Living in Alameda, CA offers a unique lifestyle in a charming island city with the convenience of being close to major urban centers. Located in the San Francisco Bay, just across from Oakland, Alameda is known for its historic architecture, beautiful waterfront, and vibrant community life. The city’s small-town feel, combined with its easy access to San Francisco and Oakland, makes it an attractive place to live.
Alameda’s dining scene is diverse, offering a range of options from waterfront seafood restaurants to cozy cafes. The city’s Park Street and Webster Street districts are bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, providing residents with plenty of options for leisure and recreation. The annual Alameda Island Jam is a local favorite, celebrating the city’s unique culture with food, music, and family-friendly activities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Alameda provides plenty of opportunities for recreation. The city’s beaches, including Crown Memorial State Beach, are perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying the stunning views of San Francisco Bay. The nearby Alameda Point, a former naval base, offers additional opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring the natural beauty of the Bay Area.
Alameda is also known for its strong sense of community and historical significance. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Alameda Fourth of July Parade and the Art & Wine Faire, which bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy the local culture. The city’s proximity to San Francisco and Oakland means that residents can easily access the amenities of major cities, including theaters, museums, and professional sports venues.
For those considering a move to California, Alameda offers a perfect blend of island charm, outdoor beauty, and urban convenience. Whether you're drawn by its beaches, cultural events, or proximity to San Francisco, living in Alameda, CA provides a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Located in the state of California, Alameda is a mid-sized city with a population of 82,498 inhabitants. With a population density of 7,900 people per square mile, Alameda is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (46%) and Asian (32%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Alameda. Something to be aware of when living in Alameda are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 35 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Alameda could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Alameda and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
Using data and statistics Alameda has received a livability score of 69/100. This score is ranked in the 74th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Alameda has higher than average grades for the following: education (B) and housing (B-). Alameda does not fare well for the following: amenities (F), crime (D-) and cost of living (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Alameda market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Alameda real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Alameda. Median real estate prices in Alameda come in at $1,638,167, which is 123.9% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Alameda, the home price to income ratio is 10.2, which is 32.5% higher than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Alameda | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 35min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 54.4% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.6% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 18.2% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.0% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.3% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.4% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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