City of Alameda Family Guide
According to Money Magazine, the City of Alameda compares favorably to
the "best places to live" in America. That's in part due to the small
town feel of this Bay Area island community. It also has a high median
family income, a large number of educational institutions nearby, more
than double the number of restaurants and libraries as the "best places
average," excellent air quality, and better than average weather.
Whether moving to Alameda, California or a long time native, it is always fun to explore this hidden gem of an island located in the San Francisco Bay.
Many Alameda residents commute to San Francisco, as it is much, much more affordable, very family friendly, and a very safe community in which to raise a family. It doesn't take new families long to fall in love with the island that is so private and secure, yet so conveniently located for easy access to other cities.
Here's what Wikipedia says about the island town of Alameda.
There is a wonderful collection of vintage homes, ranging from beautiful Victorians, stately Tudors, charming Craftsman and many styles of bungalows. This is truly a history and architecture buff's paradise.
Alameda has great climate, great schools, and a burgeoning restaurant scene, with a great family-friendly selection of restaurants and ethnic cuisine.
SHOPPING
Alameda’s South Shore Center shopping center by the beach features Trader Joe's, Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, TJMaxx, Kohl's.
On the West End, the Alameda Landing shopping center is anchored by Target.
In May 2008, the historic and restored Alameda Theater opened its doors to Alameda’s first 8-cineplex.
DOWNTOWN
As for family friendly, fine dining restaurants....the former chef of the famous Baywolf Café in Oakland has his own restaurant in Alameda called Pappo's. There's a really good Vietnamese restaurant called Dragon Rouge, the freshest sushi at Kamakura and Sushi House, dim sum at East Ocean Seafood, and more. And, the latest to the Alameda food scene is Trabocco (in South Shore Center), a 4.5 star OpenTable Italian restaurant.
Besides the competing coffee powerhouses Starbucks and Peets, wine afficionados can go to Alameda Wine Company for wine tasting and to pick out wines from California and from all over the world.
EASY COMMUTE
Commute to San Francisco via ferry and express bus to SF. Or take the regular bus to Oakland to catch BART. But the express bus and the ferry are the best and most enjoyable ways to go to the City.
CRIME STATISTICS
Here's really good source of info for comparing crime statistics between cities. You can see that Alameda truly shines!
ALAMEDA SCHOOLS
Alameda has great schools, and the school scores are collectively better than other surrounding areas. Check out the Academic Performance Index
WINE TASTING
You don't have to drive to Napa or Sonoma for wine any more. Simply ride your bike for wine tasting at Rosenblum Cellars next to the ferry. It's open every day for wine tasting until 6 pm. And one shouldn't miss Rock Wall Wine Company which you will find in one of the hangars at Alameda Point. If vodka or whiskey is more up your alley, check out Hangar One/St George Spirits
SPECIAL EVENTS
There are so many fun events that define our small town. We have sand castle building and free outdoor concerts at Crab Cove every summer, wine and arts and street festivals, a good old-fashioned July 4 parade, lighted boat parade and more.
LIVE SHOWS
We also have the Altarena Playhouse. And from time to time, we have excellent plays and performances at Rhythmix Cultural Works. High Street Station Café also hosts comedy and musical shows on occasion.
Whether moving to Alameda, California or a long time native, it is always fun to explore this hidden gem of an island located in the San Francisco Bay.
Many Alameda residents commute to San Francisco, as it is much, much more affordable, very family friendly, and a very safe community in which to raise a family. It doesn't take new families long to fall in love with the island that is so private and secure, yet so conveniently located for easy access to other cities.
Here's what Wikipedia says about the island town of Alameda.
There is a wonderful collection of vintage homes, ranging from beautiful Victorians, stately Tudors, charming Craftsman and many styles of bungalows. This is truly a history and architecture buff's paradise.
Alameda has great climate, great schools, and a burgeoning restaurant scene, with a great family-friendly selection of restaurants and ethnic cuisine.
SHOPPING
Alameda’s South Shore Center shopping center by the beach features Trader Joe's, Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, TJMaxx, Kohl's.
On the West End, the Alameda Landing shopping center is anchored by Target.
In May 2008, the historic and restored Alameda Theater opened its doors to Alameda’s first 8-cineplex.
DOWNTOWN
As for family friendly, fine dining restaurants....the former chef of the famous Baywolf Café in Oakland has his own restaurant in Alameda called Pappo's. There's a really good Vietnamese restaurant called Dragon Rouge, the freshest sushi at Kamakura and Sushi House, dim sum at East Ocean Seafood, and more. And, the latest to the Alameda food scene is Trabocco (in South Shore Center), a 4.5 star OpenTable Italian restaurant.
Besides the competing coffee powerhouses Starbucks and Peets, wine afficionados can go to Alameda Wine Company for wine tasting and to pick out wines from California and from all over the world.
EASY COMMUTE
Commute to San Francisco via ferry and express bus to SF. Or take the regular bus to Oakland to catch BART. But the express bus and the ferry are the best and most enjoyable ways to go to the City.
CRIME STATISTICS
Here's really good source of info for comparing crime statistics between cities. You can see that Alameda truly shines!
ALAMEDA SCHOOLS
Alameda has great schools, and the school scores are collectively better than other surrounding areas. Check out the Academic Performance Index
WINE TASTING
You don't have to drive to Napa or Sonoma for wine any more. Simply ride your bike for wine tasting at Rosenblum Cellars next to the ferry. It's open every day for wine tasting until 6 pm. And one shouldn't miss Rock Wall Wine Company which you will find in one of the hangars at Alameda Point. If vodka or whiskey is more up your alley, check out Hangar One/St George Spirits
SPECIAL EVENTS
There are so many fun events that define our small town. We have sand castle building and free outdoor concerts at Crab Cove every summer, wine and arts and street festivals, a good old-fashioned July 4 parade, lighted boat parade and more.
LIVE SHOWS
We also have the Altarena Playhouse. And from time to time, we have excellent plays and performances at Rhythmix Cultural Works. High Street Station Café also hosts comedy and musical shows on occasion.
Alameda Family Calendar of Events
Alameda Schools & Education
Alameda Unified School District - http://www.alameda.k12.ca.us/
Alameda Private Schools - http://www.schoolseastbay.com/alameda-private-schools.html
Alameda Preschools - http://www.preschoolseastbay.com/alameda-preschools.html
Alameda Private Schools - http://www.schoolseastbay.com/alameda-private-schools.html
Alameda Preschools - http://www.preschoolseastbay.com/alameda-preschools.html
Alameda Camps and Enrichment for Kids
Alameda Recreation and Parks - http://alamedaca.gov/recreation
Alameda Summer and School Break Camps - http://www.campsbayarea.com/city-of-alameda-summer-camps.html
Alameda After School Programs - coming soon
Alameda Summer and School Break Camps - http://www.campsbayarea.com/city-of-alameda-summer-camps.html
Alameda After School Programs - coming soon
Alameda Pediatric and Family Healthcare
Alameda County Hospitals - http://www.bayareahealthykids.com/alameda-county-hospitals.html
City of Alameda Pediatricians and Family Doctors - http://www.bayareahealthykids.com/city-of-alameda-pediatricians-and-family-doctors.html
City of Alameda Pediatric and Family Dentists - http://www.bayareahealthykids.com/city-of-alameda-pediatric-and-family-dentists.html
City of Alameda Pediatricians and Family Doctors - http://www.bayareahealthykids.com/city-of-alameda-pediatricians-and-family-doctors.html
City of Alameda Pediatric and Family Dentists - http://www.bayareahealthykids.com/city-of-alameda-pediatric-and-family-dentists.html
