Does Alameda have ferry service?

Yes, Alameda is served by both the Main Street and Harbor Bay terminals. These ferries offer weekday runs to the San Francisco Ferry Building and South San Francisco, keeping average commute times near 25 to 30 minutes and reducing bridge dependence.

How walkable is Alameda?

Neighborhoods near Park Street, Gold Coast, and Webster Street rate highly for walkability because the streets are flat and retail is concentrated within a few blocks. The city also designates bike boulevards and slow streets that make car-light living easier.

What is the commute like to San Francisco?

Ferry commuters typically spend about half an hour on the water, while bridge drivers should budget 45 to 60 minutes during rush hour. Many residents adopt hybrid schedules or early departures to avoid Posey and Webster Tube congestion.

Are there good beaches?

Crown Memorial State Beach supplies 2.5 miles of sand with calm waters for swimming, windsurfing, and long boardwalk walks. Smaller spots such as Encinal Beach and Shoreline Drive pocket beaches provide quieter shoreline experiences.

How are Alameda's schools?

Alameda Unified School District operates well-regarded neighborhood campuses including Bay Farm Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Alameda High. Magnet programs like Maya Lin School add art- and STEM-focused options with strong parent participation.

The island consistently ranks among the safest Bay Area cities with violent crime well below state averages. Residents credit the tight-knit community, active neighborhood watch groups, and responsive Alameda Police Department.

What housing styles are available?

Homebuyers can choose from Queen Anne Victorians in the Gold Coast, mid-century ranch homes around the East End, or contemporary townhomes and condos on Bay Farm Island. Adaptive reuse lofts at Alameda Point add industrial style to the mix.

Where do locals shop and dine?

Park Street and Webster Street anchor daily errands with independent grocers, wine shops, and locally owned restaurants. South Shore Center supplements the scene with national retailers, farmers markets, and waterfront dining patios.

What outdoor recreation is nearby?

Residents kayak the Oakland Estuary, bike the shoreline trail network, and golf year-round at Chuck Corica Golf Complex. Crown Beach, Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, and Krusi Park host youth leagues, picnics, and seasonal events.

Certain reclaimed zones such as Bay Farm Island and Alameda Point fall into FEMA AE flood designations, so buyers there should plan for elevation certificates and flood insurance. Interior neighborhoods built on natural sand dunes generally fall into low-risk Zone X.

How does Alameda compare with Oakland?

Alameda offers a slower island pace, abundant beaches, and historic architecture, yet it is only minutes from Oakland's job centers, nightlife, and major transit hubs. Many residents enjoy the ability to step between calm residential streets and big-city energy quickly.

What is the weather like?

Expect cool marine influence year-round with summer highs in the low 70s and frequent morning fog that burns off by noon. Afternoon breezes keep temperatures mild, and winters are damp but rarely cold enough for frost.

Does Alameda have ferry service?

Yes, Alameda is served by both the Main Street and Harbor Bay terminals. These ferries offer weekday runs to the San Francisco Ferry Building and South San Francisco, keeping average commute times near 25 to 30 minutes and reducing bridge dependence.

How walkable is Alameda?

Neighborhoods near Park Street, Gold Coast, and Webster Street rate highly for walkability because the streets are flat and retail is concentrated within a few blocks. The city also designates bike boulevards and slow streets that make car-light living easier.

What is the commute like to San Francisco?

Ferry commuters typically spend about half an hour on the water, while bridge drivers should budget 45 to 60 minutes during rush hour. Many residents adopt hybrid schedules or early departures to avoid Posey and Webster Tube congestion.

Are there good beaches?

Crown Memorial State Beach supplies 2.5 miles of sand with calm waters for swimming, windsurfing, and long boardwalk walks. Smaller spots such as Encinal Beach and Shoreline Drive pocket beaches provide quieter shoreline experiences.

How are Alameda's schools?

Alameda Unified School District operates well-regarded neighborhood campuses including Bay Farm Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Alameda High. Magnet programs like Maya Lin School add art- and STEM-focused options with strong parent participation.

