Overview of Hayward and the East Bay

Hello K.,

Can you tell me why did you choose the Hayward Hills to be your next destination? If you are more concerning about the school issue, neighborhood then you have to reconsider the relocation. Hayward and Union city might give you good deals on foreclosures and bank owned
properties but they don't offer you good school and good park for your kids to enjoy. The areas you might want to consider for ideal environment to grow your kids are Fremont and Milpitas. There are different areas in Fremont that can offer you variety of affordable price range. The Ardenwood area in North Fremont offers great elementary school which is suitable for your kids right now, Irvington , Parkmont and Warm Springs are also considered good areas for kids and school . They are all near by park and shopping centers. You can check out www.greatschools.org to see which school is good depending on the API average. If you have more question you can ask or email me for more answer, I will be more than happy to help you out. You can send me the address of the house you want to live so I can check out the neighborhood for you. Good luck. A.

Hi K.! Welcome to Hayward! I live here with my 3 yo daughter. What can I tell you... we live here NOT because it's a great place to live and raise a child, but because I can afford it at this period of my life (going to school). First year ( we live here only 3 years) I was exploring this area, going to different parks, shopping, markets - it wasn't very nice. Now we prefer to go to Castro Valley instead, or even Fremont. Maybe it's not so bad around Hayward Hills. Honestly, if you can afford to live somewhere else, i wouldn't recommend Hayward.

My daughter will be starting kindergarten at Stonebrae next year, too! My elder daughter is in 2nd grade, and has been going there since kinder.

We love Hayward, and I'm hopeful that the attempts to revitalize the downtown with bring more business and charm to our little city. We have many lovely parks, a year round farmers' market (Saturday 9a-1p), a very cool wildlife rehabilitation center, a nice and library system with lots of activities for kids and adults, a beautiful Japanese Garden, a little art gallery, and easy access to San Francisco and Oakland via BART for weekend adventures.

I will be happy to chat with you to answer questions. Maybe we can even set up a playdate in a local park when you get here so your son will have a friend at school. Send me a personal message and we'll exchange info.

L.

Greetings K.:
Welcome to our side of the bay. I live in Castro Valley which is near where you will move. My husband taught for Hayward School District and enjoyed it (he was at Ochoa Jr. High), but I will honestly tell you that that district does have alot of problems, so stay involved and active at the school and you should have a good experiance. There is a great place to eat that has been there since the 50's called Val's which you should try. I have lived in &around the Hayward area for the past 30 years. Feel free to contact me and I will be willing to help you locate places, but I think your agent should be able to help you as well. Hope the move goes smoothly I know that it can be very stressful.

I don't know much about Hayward, but just over the "hill" is Dublin (15 mins. or so East) and it's great! Schools are great, lots of parks and things to do. A nice community and more affordable than Pleasanton and San Ramon. (the surrounding areas.)

Keep it in mind!