Alameda is truly a hidden gem – an island in San Francisco’s East Bay! Accessible by tunnel (the Posey tube), or bridge, this quiet community has it all.
While managing to retain its small-town feel, the city is sophisticated and forward thinking, and has been getting steadily cooler since the closing of the naval base in 1997.
In 2010 First Lady Michelle Obama designated Alameda as a Preserve America Community, making one of a select number of communities in America committed to historic preservation and sustainability efforts. It has also been voted “One of the Top Cities for Young People”.
The island is a flat, quiet, low in crime, and has an excellent quality of life. It’s also close to everything – a stone’s throw away from Oakland, and a quick jump over to the Bay Bridge and San Francisco.
It’s said that Alameda has the second largest number of Victorian homes (after San Francisco), in the country, and it has a lovely beach overlooking The City.
The beach has a bike path winding along next to sand dunes, and is a popular spot for wind surfing and volleyball.
Adjacent to the beach is South Shore Center, featuring a wide array of stores and restaurants.
Park Street runs down the center of the island, and feels like the center of town. There are martini and tikki bars, burger places and upscale eateries, and a large number of parks and recreation areas.
The Alameda Theatre has undergone a complete renovation, and is beautiful!
Alameda remains a nautical community, with numerous active marinas, and dry docks that host world class boat repair. There’s even a sail boat parade of lights every year at Christmastime.
For information about their terrific schools, see: