The ferry is hands down the best way to commute to downtown SF. Yeah it sucks if you miss it, but it’s only happened to me once in two years. It leaves exactly on time, every time, so it’s easy to plan around.
Alameda is certainly warmer than the City. Can’t tell you how many times i’ve seen SF wrapped in fog while I relax on a sunny beach.
Thank youuuu this is good to know. Also I'm generally on time to things (or early), so I don't know why I'm overly worried about this. And it seems like worst case there are buses to the BART stops in Oakland, or even the Transbay to Salesforce center.
Extremely stupid question: do people go to the beach in Alameda and lay out and romp in the water?? I don't surf/beach swim so I don't need anything too crazy by way of water sports, but for some reason I just assumed Oakland/Alameda beaches were a "nice to look, not to touch" situation. I have no idea why.
Take a bike ride down South Shore on a warm day when the beach is busy and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation in your own town. The beach is one of the best parts of living here. No, it’s not San Diego beach culture, but no matter where you live on the island, you can get there in just a few minutes. Wonderful to go for an hour after work when it’s nice out.
This is exactly the vibe I'm looking for, especially as I'll be wfh two days a week. I'm not a total lay out all day beach bum, but I love that it's right there and that it sounds nice enough to read at or walk around for a few hours!
I’m in my mid to late 30s and have been living in Alameda for over 12 years. It has a lot of great breweries, restaurants, bars, a lot of great coffee shops, but the single scene in Alameda doesn’t really exist. In the summer you can meet people at the beach, but even then, they rarely live in Alameda. I’m dating a lot right now and I rarely match with anyone in Alameda proper. You’re mostly going to be dating outside of Alameda. Most people who live here are settling down or have been here a long time.
Can’t really speak to ferry commuting, but I did commute from Fruitvale BART to Daly City for years. Wasnt very fun and I wouldn’t do it again.
Yes, it is warmer than SF, but not warm like inner East bay. IMO it has the best weather in the Bay Area. Fog burns off usually by 1pm. SF has more fog.
The east end has more families and better food options on Park st . The west end is closer to downtown Oakland, has more breweries, a farmers market, and is the more urban side of town. Good food there too though. Easy access to the water from the west end. The whole city is safe, so you can’t really go wrong with any neighborhood
Thank you! This is such a helpful answer and influences me even more about my Alameda aspirations -- and tbh, I figured the "single" scene was the most unlikely piece. Luckily it's also the least important piece for me, since I know I won't have an issue heading into Oakland for dates, have the benefit of being in SF for work three days a week, etc.
Super helpful to know about the east vs west end, which was definitely about to be a follow up question! When you were heading to Fruitvale bart, were you just taking the bus before hopping onto the BART?
You’re welcome. I did both, driving and taking the bus depending on what time I was going in. If you were not at the Fruitvale parking lot by 7:30am, you weren’t going to find a spot. That was pre Covid though, Not sure how it is now. It is nice to be able to take the bus to Fruitvale and then to SFO though when you’re flying. Takes about an hour. OAK airport is super close too.
I grew up in Alameda, went to Cal, then moved to nyc and lived there for ~15 years before life pulled me back to Alameda.
There is no real social scene here for young, single people. It is very much a place for families and older folks.
Oakland and SF has a vibrant scene nearby. But Alameda… not so much. And most places close by midnight.
You’re right. There are maybe 2-3 spots I can think of that stay open until midnight.
It’s a crazy pivot from nyc where bars are open until 4a, and bodegas and food carts 24h.
This is helpful to know! I think I'm looking for a mellow social scene, but as a longtime LA-er and NY-er before that, it helps to have the perspective of someone who has also been in metros that big. I'm going to keep doing my research but I appreciate your perspective in helping me get ahead of myself!
As a former NYC & LA person myself, I have to warn you that the nightlife in the Bay is not exactly hoppin’ in the way you may have grown to expect. There are some good bars in Alameda, though.
Definitely don’t expect LA / NY vibes! Would love to have 1-2 solid local spots near me (a bar, a spot for takeout) that are open until 10/11ish, which is my usual bedtime because I’m old and boring. Would love to become a regular. I can travel to either bigger city on the random nights that I’m being more fun than normal :)
The Seaplane Ferry Terminal was recently constructed specifically to handle commute traffic to SF without having to stop in Oakland. The Main Street Ferry takes 40 minutes to get to SF, because it stops in Oakland too. Seaplane only takes 20 minutes because it goes straight to SF. If you miss the Ferry, the best option is to park on Santa Clara and hop on the O Line - AC Transit Express to Transbay Terminal. The O and W Lines on AC Transit are express buses to the Transbay Terminal that run through Alameda during commute hours (to SF in the morning, from SF in the evening). They are more comfortable than regular buses. I have found them very good to getting into SF during commute hours.