The island consistently ranks among the safest Bay Area cities with violent crime well below state averages. Residents credit the tight-knit community, active neighborhood watch groups, and responsive Alameda Police Department.

What housing styles are available?

Homebuyers can choose from Queen Anne Victorians in the Gold Coast, mid-century ranch homes around the East End, or contemporary townhomes and condos on Bay Farm Island. Adaptive reuse lofts at Alameda Point add industrial style to the mix.

Where do locals shop and dine?

Park Street and Webster Street anchor daily errands with independent grocers, wine shops, and locally owned restaurants. South Shore Center supplements the scene with national retailers, farmers markets, and waterfront dining patios.

What outdoor recreation is nearby?

Residents kayak the Oakland Estuary, bike the shoreline trail network, and golf year-round at Chuck Corica Golf Complex. Crown Beach, Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, and Krusi Park host youth leagues, picnics, and seasonal events.

Certain reclaimed zones such as Bay Farm Island and Alameda Point fall into FEMA AE flood designations, so buyers there should plan for elevation certificates and flood insurance. Interior neighborhoods built on natural sand dunes generally fall into low-risk Zone X.

How does Alameda compare with Oakland?

Alameda offers a slower island pace, abundant beaches, and historic architecture, yet it is only minutes from Oakland's job centers, nightlife, and major transit hubs. Many residents enjoy the ability to step between calm residential streets and big-city energy quickly.

What is the weather like?

Expect cool marine influence year-round with summer highs in the low 70s and frequent morning fog that burns off by noon. Afternoon breezes keep temperatures mild, and winters are damp but rarely cold enough for frost.

Homes in Alameda, CA

Alameda delivers relaxed island living just minutes from downtown Oakland-a Victorian-lined shoreline city with ferry access, bayfront parks, and a thriving small-business scene along Park Street and Webster Street.

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Alameda County

Island Living

30-45 min to San Francisco

10-15 min to Oakland

55-65 min to San Jose

BART: Fruitvale Station (12 min)

Ferry: Main Street Ferry Terminal (5-10 min)

Ferry: Harbor Bay Ferry (10 min)

Why Alameda?

Island Living Minutes from Oakland

Alameda's unique geography delivers small-town calm, bay breezes, and beaches while remaining five minutes from downtown Oakland's jobs and nightlife.

Historic Architecture Everywhere

More than 4,000 preserved Victorians line the Gold Coast and East End, giving every neighborhood postcard streetscapes and strict preservation character.

Waterfront Recreation

From Crown Beach kiteboarding to Estuary kayaking and lagoon trails on Bay Farm, residents enjoy shoreline recreation 365 days a year.

Scenic Ferry Commutes

Two ferry terminals turn the daily commute into a 20-minute boat ride with sweeping Golden Gate and city skyline views.

Thriving Local Business Scene

Independent boutiques, restaurants, and taprooms along Park Street and Webster Street keep spending local and foster loyal customer relationships.

Community Traditions

Signature events such as the Fourth of July Parade, Park Street Art & Wine Faire, and the Alameda Point Antiques Faire give the island a festival calendar rivaling much larger cities.

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Interactive Map

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Neighborhoods in Alameda

Discover the unique character and charm of Alameda's diverse neighborhoods.

Gold Coast

Historic district filled with preserved Queen Anne and Craftsman homes near Franklin Park and top-rated schools.

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Neighborhood Characteristics

Community Type:

Historic, Tree-Lined Residential

Home Styles:

Victorian, Craftsman, Colonial Revival

Lot Sizes:

Medium

Walkability:

High

For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

Protected historic district with rows of ornate pre-war architecture.

Close to Franklin Elementary and Alameda High's well-ranked campus.

Mature tree canopy and landscaped medians create a quiet, park-like setting.

Bay Farm Island / Harbor Bay

Master-planned peninsula with lagoons, contemporary homes, and access to the Harbor Bay ferry terminal.

