A 4-bedroom, multi-level home in Alameda, CA with a ground-level guest suite.
Inquire.A quaint city known for its beautiful sandy beaches, natural open spaces, and
wondrous views, Alameda exudes both character and charm. While Alameda the city lies on the island of the same name in San Francisco Bay, the city’s borders extend to the neighboring Bay Farm Island to the south, and Coast Guard Island, a former Navy base located on the strait between Oakland and Alameda.
The city’s unique geography has earned it the nickname, “The Island City.” Aside from scenic views of the Bay Area, water activities, downtown attractions, rich maritime history, and healthy mix of residential communities, and some of the most ambitious real estate projects in development today.
Whether you’re looking for a great community to build your dream home, checking out the most promising investment opportunities, or otherwise betting on a bright future, Alameda might be just what you’re looking for.
With Alameda real estate as our starting point, let’s check out what makes this island city the city of the future.
Welcome to Alameda, CA
The island community of Alameda is home to 79,000 residents and an excellent destination for all who want a retreat from the busier streets of San Francisco.
With weather that’s generally warmer year-round, Alameda offers laidback fun like lounging at the beach or the park, a little bit of water sports, dining along the coastal trail, winery tours, shopping, and an evening of bar hopping.
Alameda is also a great place to explore because of its unique attractions:
- Get to know World War II history aboard the USS Hornet
- Kid-size displays and exhibitions at Crab Cove Visitor Center along with an 800-gallon aquarium
- Pack a picnic at Crown Beach or rent some bikes at Pedal Beach at South Shore Center
- Watch a movie at the restored historic Alameda Theatre
- Play pinball at Pacific Pinball Museum
- Have fun at Subpar Miniature Golf
The Island City is just 2.3 miles from Oakland, and around 14 miles from San Francisco, allowing residents quick access to the extra amenities of the bigger cities. To get in and out of Alameda, take deluxe buses or hop on a ferry.
Alameda encourages biking and walking as a means of getting around the city. Indeed, many residents cite bikes as their transportation of choice.
For those with school-age children, the Alameda Unified School District ranked # 7 in Best School Districts in Alameda County, and #67 of 438 Best School Districts in California.
Real estate market overview of Alameda
Given its scenic location and awesome attractions, Alameda ranks
#36 Best Suburbs to live in San Francisco Bay area. It also had top score for having the most diverse suburbs in California the state, and #70 of 524 for best suburbs in the state.
With a well-earned reputation for being one the best places to live in California, homes for sale in Alameda have been subjected to multiple offers as well as the willingness of buyers to waive contingencies (like forgoing home inspections, for example) in order to seal the deal.
Market trends
In October 2022, Alameda remained a seller’s market, with homes listed at a median price of $1.2 million, up 15.6% year-over-year, according to Realtor.com. Moreover, homes for sale in Alameda were purchased at 7.9% above the asking price.
In the early days of November 2022, homes for sale in Alameda stayed on the market for 40 days, which was down by five days since October 2022.
In other reports, high-end real estate listings are priced from $1.5 million to as much as $11 million. A French Revival château with the exquisite craftsmanship of its early 20th-century heritage coupled with modern amenities has that $11 million price tag.
Meanwhile, condos for sale in Alameda had a median list price of $685,000 in early November 2022. Of the 111 homes listed for sale during the same period, 22 were condos, 13 were townhouses, and 19 were multi-family homes.
According to Realtor.com, mortgage rates in Alameda for the first week of November 2022 were 7.16% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, 6.33% for a 15-year fixed loan, and 6.5% for 5-year Adjustable Rate Mortgages.
What’s in store for Alameda in 2023?
Here’s what experts are saying about the Alameda real estate market in 2023:
- More homes will be available
- A “return to normalcy”
- Homebuyers are resilient to rising rates
After two years of tight inventory, forecasts suggest a nominal growth in housing supply in 2023. The availability of more homes for sale suggests a more buyer-friendly Alameda real estate market. An increase in inventory could help level the playing field between homebuyers and sellers across the Bay Area.
In spite of record-breaking interest rates, which has cooled market demand, experts believe that the Federal Reserve’s move to hike interest rates six times in 2022 in order to bring down inflation, will herald a “return to normalcy.” This means mortgage rates will decline “once inflation begins to slow and the peak rate for this hiking cycle comes into view.”
No matter how steep mortgage rates are, life goes on. People will continue to buy homes because life events trigger purchases, and not mortgage rates. Marriage, the birth of a child, and a change in job are some of these life-changing factors.
This is borne out historically. From the late 1980s when mortgage rates were at 18% to the “housing bubble” of the early 2000s, when rates were higher than they were today, people continued to buy homes, which also resulted in higher prices.
