywhere else in the country.” The oldest house in Alameda​ was built in New York in the late 1850s and shipped to the Bay Area. Every September you can join the Alameda Legacy Home tour to visit the interiors of some of the island’s historic homes - the tour is hosted by the nonprofit, ​ Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS).

Proximity to Oakland & Berkeley

Concerts, nightlife, restaurants, major businesses, outdoor activities - Oakland and Berkeley are just a hop and a skip away from Alameda, and you’ll find it all there, and then some. There is a tube and four bridges connecting Alameda to Oakland. A drive into Oakland is quick and easy - for instance, if you want to see live music shows at the Fox Theater​ in Oakland, you can be at this downtown venue in 11 minutes by car. In 20 minutes you can be hiking in the Oakland hills. UC Berkeley and downtown Berkeley is approximately a 20 minute drive away as well.

Farmers’ Markets

What’s better than waking up in the morning and getting fresh fruits and vegetables from Bay Area vendors? The Farmer’s Market​ in Alameda takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays (9am-1pm) at Haight and Webster Streets. Flowers, fruits, hummus, and more...it’s a great way to buy healthy food and see your neighbors at the same time. Additionally, you can head over to the Alameda Main Street Ferry​ terminal, hop on a ferry, and get to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market​ at the Ferry Building in San Francisco in less than 30 minutes.

Street Fairs and Parades

Alameda knows how to throw an outdoor party! From the Island Jam on Webster Street to the Alameda Art & Wine Faire on Park Street to the annual Classic Car Show to the famous 4th of July Parade, Alamedans like getting outdoors and enjoying the town together. The Alameda 4th of July parade attracts visitors from all over. It is one of the longest Independence Day parades in the nation with over 160 floats and 2,500 participants on a three-mile route. Visit the Downtown Alameda website​ for more information about upcoming street fairs and event!

Schools

Alameda is a great place for families and kids for a variety of reasons, and one of them is the fabulous choices of schools we have here. From private to public, charter to a Child Development Center - the quality of our schools is a major draw for homebuyers looking to put down their roots. Additionally, there are many after school programs that are either on school grounds or held at Alameda City Parks nearby. Visit ​ greatschools.org​ to review school ratings. Visit the Alameda Unified School District​ to see a list of public schools - nine elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools - and click here to see a School Site locator. Visit Niche to see a list of private schools.