Learn More

Neighborhood Characteristics

Community Type:

Planned Waterfront, Family-Friendly

Home Styles:

Contemporary, Mediterranean, Townhomes

Lot Sizes:

Small to Medium

Walkability:

Moderate

For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

Harbor Bay Ferry provides 20-minute rides to San Francisco's Ferry Building.

Harbor Bay Isle walking and cycling trail rings the shoreline with Bay views.

HOA-maintained greenbelts, lagoons, and pocket parks between cul-de-sacs.

East End

Tree-lined residential area stretching from Park Street to Crown Beach with strong community schools.

Learn More

Neighborhood Characteristics

Community Type:

Established, Family-Oriented

Home Styles:

Bungalow, Mid-Century Ranch, Tudor

Lot Sizes:

Medium

Walkability:

Moderate to High

For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

Lincoln Avenue greenway and multiple pocket parks weave through the district.

Walkable to Park Street's restaurants, bookstores, and weekend farmers market.

Neighborhood watch and active PTA groups keep the area engaged.

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Schools in Alameda

Quality education is a cornerstone of Alameda's appeal to families.

Filter by level

School Name	Level	School Rating
Bay Farm School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Amelia Earhart Elementary School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Edison Elementary School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Franklin Elementary School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Love Elementary School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Frank Otis Elementary School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Paden Elementary School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Ruby Bridges Elementary School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Maya Lin School	Elementary	ViewView Rating
Lincoln Middle School	Middle	ViewView Rating
Will C. Wood Middle School	Middle	ViewView Rating
Alameda High School	High	ViewView Rating
Encinal Jr. Sr. High School	High	ViewView Rating

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Note: Verify current ratings and boundaries with official district resources. School assignments may change based on enrollment and boundary adjustments.

Major Employment Hubs & Local Employers

Alameda offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.

Major Employment Hubs Near Alameda

San Francisco Financial District
Oakland Downtown / Lake Merritt
San Jose Downtown / Diridon
Silicon Valley Core (Palo Alto / Mountain View)
Fremont Tesla Factory
Walnut Creek Downtown / Kaiser
Bishop Ranch, San Ramon

Showing 3 of 7 hubs

Top Employers in Alameda

Penumbra
Medical device manufacturer headquartered in Alameda Point.
Sila Nanotechnologies
Battery materials company expanding at the former Ford plant on West Midway.
Exelixis
Publicly traded biotech firm with labs near Harbor Bay Parkway.
Alameda Unified School District
Largest public employer with 10,000+ students across the island.
Alameda Hospital
Community hospital operated by Alameda Health System serving the island.

Showing 3 of 5 employers

Commute Times

Alameda offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.

Commute to Major Job Centers

San Francisco Downtown

Main Street Ferry or I-880 to Bay Bridge

35-50 min

Oakland Downtown

Posey Tube to Broadway

10-15 min

Berkeley / Emeryville Tech Corridor

Webster Tube + I-880 / I-80

20-25 min

Silicon Valley (Palo Alto / Mountain View)

I-880 to CA-84 / US-101

50-65 min

San Jose Downtown

I-880 south

60-70 min

Showing 3 of 5 commutes

Airports

OAK – Oakland International Airport

Airport

15 min

SFO – San Francisco International Airport

Airport

35-45 min

SJC – San Jose Mineta International Airport

Airport

60-70 min

Regional Hotspots

Jack London Square

Webster Tube

10 min

Downtown Berkeley

I-880 / I-580

22 min

Lake Merritt

Posey Tube

15 min

Mission Peak Regional Preserve

I-880 south

35 min

Showing 3 of 4 hotspots

Lifestyle & Amenities

Discover what makes Alameda a special place to live.

