Established suburb in the heart of the East Bay
Tucked in the corner of two East Bay highways, Ashland is a conveniently located suburb full of established homes. “They’re older homes, and they have character. You’ll find properties that, because they’re older, you can find better deals,” says Rosibel Belmeliani, a Realtor with RE/MAX Accord who has sold homes here. The community is in the center of the East Bay region, between Hayward and San Leandro. Named for the ash trees that once populated its landscape, it grew gradually in the years following World War II. Today, Ashland is a primarily residential community with some shopping and dining nearby and easy access to the entire Bay Area.
A mix of old and new homes in the East Bay
Homes in Ashland span over a century, from early 1900s cottages to newly constructed traditional houses. Mediterranean, ranch-style and Craftsman homes are also common. The area has a suburban feel, with homes close together on streets lined with sidewalks. Palm trees and evergreens stand tall in front yards, adding a touch of nature to the community. The median price in Ashland is around $790,000, up 6% over the past year. That price is lower than in nearby communities like Cherryland and San Leandro. The average price per square foot is around $616, also lower than several communities in the region.
Ashland parks and community centers reach generations of residents
Multiple parks in Ashland offer a variety of activities. Edendale Park is a small green space with an open lawn area, playground and picnic tables. The Ashland Community Center has an outdoor playground, plus rooms available to rent for private events. Jack Holland Sr. Park on East 14th Street offers another playground, plus a skate area. Lake Chabot Regional Park is just a short drive away and is a large natural area that is suitable for swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. REACH Ashland Youth Center is a community center with a health clinic and several programs, including sports, tutoring, art classes and professional training. The center also provides community services like no-cost childcare and a food pantry.
Preparing for the future at San Lorenzo schools
The San Lorenzo Unified School District serves the community and gets a B-minus from Niche. The district has about 8,500 students and was founded in 1859, making it one of the oldest school systems in the state. Students can enroll in early college programs that offer free college credit. They can also participate in small learning communities, which allows them to choose an area of career exploration and take classes preparing them for that career.
Commuting is a breeze in the East Bay
Interstates 238, 580 and 880 are close to Ashland, offering highway routes and convenient commutes throughout the East Bay. “We’re right in the middle of the Bay Area, so you could work in San Francisco, Fremont any of the surrounding areas. Even the inland areas are easy to get to,” says Belmeliani. Oakland is about 13 miles north via I-880, while San Francisco is about 25 miles away. Bay Area Rapid Transit is available at the Bay Fair station, which is on the Blue, Green and Orange lines. There are also several AC Transit bus routes in the area, connecting Ashland to Oakland, Hayward, Union City and Fremont. The closest hospitals are Eden Medical Center and San Leandro Hospital, each about 2 miles away.
Nearby cities offer plenty of shopping for Ashland residents
East 14th Street has some shopping and dining options, including fast-food chains, Latin American restaurants and Asian eateries. Just north of the community in San Leandro, Bayfair Center is a large mall with anchor stores Kohl’s and Target and several smaller stores. It also has a Cinemark movie theater. Belmeliani says locals drive to Castro Valley for shopping and dining as well. The city has various stores in the Castro Village Shopping Center, plus locally owned restaurants lining Castro Valley Boulevard. Grocery stores near Ashland include Safeway, Walmart and Foodmaxx.
East Bay dry climate brings risks
Ashland has a moderately warm and dry climate, with highs around 59 degrees in January and 75 degrees in July. Low rainfall in the area contributes to risks of wildfires and drought. Alameda County is currently updating its Community Climate Action Plan to address these risks.
Crime trends in Ashland
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement for Ashland. The office saw a recent 7% increase in property crime in the Castro Valley area, which includes Ashland. FBI data shows a 12% increase in violent crime throughout the entire county.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
