Called ‘The Heart of the Bay,’ thanks to its location between San Francisco Bay and the Hayward Hills, Hayward offers coastal views, a variety of terrains for recreation and easy access to San Francisco. Often considered an extension of Silicon Valley’s northern sector, the city is a hub for various technology industries. People coming here for employment have helped to increase the city’s population to more than 160,000, according to 2020 Census data. That isn’t the first time the population has rapidly risen in Hayward. The area was ranches and farmland until the 1950s when post-WWII growth replaced open land with housing developments and cattle with humans.
Established housing, new developments and HOA fees
Single-family dwellings, condos, townhouses and manufactured homes spread across the city. Most houses were built between 1940 and 1990 in Craftsman, cottage, bungalow, bi-level and ranch styles. However, contemporary designs are still being constructed to meet the rising home demand. “There’s very little inventory in Hayward. The city has affordable housing for the Bay Area, which means properties that are priced right move quickly,” says Robert Costa, a Realtor with Advantage Homes who’s specialized in the manufactured housing industry since 1999. “There are new places going up on Mission Boulevard to try and fill a bit of the gap.”
Hayward has lower housing costs than nearby Union City or Fremont. This low inventory and rising home values have made the housing market very competitive, with many properties selling over the asking price. Condos range from one to four bedrooms and can have HOA fees of up to $850. Townhouse communities are among those being constructed along Mission Boulevard while existing townhomes can have HOA fees of up to $850. Manufactured housing communities are available for all ages or only people over 55. Homes sell for an average price of $985,000 after around 23 days.
Uniformity homes style creates a visually appealing neighborhood in Burbank.
Hayward Highland features charming Spanish Revival homes with stunning Bay Area views.
Southgate is an attractive place to reside for those seeking residential near San Francisco.
Hayward Highland features a mix of single-family homes, apartments and townhouses.
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Regional park districts, public artworks, museums and worship centers
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District oversees more than 3,000 acres of green spaces, two nature centers, 20 miles of hiking trails, and the nine-hole Mission Hills Golf Course. The expansive recreation district includes aquatic centers, art studios, ten community centers and numerous athletic fields and courts. The district also operates the Hayward Japanese Gardens, California’s first green space based on Japanese designs.
East Bay Regional Parks manages the Hayward Regional Shoreline, Garin Regional Park and 63 other natural areas. Miles of graveled trails pass through Hayward Regional Shoreline’s more than 1,800 acres of wetlands and marshes. Fishing is allowed from the levees, and birdwatchers can view land and water birds. Garin Regional Park is adjacent to Dry Creek Regional Park, and together, the spaces have a combined 5,800 acres and over 35 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails.
The city’s art initiative has sponsored over 200 public artworks in the past 15 years, including intricate mosaics and larger-than-life murals. The Hayward Area Historical Society preserves the city’s legacy in its Museum of History and Culture and the historic 1869 Meek Mansion. Hayward has a diverse variety of worship centers as well. Hindu and Buddhist temples, Islamic masjids and Protestant and Catholic churches are found throughout the area.
The eye catching "Hayward night mural" is a centerpiece in Downtown Hayward.
Hayward Regional Shoreline blends outdoor fun with tranquil fishing and biking paths.
Visitors escaping to the Japanese Gardens near De Anza Park in North Hayward.
All Saints Catholic Church is the main gathering place in Downtown Hayward.
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Diverse student programs, community colleges and state universities
The Hayward Unified School District serves over 19,000 students across 30 campuses. It’s known for its Mandarin- or Spanish-focused dual language immersion program, award-winning arts programs and consistently evolving facilities. Every grade level can participate in the district’s Youth Enrichment Program, a year-round after-school enrichment class for academic and social support. The Middle College Program lets seventh and eighth graders earn college credits through courses taught by Chabot College instructors. High school students can take college preparatory classes or specialize in a career pathway through the Eden Area Regional Occupational Program.
Established in 1961, Chabot College is a two-year institution offering professional certificates and associate degrees in nearly 60 subjects. California State University – East Bay was founded as ‘The State College for Alameda County’ in 1957. Today, the four-year university is most often called Cal State East Bay and awards certificates, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees over more than 100 concentrations.
Chabot College is the #8 best among Community Colleges in California in 2024.
Students from Hayward Highland often attend Cal State East Bay for higher education.
Stonebrae Elementary School in Hayward offers Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Program.
Hayward High School offers support for students who speak a language other than English.
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Numerous companies in the Industrial Crescent and St. Rose Hospital
Hayward is home to many high-technology, biotechnology and manufacturing companies, like Curia and Ultra Clean. Top employers are Plastikon Industries, Therm-X of California and Pentagon Technologies. Many of these companies are located in Hayward’s Industrial Technology and Innovation Corridor, better known as the ‘Industrial Crescent,’ a 3,500-acre space along the city’s southwestern edge. Hayward has an assortment of medical centers and clinics. The most prominent, St. Rose Hospital, is part of the Alameda Health System. A vital part of the community for 55 years, it’s the city’s only healthcare center with emergency departments. The hospital contributes more than 800 jobs to Hayward, making healthcare a significant industry here. Plus, there are over 7,000 businesses and companies in Hayward, employing nearly 85,000 people locally. The city supports new and established businesses through grants, developmental programs and a highly skilled workforce.