Island living sets the tone in Alameda: salt air, palm-lined boulevards, and skyline sunsets frame daily errands and dog walks along Shoreline Drive.
Family routines center on safe cul-de-sacs, award-winning neighborhood schools, and community sports leagues that spill into Krusi and Washington Parks every weekend.
Outdoor culture mixes mellow beach time at Crown Beach, lagoon paddles on Bay Farm Island, and Spirit Alley bike rides that end with sunset tasting flights.
Dining stays locally owned: Park Street's restaurants range from Trabocco's handmade pasta to ramen pop-ups, while Webster Street champions global comfort food.
Community events keep the calendar packed with the Fourth of July parade, the Neptune Beach Triathlon, Art & Wine Faire, and monthly antique markets at Alameda Point.
Shopping swings between indie boutiques, South Shore Center staples, and weekend farmers markets where neighbors swap school updates over Blue Bottle coffee.

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Weather & Climate

Quick-hit visuals that show how Alameda feels throughout the year.

Temperature Story

Quick look at the seasonal swing in Alameda

Winter Comfort Band

Summer Warmth Band

Winter Comfort Band

46–50°Ffeels like

Summer Warmth Band

68–74°Ffeels like

41°F60°F79°F

Winter Comfort Band

46–50°F

Typical overnight lows from December through February.

Summer Warmth Band

68–74°F

Afternoon highs during peak summer months.

Climate Type

Marine-influenced Mediterranean

Overall pattern

Days of Sunshine

260+ days

Bright days/year

Summer Highs

68-74°F

Peak afternoons

Winter Lows

46-50°F

Overnight comfort

Annual Rainfall

20-22 inches

Nov–Mar showers

Cool Bay breezes moderate inland heat, with frequent morning fog that burns off by midday.

Dry springs and summers with gentle afternoon winds; rainy season typically November through March.

Mild temperatures year-round make outdoor dining, biking, and watersports possible almost every day.

Parks & Recreation in Alameda

Alameda maintains over 8 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.

Crown Memorial State Beach

State Beach

2.5-mile sandy shoreline with calm waters for kiteboarding and paddleboarding.

Picnic lawnsBay TrailKite launchRestrooms

Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

Urban Park

Community park on a former rail yard with playgrounds, bike skills area, and native gardens.

Pump trackCommunity gardenEvent lawnPlay structures

Washington Park

Community Park

Lush West End park offering tennis courts, picnic groves, and lagoon access.

Dog parkPlaygroundTennisPicnic areas

Showing 3 of 8 parks

Natural Hazards & Fault Lines

Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in Alameda.

Major Fault Lines Near Alameda

Hayward Fault

~3 miles east across the Estuary

Type: Right-lateral strike-slip

San Andreas Fault

~15 miles west under the Peninsula

Type: Right-lateral strike-slip

San Gregorio Fault

~12 miles southwest off the coast

Type: Oblique-slip

Fire Hazard Severity Zones

Low to Moderate

CalFire Classification

Seismic Hazard Zones

Liquefaction Zones

High potential along reclaimed shoreline, Bay Farm Island fill, and Alameda Point.

Landslide Zones

Minimal risk; low bluffs near Encinal Beach monitored but generally stable.

Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Status

No Alquist-Priolo fault trace within city limits.

FEMA Flood Zones

Zone Type

AE zones ring Coast Guard Island, Alameda Point, and Bay Farm shoreline; interior neighborhoods largely Zone X.

Flood Risk Notes

Base flood elevations of 10-13 feet near lagoon edges. Elevate utilities and secure flood insurance when required.

Additional Notes

Soft soils amplify shaking; city enforces mandatory seismic retrofit for URM storefronts along Park and Webster Streets.

What Locals Say

Hear from residents about living in Alameda.

"Weekend errands typically happen by bike, so we can hit the farmers market, Crown Beach, and Park Street cafes without starting the car."

— Park Street Resident

"The ferry commute is the best part of my workday; twenty-five minutes of Bay views beats bridge traffic any time."

— Downtown Commuter

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Local Favorites

Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in Alameda.

Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails

ItalianFine Dining

Chef-driven Abruzzese cuisine with house-made pasta and seasonal seafood inside South Shore Center.