Whether you’re buying or selling homes, work with top Alameda real estate agents who can help you navigate the market trends, contact them here.
Property types in Alameda
A sleek International-style home for sale in Alameda, CA. The use of redwood adds warmth and recalls legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Alameda is captivating, with a plethora of property types, from charming cottages to gorgeous Victorians to condos with wonderful amenities and beautiful views of the bay.
- Victorian homes
Notable for preserving almost 3,000 Victorian-era homes, Alameda is best known for historic houses built mostly before 1939. Common architecture types of the Victorian houses in Alameda are Queen Anne, Craftsman, Italianate, Shingle, Stick, and others, many lovingly preserved and/or restored.
Among the Victorian houses in Alameda, Queen Anne style is the most recognizable with its striking features such as open, spacious porches, ornamental spindles, shingles, turrets, towers, bay windows, art glass windows, and gabled roofs.
Today, historic homes in Alameda blend architectural beauty with the comforts of modern living. Some Victorian homes boast features such as period built-ins, soaring ceilings, shiny hardwood floors, arched French doors that open to a sun porch, a chef’s kitchen, spacious bedrooms, wraparound balconies and updated baths.
- Single-family homes
- Townhomes and condos
- New construction
- Alameda Landing
- Bronze Coast
- Crown Harbor
- East End
- Marina District. Fairly isolated and very private, it borders the Oakland estuary. Some of the homes have deep-water docks.
- The Fernside. Located on the East End, it’s dotted with larger, well-built single-family homes.
- East End. California bungalows, Victorians, Craftsman, and Contemporary homes are the prevalent styles. Apartments and condo buildings are also scattered throughout the neighborhood.
- East Shore. Bordering San Leandro Bay, the neighborhood is quiet, private, and slow paced. Homes are generally newer and mostly Ranch style.
- Gold Coast
- Harbor Bay/ Bay Farm
- Marina Village
- Neptune Gardens
- South Shore
- West End
Alameda real estate abounds in single-family homes. Suited for contemporary living, the homes come with updated features, modern finishes, and top amenities. Home features include expansive living rooms, gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances , breakfast bars, laundry/mud rooms that open up to a backyard or deck, and a detached garage convertible into an office or studio.
Most single-family homes have yards made for entertaining family and friends. Expect ample storage and enough room to roam and play. Privacy is another benefit since you don’t share a wall with a neighbor and you have a private garage.
Price range : $900,000 and up
Wherever you are in life, condo and townhomes offer the opportunity to live in style. Most condos and townhomes in Alameda require less maintenance and are equipped with smart home features for lock-and-leave convenience.
Townhome and condo listings in Alameda will suit buyers who prefer shops and outdoor fun close by. Some are situated overlooking Crab Cove, providing beautiful views of the water and giving you the feeling of owning a vacation home.
Over the last few years, condo and townhome developments in Alameda have soared to new heights. These contemporary multifamily homes have now been thoughtfully designed with wider layouts, unfitted kitchens, statement ceilings, and plenty of natural light.
One of the biggest new construction developments now in the works has been Landing at Bay37. The 357-unit housing project and waterfront park will consist of four neighborhoods offering single-family homes, flats-style condos, and three-level townhouse-style condos. Amenities include a playground, picnic areas, walkability to shopping and dining, and a waterfront walking trail.
The City of Alameda Affordable Housing also initiated lotteries for the opportunity to purchase one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes in Landing at Bay37. The initial draw in 2021 offered homes that started at $340,000.
Browse Alameda real estate properties here.
10 neighborhoods in Alameda, CA
The Island City boasts a diversity of unique neighborhoods:
Urbanizing the former Fleet Industrial Supply Center site for the U.S. Navy, Alameda Landing is a mix of rich naval history and mixed-used real estate development. The 72-acre real estate development showcases new homes in a scenic waterfront setting and sustainable features. The outdoor shopping center, Alameda Landing, offers everything from grocery stores, fitness centers, and restaurants.
Two residential developments surrounding Alameda Landing are Bayport and Tri Pointe Homes. Bayport features mid- to large-size luxury homes in beautiful styles. Tri Pointe offers newer homes in three residential neighborhoods – single-family detached homes in Cadence, urban loft-style condominiums in Linear, and attached townhome-style condominiums in Symmetry.
Bay 37 by Pulte is another residential development in Alameda Landing. Located across San Francisco and adjacent to Oakland, the new construction project will house a total of 357 residential housing in four neighborhoods. The homes are envisioned to be moderately-priced in a community that’s modern, walkable, close to schools, and amenity filled.
With a waterfront plaza, commercial buildings, recreational facilities, and new-construction homes coming to Alameda Landing, the neighborhood will be a good investment for homeowners.
