Why Live in Alvarado
Alvarado, a neighborhood in Union City, experienced significant growth in the 1970s, with many homes dating back to this period. The area features a variety of home styles, including Ranch-style, Queen Anne, Craftsman, and Contemporary architecture. Housing options range from condos and townhouses to multi-story residences. The neighborhood is known for its green spaces, such as the expansive Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, which offers 6,400 acres of marshland ideal for hiking and bird watching. Contempo Park provides amenities like a basketball court, playground, and picnic areas, while Old Alvarado Park hosts the Union City Farmers’ Market every Saturday. Smith Street serves as the main thoroughfare, with Union Landing shopping center offering numerous dining and shopping options, including Lucky, Smart & Final, Walmart, Petco, Best Buy, and Lowe’s. Alvarado Boulevard features diverse grocery stores like Seafood City Supermarket and Shalimar Grocery, as well as dining spots such as Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace and Toppings Too. The Birdhaus Beer Garden offers a mix of Asian, Mexican, and Bavarian dishes. Interstate 880 provides easy access to downtown Oakland (20 miles) and San Francisco (35 miles), while the Union City BART station offers a 30-minute ride to Oakland and a 40-minute ride to San Francisco. The neighborhood is home to highly rated schools, including Alvarado Elementary School, Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School, and James Logan High School.