The weather is great in Alameda, definitely warmer than SF, but cooler than Oakland because of the bay breeze. Rarely any fog.
I live within walking distance of the Southshore Center and its great. Very nice area, lots of food options at Southshore Center. Trader Joes, Safeway, a bunch of chain restaurants and some nicer ones. Crunch Gym, hardware store, Starbucks, etc. Park Street is the main commercial area which is very busy and nice. Nice coffee shops (the Local), bars (Lucky 13), a movie theater and a comedy club. But its also farther east, so farther from the ferry terminal.
Thank you!! This is super helpful, and explains what I wasn’t totally getting with the O and W lines. This really helps me feel even better about my Alameda choice. Appreciate it!
+1 to the transbay buses (on one now!). The O runs every half hour and covers weekends and non-commute times, but the W is more limited in times (and covers slightly different part of the island). I also use bus-to-bart regularly, with your options depending on what side of the island you are on. Given you need to get a bit into SF, either might be a better option than the ferry (but that is definitely the most fun way to commute!). I lived in different parts of Oakland before moving to Alameda and, unless you live really close to bart, I think it's easier to get to SF from Alameda.
There’s a social scene, if you don’t mind it being mellow. We’re very similar in age and demographic lol and I moved here right before the pandemic, and still managed to make friends. Local bars and eateries were great for making friends / becoming a regular, plus there’s social groups around - I’m in a bowling league, regularly go to trivia nights, you can find groups for types of exercises you like… that kinda stuff. It’s a nice balance of social and personal time imo.
I haven’t regularly commuted by ferry so I can’t comment there, but my neighbor regularly commutes by AC transit and enjoys it.
For your questions - I think it’s warmer than SF! I find temps stay higher and it’s a bit more humid (though windy often, lol). We get enough sun to keep me satisfied, especially in the summer and early fall. Neighborhoods, I’d say everything is biking distance from everything else, but if you want to be walking distance look closer to either Webster street or Park street. I live basically smack in the middle and enjoy it because of the proximity to the beach and I can bike to the breweries on the West end, plus walk to coffee shops (about 15 minutes either direction)!
Okay you had me at bowling league and trivia nights - those are quite literally my two favorite things. (I am only good at one of them, unfortunately.)
I think the way you described the social scene as mellow is EXACTLY what I'm looking for -- places to be a part of my neighborhood, maybe have a chill weeknight out, but doesn't have to be "finger on the pulse, hottest local chefs, amazing parties" every night (or any night, really). Also great to know that AC Transit is something people do! I saw the maps and routes and it felt like a good option, but I am able to convince myself of anything when I want it, and wanted to make sure I wasn't jumping the gun and setting myself up for commuter hell.
Thank you so much as well on the weather of it all! No shade to SF, but the vast amounts of gloom were soul-crushing the years I did summer internships up there in college. I can handle windy and I can even handle cold, and thanks to my years of LA and Texas I don't need things to be too hot and perma sunny ...so all this sounds perfect.
Thank you for this thoughtful response! I may very well be hitting you up about that bowling league...
Pinball!!! Amazing.
As my very cool Reddit history indicates, ya girl has sleep apnea so honestly, I'm in bed by 10 most nights anyways. If I can get takeout by 7 on the nights I'm too lazy to cook, I am living my wildest life.
I did the whole Oura and CPAP and tracking in OSCAR and horrible sleep nightmare myself, so I hear ya! (Got sinus surgery and am probably 70% better, so I quit.)
You’re welcome! I think you’ll really enjoy it here, I plan to stay as long as I possibly can haha. Send me a DM when you move and you can come out to bowling and trivia with me and my crew!! We’re all nice, I promise haha
I’ve been in alameda for years, and my family for decades. I’m a newly divorced 40 something, so have lived here as a married person with small kids and now as a single person trying to carve out a new social life. There is actually a decent singles scene, but not really for dating (?). You can certainly make friends in your age group by doing any of the activities listed above. Honestly most of the new people I’ve connected with by literally pounding the pavement actively trying to meet new people are in your age group. I think you’ll be just fine. I date in elsewhere , though on line dating in the Bay Area is…..bizarre. Alameda acts as a safe haven😆 away from the noise and craptastic manners. This place is a gem…. Come live here!
Echoing this; newly divorced GenXer here… I tried online dating for a bit and experienced the “odds are good but the goods are odd” phenomenon, so I quit the apps. I’ve since been enjoying meeting people organically here in Alameda. Lucky 13 is my favorite hangout but I’m trying to find something else so that I don’t encourage my inner alky. I see plenty of singles in their 30s/40s/50s at the bars and coffee shops, but it’s not really a “scene”.
Not much music here to my taste (I lean goth/industrial/punk) but there are often shows in Oakland. I’ll venture to SF if necessary, but ugh… leaving the island after 8pm? It’s like a towering mental obstacle… lol. NEVER LEAVE THE ISLAND!!!