Bordered by the lagoon on the southern side, Central Ave. on the north, Park St. on the eastern side and Grand St. on the west, Bronze Coast features historic homes. Park Street provides ample commercial amenities nearby.
The well-established residential area maintains a good number of Victorian homes, from Queen Anne, Victorian, Craftsman, and the occasional Edwardian-era building. Some of the homes have private docks, allowing direct access to the water.
Nestled along Ballena Bay, Crab Cove and Crown Beach lies Crown Harbor. The small, gated community of 76 townhomes offers privacy, seclusion, and convenience.
Crown Harbor is accessible to shopping and dining along Alameda’s Historic Webster Street and to Alameda Hospital. The world-famous Oakland’s Jack London Square is a short distance away.
West of Crown Harbor, Ballena Bay has a selection of condos, townhomes, and apartments, with some equipped with boat slips.
East End is a fantastic place to call home for anyone looking for a strong community. Aside from top-notch schools, nature parks such as the Lincoln Park and outdoor recreation are major attractions of the neighborhood.
The East End consists of the following micro-neighborhoods:
This charming and well maintained Queen Anne cottage duplex stays true to the vibe of Alameda, CA’s East End neighborhood.
Gold Coast stands out because of the density of its elegant, restored homes. Victorian, Craftsman, and Colonial styles are favorites in this community. There’s a concentration of charming historic homes because Gold Coast was once the summer getaway of San Francisco residents, who went on to build large estates for their families.
Gold Coast real estate also consists of single-family homes and small apartment buildings.
Although Bay Farm is a peninsula connected to Oakland, the district is connected to Alameda by the Bay Farm Island Bridge. From being an island farm early in the 20th century, Bay Farm transformed over the years, offering
various housing developments, community parks, a series of ponds, and views of the surrounding bay area and the San Francisco skyline. There, you’ll find the headquarters of the Oakland Raiders, the 36-hole Chuck Corica Golf Complex, Harbor Bay Club, a ferry terminal, and retail complexes.
Bay Farm Island real estate is made up mostly of owner-occupied single-family homes and townhomes built between 1970 and 1999. The newer area, Harbor Bay with a manmade lagoon, has a 917-acre planned community.
Located on the northwest section of the main island of Alameda, Marina Village is a neighborhood of 178 homes. It lies adjacent to the Shoreline Park, which runs between Marina Village Marina and the lagoon.
A shopping center, marina, and condos surround the neighborhood. The Marina Village Yacht Harbor offers outstanding facilities, 738 berths, premium office spaces, and attentive service unlike no other. The marina treats boating enthusiasts to a park-like setting, calm waters, and incredible views of Oakland skyline.
Check Marina Village’s Homeowner Association here.
Situated on the West end of Alameda, Neptune Gardens offers residential comforts with accessibility to shopping and dining districts. It has a variety of Craftsmen, Victorian, Mediterranean, and occasional Mid-Century Modern homes. Apartments, condos, and townhomes are available.
Best known for the bay, beach, and skyline views, South Shore has a magnificent location. Its shoreline is fantastic for walking, biking, running, and beach activities. The South Shore Center, an open-air shopping destination, is also a major attraction in this coastal community.
This coastal jewel was established in the 1970s and offers studio-type homes like studio units, four-bedroom single-family homes, as well as mid and high -rise apartment complexes. One condo community near the South Shore Shopping Center is The Willows. Giving the beach enclave a refreshing boost is the new lifestyle drive condo community, South Shore Apartments, which is located on the beachfront.
Mid-Century single-family homes are situated on the west end and towards the two-mile long stretch of Crown Memorial State Beach.
A vibrant arts district and the hub of thriving small businesses, West End is considered the center of all that’s fun and happening in Alameda. The shopping district is packed with boutiques, ethnic grocers, and weekly farmers markets. Lots of wineries, bars, restaurants, and cafes add to the excitement of the neighborhood.
West End is home to Alameda Point – a former naval air station being developed as a sought-after commercial real estate while preserving historic buildings and wildlife habitat in the Bay area.
The naval base influenced the home styles with lots of bungalows developed and retrofitted for housing of navy base personnel. When the base closed, new homes were built. Victorians, Craftsmen, and the occasional Mid-century Modern add to the variety of home styles in the area.
Work with top Alameda, CA real estate professionals
To make sure you have an excellent chance of owning real estate property in Alameda, tap the seasoned professionals in the Bay area – JC and Heather Gonzalez.
We are a dynamic husband-and-wife team with 19 years of proven real estate experience in San Francisco. We personally know that buying a home is one of the biggest decisions your family can make. Allow us to provide you with first-class real estate services with utmost care and commitment, guided by our principles of hard work, transparency, ethical conduct, and integrity.
We’d love to hear from you! Contact JC at 510.816.6395. Or call Heather at 510.599.0262. You can contact us here as well.