EAST BAY · CITY GUIDE

Hayward

Hayward sits in the middle of the East Bay's Interstate 880 corridor, with a downtown, a state university, and neighborhoods that run from the bay shoreline up into the hills.

At a glance

  • Where it is: central Alameda County, between San Leandro and Union City.
  • Known for: California State University East Bay, the Hayward Regional Shoreline, and the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge.
  • The environment: a mix of urban downtown, established residential neighborhoods, and hillside areas.
  • What sets it apart: one of the more varied East Bay housing markets, with a wide range of home ages, types, and price points.

Housing character

  • Older single-family homes near downtown, including early-20th-century houses.
  • Post-war tract neighborhoods across the flatlands.
  • Hillside homes with views on the eastern side.
  • A substantial supply of condominiums and townhomes.

Places within Hayward

Downtown Hayward
Walkable blocks near the BART station with older homes and newer apartments.
Hayward Highlands
Eastern hillside neighborhood with larger lots and views.
Fairway Park
Southern neighborhood near the Union City border.
Mt. Eden
Western neighborhood near the State Route 92 corridor.
Hayward Hills
Hillside neighborhoods near the university.
Cherryland / Fairview
Unincorporated county areas adjoining the city with their own services.

Around town

  • Downtown B Street, the Hayward farmers market, and community events.
  • Hayward Regional Shoreline and the Bay Trail.
  • Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer regional parks in the eastern hills.
  • The Sulphur Creek Nature Center and Japanese Gardens.
  • Cal State East Bay and Chabot College.

Getting around

  • Two BART stations — Hayward and South Hayward.
  • Interstate 880 on the west side and Interstate 580 to the north.
  • State Route 92 connects directly to the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge.
  • Hayward Executive Airport on the west side; AC Transit serves the city.

What to check

  • The Hayward Fault runs through the city, and Alquist-Priolo zone designations apply to a number of properties — the natural hazard disclosure matters a great deal here.
  • Interstate 880, Interstate 580, and State Route 92 all carry heavy traffic.
  • General aviation traffic from Hayward Executive Airport is audible in some areas.
  • Parts of the bayside are within mapped flood zones.
  • Older housing stock in the central neighborhoods.
  • Some addresses with a Hayward mailing address are in unincorporated county areas with different services and permitting — confirm jurisdiction.
  • Verify current transportation service, school assignment, permit requirements, hazard information, and total housing costs for the specific address.

Nearby guides

Union CitySouthern East Bay city with a BART station at its center, two historic districts, and hillside neighborhoods.Castro ValleyUnincorporated hillside community with BART, a boulevard commercial strip, and regional parks all around.San LeandroTwo BART stations, a walkable downtown, marina access, and period homes between Oakland and Hayward.FremontThe southern East Bay's largest city — five historic districts, two BART stations, and Mission Peak above it all.Foster CityPlanned bayside community built around a lagoon system, with HOA developments and direct San Mateo Bridge access.