East Bay city guide

San Leandro

San Leandro sits between Oakland and Hayward along the Interstate 880 corridor, with a downtown near BART and neighborhoods stretching from the bay shoreline to the eastern hills.

At a glance

  • Where it is: western Alameda County, immediately south of Oakland.
  • Known for: a walkable downtown near BART, the San Leandro Marina, and a large industrial and commercial base.
  • The environment: established residential neighborhoods around a compact downtown.

Housing character

  • Pre-war and post-war single-family homes across much of the city, including bungalows and Spanish-style houses.
  • Condominiums and townhomes near downtown and along the main corridors.
  • Newer development near the Marina and downtown.
  • Hillside homes on the eastern edge with bay views.

Places within San Leandro

Estudillo Estates
Established neighborhood with larger period homes near downtown.
Broadmoor
Tree-lined neighborhood with 1920s–1940s architecture.
Washington Manor
Southern post-war neighborhood with regular lots.
Bal
Central neighborhood near Bancroft Avenue.
Marina Faire
Western neighborhood near the shoreline and marina.
Bay-O-Vista
Eastern hillside neighborhood with bay views.

Around town

  • Downtown East 14th Street with restaurants and the Bal Theatre.
  • San Leandro Marina and the Bay Trail.
  • Lake Chabot Regional Park just east of the city.
  • Bayfair Center and the Marina Square shopping areas.
  • The Cherry Festival each spring.

Getting around

  • Two BART stations — San Leandro and Bay Fair.
  • Interstate 880 and Interstate 580 both cross the city.
  • State Route 112 (Davis Street) connects the two freeways.
  • Oakland International Airport is to the north.
  • AC Transit service including bus rapid transit along East 14th Street.

What to check

  • Aircraft noise from Oakland International Airport affects parts of the city.
  • Interstate 880 and Interstate 580 traffic noise affects nearby blocks.
  • Parts of the bayside are within mapped flood zones — review the natural hazard disclosure.
  • Older housing stock in many neighborhoods, with foundation, electrical, and sewer considerations.
  • Some nearby addresses are in unincorporated San Lorenzo or Ashland — confirm jurisdiction, since services differ.
  • Verify current transportation service, school assignment, permit requirements, hazard information, and total housing costs for the specific address.

Nearby guides

HaywardCentral East Bay city with two BART stations, direct San Mateo Bridge access, and one of the widest housing ranges.OaklandEast Bay city with an urban downtown, older homes in the flats, and residential neighborhoods in the hills.Castro ValleyUnincorporated hillside community with BART, a boulevard commercial strip, and regional parks all around.AlamedaIsland city of Victorians and beaches next to Oakland, with ferry service and a redeveloping former naval base.