East End

PizzaNeighborhood Bar

Beloved Park Street hangout for wood-fired sourdough pies, barrel-aged cocktails, and weekend brunch.

Speisekammer

GermanBeer Hall

Beer garden with schnitzel, house sausages, and live music on Webster Street's historic block.

Showing 3 of 9 restaurants

What Makes Alameda Special

Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of Alameda.

USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum

Legendary aircraft carrier docked at Alameda Point with Apollo mission exhibits and docent-led tours.

Alameda Point Antiques Faire

First-Sunday market covering former runways with 800+ vintage vendors and food trucks.

Spirit Alley

Cluster of distilleries and breweries (Hangar 1, Faction, Almanac) pouring small-batch releases along Seaplane Lagoon.

Seaplane Lagoon Ferry

New commuter terminal offering 20-minute runs to San Francisco's Ferry Building with skyline views.

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Insider Tips

What to know and what to be aware of when considering Alameda.

What to Know

Ferry + Tube Strategy

Morning ferries fill quickly; residents bike to Main Street terminal or stage at Webster Tube park-and-ride to beat the rush.

Liquefaction Awareness

Fill areas near Alameda Point and Bay Farm fall within CGS liquefaction zones. Budget for geotechnical review on new builds.

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What to Avoid

Rush-Hour Tube Traffic

Posey/Webster Tubes bottleneck between 7–9 a.m.; commuters stage earlier ferries or work hybrid schedules to avoid delays.

Short-Term Rental Fines

The city enforces strict STR caps; operating without permits can incur hefty fines and forced closures.

Showing 2 of 4 tips

Homes for Sale in Alameda

Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.

Coming Soon

We're working on bringing you real-time listings for Alameda. In the meantime, contact us to get personalized information about available homes in this area.

Nearby Cities

Explore other areas we serve in the Alameda County region.

Oakland

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Berkeley

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San Leandro

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Alameda

Common questions about living and buying in Alameda.

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Homes in Alameda, CA

Why Alameda?

Island Living Minutes from Oakland

Historic Architecture Everywhere

Waterfront Recreation

Scenic Ferry Commutes

Thriving Local Business Scene

Community Traditions

Interactive Map

Neighborhoods in Alameda

Gold Coast

Neighborhood Characteristics

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

Bay Farm Island / Harbor Bay

Neighborhood Characteristics

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

East End

Neighborhood Characteristics

What Makes This Neighborhood Special

Schools in Alameda

Major Employment Hubs & Local Employers

Major Employment Hubs Near Alameda

Top Employers in Alameda

Penumbra

Sila Nanotechnologies

Exelixis

Alameda Unified School District

Alameda Hospital

Commute Times

Commute to Major Job Centers

Airports

Regional Hotspots

Lifestyle & Amenities

Weather & Climate

Parks & Recreation in Alameda

Crown Memorial State Beach

Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

Washington Park

Natural Hazards & Fault Lines

Major Fault Lines Near Alameda

Hayward Fault

San Andreas Fault

San Gregorio Fault

Fire Hazard Severity Zones

Seismic Hazard Zones

Liquefaction Zones

Landslide Zones

Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Status

FEMA Flood Zones

Zone Type

Flood Risk Notes

Additional Notes

What Locals Say

Local Favorites

Trabocco Kitchen and Cocktails

East End

Speisekammer

What Makes Alameda Special

USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum

Alameda Point Antiques Faire

Spirit Alley

Seaplane Lagoon Ferry

Crab Cove Visitor Center

Fourth of July Parade

Insider Tips

What to Know

Ferry + Tube Strategy

Liquefaction Awareness

What to Avoid

Rush-Hour Tube Traffic

Short-Term Rental Fines

Homes for Sale in Alameda

Coming Soon

Nearby Cities

Oakland

Berkeley

San Leandro

Questions About Alameda

Does Alameda have ferry service?

How walkable is Alameda?