Livability Score

76
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (10) A+
Entertainment (9) F
Food and Drink (37) C+
Fitness (4) F
Groceries (9) B
Parks (114) A+
Shops (32) A+
See more Hayward amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 8.8% take public transportation in Hayward.
Public Transit Stops (444)
Stops & Stations
A+
Workers Taking Public Transit
8.8%
B+
See more Hayward commute data

cost of living F

The cost of living in Hayward is 173/100 - which is 24% higher than California.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
F
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
F
See more Hayward cost of living data

crime D

Hayward crime rates are 3,258 per 100k, which is 15% higher than California
Property Crime
2,901 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
357 crimes per 100k
C-
See more Hayward crime data

employment A+

The median income in Hayward is $91,490 - which is 43% higher than California.
Med. Household Income
$91,490
A+
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
C+
See more Hayward employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (19)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
B-
See more Hayward health & safety data

housing B

Hayward home prices are $622,700 - which is 52% higher than California
Home Price
$622,700
A+
Home Appreciation Rate
35%
A+
Home Affordability
6.8x (home price to income ratio)
F
See more Hayward housing data

schools D

The Hayward graduation rate is 78% - which is 2% lower than California
School Test Scores
31%
F
High School Grad. Rates
78%
D+
Elementary Schools (39) A
High Schools (19) C-
See more Hayward education data

ratings B+

Hayward has an overall rating of 74% from 18 reviews.
User Reviews (1)
From AreaVibes
A
User Surveys (17)
From AreaVibes
C-
See more Hayward user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Hayward, CA
( 18 Ratings )

Living in Hayward, CA

Hayward Area Facts

  • Hayward has a Livability Score of 76/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Hayward crime rates are 15% higher than the California average
  • Cost of living in Hayward is 24% higher than the California average
New Real Estate Listings in Hayward Area
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Hayward Reviews

Write a review about Hayward Tell people what you like or don't like about Hayward…
Hayward - Make it your home! 4 rating By Anonymous ( May 07, 2010) "Home prices in the Bay Area are so expensive," said a friend of mine recently. "I just can't afford to live here any more." Hmmm. Have you tried looking for homes in Hayward? This city doesn't have the high-profile glamor image that San Francisco and Marin County have -- but Hay ...Read More ward has what you really need: A good place to live. So before you are forced out of the housing market in the Bay Area entirely, take a closer look at Hayward.

Another feature of Hayward that I really like is that the city is in close proximity to major commute routes. You can take the San Mateo Bridge to get to San Francisco or Stanford. Hayward also has two BART rapid transit stations and an Amtrak station. Or just jump on the I-880 if you need to get to Oakland or San Jose.

Hayward may not have a very glamorous image -- its only famous native son is Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock -- but the Hayward schools are good, the residents are friendly and it can serve as a very good home town if that's what you need. And, for a lot of us, having a decent home town is very important indeed. Read Less
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Compare Hayward, CA Livability

      vs

      Hayward, CA

      Hayward is a coastal city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Valley that is home to over 150,000 residents. The city has enjoyed consistent growth over the last decade as San Francisco residents have fled the city in search of cheaper housing that offers more living space. It is one of the largest cities in Alameda County, and residents typically rave about the high quality of life that they enjoy in the area. The city is a fraction of the size of larger Fremont, but provides easy access to the outlying areas to take advantage of the services that they provide.

      Gillig and Antera Pharmaceuticals are two large area employers that offer high salaries in the medical sales industry. Hayward has a highly educated work force that are able to command some of the top salaries in the region. The city is also home to a few colleges that offer high education to local students.

      Mount Eden, Jackson Triangle, and Mission Foothills are three of the city's most desirable areas to live. Each of these neighborhoods is typically high on the list of locations for anyone who is looking to purchase or lease a home in Hayward. Eden Shores, Fairway Park, and Southgate are all solid alternatives that may offer some bargains on homes.

      Speaking of Southgate, it has one of the area's highest rated elementary schools. East Bay Arts High is an alternative learning center that also receives good reviews from parents and students. Mt. Eden High offers an education based on a traditional curriculum. Its name is respected throughout the Bay Area.

      East Bay Regional Park offers majestic views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal cliffs. Spending a day walking along the coastline lets you enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Coyote Hills Regional Park offers a different experience where bird viewing plays the major role in the action. Anthony Chabot Regional Park is an area that is popular with campers who like to get lost on the miles of trails that snake through the backcountry section of the park. As you can tell, the area is blessed with a lot of natural beauty that its residents take advantage of at all opportunities.

      AC Transit Bus offers public transit service in the city and beyond. While its network and service times are not as frequent as what you would find in San Francisco, it is an attractive alternative for those who chose to not own a vehicle. Cycling is gaining in popularity as well in the area as it is possible to get all the way to San Francisco on two wheels if you know the right route to take.

      A Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Hayward? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Portuguese Centennial Park
      Newman Park
      Unknown Name
      de Anza Park
      DeAnza Park
      de Anza Park

      Entertainment

      Century Theatres
      Unknown Name
      Pioneer Stadium
      University Theater
      Pioneer Amphitheater
      University Art Gallery
      Century Southland Mall
      C. E. Smith Museum of Anthropology

      Food & Drink

      Giant Burger
      Stein Lounge
      The Dirty Bird Lounge
      Cold Stone Creamery
      Buffalo Bill's
      Turf Club
      Panda Express
      Max Donuts

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Hayward? Of all people who commute, 8.8% take public transportation in Hayward.
      Drive to Work
      68%

      8% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      9%

      4% higher than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      1% lower than the US average

      B- Health & Safety

      Is Hayward a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Saint Rose Hospital

      Pharmacies

      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS

      Doctors