What’s life going to be like in your future home? Are going to fit in to your new neighborhood? Will be able to enjoy the weekend going to places you haven’t explored before? What can you and your family expect from the quality of life at your new place? These are just of the many questions that a lot of people ask when planning to move to a new place. Who would want to live in an unfamiliar area, after all?
Luckily, that shouldn’t be a problem if you know what to expect. If you’re wondering what awaits you in Alameda, CA, here are ten interesting facts about living there that just might surprise you. Be sure to reach until the end. It’ll all be worth it!
1. Pleasant Weather All-Year-Round
One of the few things you’ll notice in Alameda is that it rarely rains and never snows. Know what that means? You get to enjoy the local beauty and outdoor activities no matter the time of the year. You don’t have to worry about getting wet or staying warm during the cold winters.
2. Good Schools
If you’re a student or have kids, your primary concerns will include education. In Alameda, that’s easy to find as good schools are just a few blocks away, whether it be a public or private institution. The Unified School District in the area will surely have something for the kids. In addition, there are also plenty of after-school programs that students may participate in and have fun.
3. Living in Alameda is Expensive
Before moving to Alameda, know that it’s quite pricey. According to BestPlaces, the overall cost of living in Alameda is more than double the national average and 50% higher compared to California. The only thing that’s cheaper in the area are utilities, that’s down by around 11%. Anything other than that, you’ll likely pay more.
4. Housing is Even More Pricey
Just so you know, your average budget for a house is going nowhere in Alameda, regardless of whether you’re renting or buying with prices well beyond twice the cost of homes in California. So for that, be sure to stack up on cash ahead of time. On the bright side, this will be a good opportunity if you’re into real estate investments as it continues to rise year over year.
5. Beaches in Alameda are Clean
Do you love going to the beach? In case you do, that’s another thing to like about Alameda. Why? That’s because its beaches are some of the cleanest in the Bay Area. Not to mention, they’re easily accessible to everyone. Local favorites are Crown Memorial State Beach and Crab Cove Beach. Pair sand with amazing weather throughout the year, and you’ve got yourself a ton of fun on the beach.
6. Fabulous Shopping Centers and Restaurants
There’s no need to go anywhere else if you want to shop or eat. That’ll be just additional spending and effort. Alameda already has its own share of great shopping centers and delicious dishes from different cuisines. Yet another reason why life in the area is fascinating. However, if you want more choices, you’re always welcome in Oakland and Berkeley, which are only a few minutes away from Alameda.
7. Alameda is Diverse
Diversity is highly important for the people in Alameda. As proof of that, you can see signs saying “Everyone belongs here” spread across the locality. Individuals of different ages, races, gender identities, and sexual orientations live happily in this tight-knit community. You’ll never feel out of place in Alameda as you’re sure to see your kind of people.
8. Healthy Lifestyle
With the presence of multiple gyms and varying kinds of fitness clubs, staying fit and healthy is easy in Alameda. But that’s not all. Because of the weather, you’ll have lots of opportunities to go outside and be active under the sun. Also, many residents use bikes as their primary mode of transportation, especially if their workplace or school is nearby.
9. There are Lots of Fun Things to Do
Whether you’re into music, arts, culture, sports, or outdoor activities, there will be plenty of entertainment options for you. Some of the most common places people go are the Fox Theater for music lovers, Alameda Art Association for the artsy people, Pacific Pinball Museum, Crown Memorial State Beach, and their historic movie theater.
10. Oakland and Berkeley are Within Reach
Life in Alameda is fantastic by itself. But is that stopping you from looking for more? Oakland and Berkeley have it all for you if you want to experience something new in a different place like a fun nightlife, savor tasty dishes, get more job opportunities, or anything you like. To make things better, Alameda is close to these places. So transportation is not an issue.
Moving to Alameda may be your best decision yet because of the many benefits it has to offer. The only thing dragging it down is the fact that it’s pretty expensive. But that’s just because the place is something to be envious of. So if money is not a problem for you, consider the things listed here when deciding to live in Alameda, CA.