Photo:Dawson JungA town of about 77,238 people in Alameda County, part of the San Francisco area. Resident comments and photos are about Alameda; job numbers cover the wider area.
Photos and reviews come from Google Maps and show single places, not the whole area. Reviews are the most relevant ones Google returns for each place. We show the longest highly rated review under 400 characters and, when there is one, the longest low-rated review. Google doesn't verify reviews but removes fake ones when it finds them.
Around Alameda
What Alameda is known for
Every year
JunSand Castle and Sculpture Contest: sand sculpture contest at Crown Memorial State Beachen.wikipedia.org
JulPark Street Art and Wine Faire: street fair with artists and vendors downtownen.wikipedia.org
JulFourth of July Parade: parade advertised as longest in the United Statesen.wikipedia.org
Alameda Point Antiques Faire: monthly antiques and collectibles show at former air stationen.wikipedia.org
On a normal week
Visiting the Alameda Farmers' Marketalamedacountyindustries.com
Visiting the USS Hornet Museum shipen.wikipedia.org
Visiting Alameda Point breweries and distilleriesen.wikipedia.org
Visiting the Robert Crown Memorial State Beachen.wikipedia.org
Parents describe Alameda as very family friendly, with walkability and bike friendliness often mentioned.
“public schools have good rankings, super bike friendly, beach access, ferry to SF.”
Fireside Lounge on Webster Street is legendary for drag shows, live bands, and themed dance nights.
“You might catch a drag show, a live band, or a themed dance night.”
From 6 resident comments about meeting people and the social scene.
One resident mentions a music event happening at the Maker Farm on the base.
“Come on out to the Maker Farm tomorrow afternoon for an afternoon and evening full of music! It's out on the base at 2700 Barbers Point Rd.”
Read the full commentOne resident suggests checking meetup.com and mentions Lucky 13 and Fireside as friendly bars, along with art, gardening, and beach cleanup groups.
“Check meetup.com Lucky 13 and Fireside are both great local and super friendly bars. There are art groups, gardening groups, beach cleanup...”
Read the full commentOne resident lists several date night spots in Alameda including coffee and tea shops.
“Alameda's got a number of decent date night spots! Coffee/tea: The Local, Julie's, Yi Fang scene ease of doing … single people here between 18...”
Read the full commentFireside Lounge on Webster Street is legendary for drag shows, live bands, and themed dance nights.
“Fireside Lounge (Webster) is legendary for a reason. You might catch a drag show, a live band, or a themed dance night. Their margaritas are...”
Read the full comment"Faction is a nice spot for drinks on a Saturday or Sunday, Forbidden Island(tiki bar) is a ton fun with friends."
One resident mentioned a party at Crown Beach and welcomed newcomers from all walks of life.
“... party last week at Crown Beach and welcome those from all walks of life. ... Everything related to the greatest city in the world, Alameda CA!”
Read the full commentOne resident recommends going to Oakland for more social options if Alameda is not working out, naming several venues.
“You do not need to go to San Francisco to meet people. Oakland has tons of options if Alameda isn't working: The Avenue, Mad Oak, The Lodge,...”
Read the full commentOne resident said they wished they had moved to Alameda sooner, describing it as feeling like a small town.
“I wish I moved to Alameda sooner. It feels like small town ... Thinking about moving to PA and would like to know how is it out there ?”
Read the full commentOne resident thinks Alameda has a small town feel
“As far as culture, values, attitudes, feel, or whatever. If certain parts are different from another mention that to. Imo I think its got a small town...”
Read the full commentRecent stories from local outlets. Tap a headline to read it.
Pick a month. A dot means residents talked about that time of year.
One resident says the weather is usually in the 70s from April through October, with some hotter days in summer.
“It's usually 70s from April through October, with some hotter days in the summer. ... Is it just me or is it freezing for this time of year? 19.”
Read the full commentFireside Lounge on Webster Street is legendary for drag shows, live bands, and themed dance nights.
“Fireside Lounge (Webster) is legendary for a reason. You might catch a drag show, a live band, or a themed dance night. Their margaritas are...”
Read the full comment“Faction is a nice spot for drinks on a Saturday or Sunday, Forbidden Island(tiki bar) is a ton fun with friends.”
One resident mentioned a party at Crown Beach and welcomed newcomers from all walks of life.
“... party last week at Crown Beach and welcome those from all walks of life. ... Everything related to the greatest city in the world, Alameda CA!”
Read the full commentParents describe Alameda as very family friendly, with walkability and bike friendliness often mentioned.
“Alameda is perfect for kids. public schools have good rankings, super bike friendly, beach access, ferry to SF. There's always family friendly...”
Read the full comment“Alameda is a cute town.”
What's nearby
Within 5 miles of Alameda's center.
Counts from OpenStreetMap, a volunteer map, so small or new places can be missing. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
What rent costs
Of about 14,576 rented homes in Alameda, 31% rent for under $2,000 a month and 74% for under $3,000.
Census American Community Survey 2019 to 2023 (table B25063). Gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Today's asking rents for open apartments usually run higher.
What moving costs
Average cost: $1,946
From a 2025 survey of 1,000 people who hired movers. This Old House. Your quote depends on your stuff, stairs and the time of year.
The middle rented home in Alameda rents for $2,000 to $2,499 a month. First month plus a one-month deposit comes to about $4,000 to $4,998 before you get the keys.
Estimate from Census rent data (2019 to 2023, rent plus tenant-paid utilities). Deposits and fees vary by landlord and state law.
Public schools
20 public school districts in this county, with about 203,172 students in all. Which one serves a home depends on its address.
NCES Common Core of Data 2022-23, National Center for Education Statistics. Varro doesn't rate or rank schools. For test results and programs, see each district's site and your state's school report card.