St. Rose Hospital supports Hayward residents with emergency care and advanced treatments.
Therm-x stands out as one of Hayward’s top employers in advanced manufacturing.
Curia supports Hayward’s economy as a leader in life sciences and local employment.
Ultra Clean fuels Hayward’s industrial growth with advanced manufacturing and global impact.
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Freeways, trains, bikes and the Oakland International Airport
Hayward is a transportation hub with over 300 miles of roadways, two BART stations, AC Transit bus routes and an Amtrak passenger rail station. A network of freeways runs through the city, with Interstates 580 and 880, Highway 92 and Route 238 being the most significant. Highway 92 takes travelers to the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, which connected the city to the San Francisco Peninsula in 1967. Today, it intersects the 101 Freeway, which leads north to San Francisco and south to San Jose. Both trains from the BART stations also transport passengers to San Francisco and throughout Silicon Valley. Those living alongside the freeways or train tracks will hear noise during heavy travel times. Data in 2022 showed most people have a 34-minute one-way commute from Hayward, higher than the national average of 27 minutes. The city also has numerous bike lanes so cyclists can go from one side of Hayward to another with minimal difficulty. Oakland International Airport is the closest commercial airfield, just over 10 miles north of Hayward.
Hayward Farmers Market, shopping centers and Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants
Hayward’s pedestrian-friendly downtown is filled with shopping and dining options alongside buildings from the 1860s. Downtown hosts the Hayward Farmers Market each Saturday year-round and has over 35 vendors selling local produce, baked goods and artisanal cheeses. Located along the 880 Freeway, Southland Mall is Hayward’s largest shopping center. Since opening in 1964, it’s become a regional retail destination with over 100 retailers, eateries and professional services.
The city’s dining scene includes Michelin Bib Gourmand-designated restaurants, 1950s-style diners, national quick-service chains and a variety of international eateries. One standout is Buffalo Bill’s Brewery, one of the oldest brewpubs in the state. Opened in 1983, it's been creating its line of craft beers at the same location for more than 40 years. National and regional supermarket chains also dot the city, with a handful of specialty grocers for hard-to-find ingredients.
Southland Mall provides Hayward Highland residents with convenient retail and entertainment.
Hayward Farmers’ Market brings fresh flavors and local vendors to the heart of the city.
Great cocktails can be found at Buffalo Bills Brewery located minutes from Burbank.
Los Carnalitos was selected for the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand list in 2021.
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Sunny days, natural disaster risks and crime rates
Like much of California, Hayward has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters, dry summers and low-to-moderate humidity. There are 257 sunny days each year and an annual rainfall of around 18 inches. Hayward Fault cuts through the city at the base of the Hayward Hills. This exceptionally active fault is estimated to produce earthquakes up to a magnitude of 7.5, although the last tremor approaching that was in 1868. The city’s wildfire risk increases in the Hayward Hills due to increased vegetation and the autumnal Santa Ana winds. Multiple city and Alameda County fire stations work to reduce response times. The city also experiences 15 or more days of unhealthy air quality yearly. During these times, people are advised to wear masks while outdoors.
The city’s violent and property crime rates are higher than the national average. Violent crimes in Hayward occur at a rate of 59 out of 100 people, three points higher than California’s average of 56 and seven points higher than the national average of 51. Property crimes happen at a rate of 51 people out of 100, with auto theft being the most likely. Hayward’s property crime rate is four points higher than the national average of 47 and eight points higher than the state’s average of 43.
On average, homes in Hayward, CA sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Hayward, CA over the last 12 months is $872,500, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Since 1976, Fred Wikkeling has been dedicated to serving California home buyers and sellers with expertise. His goal is to help them navigate the buying and selling process seamlessly. TOLA Properties, founded by Fred, is a results-driven, human-centered, hands-on experience, and mentorship firm. Fred imparts his wisdom and mentors four licensed agents in practical real-time work with buyers and sellers in various real estate areas.
He also holds a Probate Certified Specialist designation, helping families, executors, and heirs navigate the estate process. Additionally, Fred is involved in philanthropic work, including hosting first-time homebuyer workshops and being a certified instructor for educational institutions. With decades of experience in real estate and mortgage, Fred helps clients understand the potential of properties and the steps needed to achieve their vision. As an active investor in real estate, Fred has a keen understanding of market values and pricing trends.
Based in San Jose since 1972, Fred covers Northern and Southern California in search of properties for clients. TOLA Properties excels in solving complex problems, empowering its team, providing an unmatched customer experience, and developing best-in-class services. As part of his commitment to providing exceptional service, Fred leverages his Homes.com membership to give his clients' listings maximum exposure and branding. This resource helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals more efficiently and effectively, setting Fred and TOLA Properties apart in the competitive California real estate market.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