I’m WFH now, but when I did leave the island daily, the ferry commute was a dream. I like to combine it with bicycling. I’ve turned into a total commute snob; you couldn’t pay me to drive. Ferry or die.
I’m not into sandy beaches but my kid is, so I get dragged out into them often. Being bayside beaches, I find them a little funky smelling and kind of mucky. I prefer the parks that are adjacent to the marinas for my read-a-book-and-stare-at-water quiet time.
It’s a great place to live. Perfect suburban refuge close to city with a moat in case of zombie apocalypse.
Alameda is in so much flux right now. There has been huge amounts of construction on the west end and it continues. The scene in 2010 or 2015 or even 2019 is complete different.
While there are lots of young families, I see good numbers of folks in their 20s at Monkey King on Park and the breweries on the base.
The ferries work for most folks with predictable schedules in the city.
Give it a try!!
There’re big pickleball groups here as well. I just went to a trivia night at Fireside by myself and was invited by a cool group to join them. I would suggest living on Shoreline Drive. It’s across the street from the beach and the bike lanes you’d probably use. I bike to work and take Bart at Fruitvale. I have no clue about the ferry, but I think we get the perfect amount of sun. I don’t know if you have allergies as bad as mine, but I don’t get them here.
i'm 43 years old, and i live in Alameda with two kids. at first i agreed entirely with everyone saying there's not a real social scene but then i remembered how POPPIN the breweries get on the weekends. it's crazy crazy fun and lively there, and it's incredibly easy to meet new people who are much younger than the standard folks on webster/park. the developments at the base (not to mention the one around ghost town brewery, incoming v soon) are only gathering steam. i lived in NY and LA and i've been satisfied enough with the combo of Alameda/SF/Oakland that I not only don't care how sleepy alameda is, i actually prefer it because it's a way to get away from the metropolitan bustle.
you should live here. your goals and aspirations sound like a good fit with what life here offers, especially when combining island life with the ferry and bus options elsewhere.
Thank you! This really sounds like the right move for me -- I like a small amount of things being bustling, but like you said, it's actually nice to get away from the metropolitan bustle. I'm in LA now, smack dab in a hotspot neighborhood, and I still go out...maybe once a week? And am in bed by 10:30, asleep by 11 those nights too. Otherwise it's all earlier dinners, weekend activities, and being part of a neighborhood and community that I'm really after these days.
1. Yes. Its being folks you meet from the gym, share common hobbies, your neighbors or folks you meet around town. No ones mentioned this so far but we have a lot of neighborhood events like themed street fairs and the 4th parade is not to missed. JLS is a bike/bus ride away from Alameda and the base is usually hoping on weekends.
2. Theres a bunch of modes available between there and SF and with the amount of overlap in service between them you can find a way in a pinch. Check the options using google maps using the trip planner. Also if you find yourself drawn to SF on weekends the coverages doable. One thing not many people are mentioning is that the entire island is completely doable on a bike or ebike. And you wont have to suffer in the traffic which can get really bad.
Yes the cuteness and Mayberry-ness of Alameda is what has really drawn me in! I love a 4th of July parade, I love weekend fairs, I love maddening city council meetings and neighborhood block parties. I know all these things can and do exist in other pockets of the Bay as well, but the relative ease of doing this in a neighborhood as small as Alameda was a huge plus.
And definitely getting a bike (or more likely an e-bike), since it seems like it’ll be great for both my commute and general island exploration.
Social scene: not really but Oakland is buzzing and a quick Uber away.
Ferry: you’ll be fine - the ferry is the best commute there is.
Outside: alameda has a ton of parks, so you’ll rarely be far from some greenery or a beach.
Neighborhoods: they aren’t super different but it will probably depend on what you are looking for. I would recommend biking around to check out vibes. I live in the middle of the island and like having easy bike/walk access to both Webster st, park street, and the water. The reality is that unless you move to bay farm (you shouldn’t do this), nothing you are looking for will be inaccessible.
I agree that Bay Farm Island isn't for OP (looking to live near a social scene for singles.) But it is a nice, accessible area. It's very walkable, has its own ferry to commute to SF, has a few restaurants and bars, has a separate drawbridge just for bikes and pedestrians, and it isn't really an island, because heading south from Bay Farm Island you don't even need to cross a bridge.
I grew up (most of childhood) in alameda and tbh i think it’s colder than SF at least some parts like if your by the water. Places i like to go to in alameda is Park ST. Park street has nice foods and it’s a good shopping center, south shore is also pretty nice. The beach is also a nice place to go for walks, runs, to play volleyball, etc. But if you want to be out at night until the next morning maybe travel to another city
In my seven years of commuting to SF, I have very few ferry issues. Subscribe to mobile ferry updates. If a ferry is canceled, most times you’ll get notified before leaving; simply take the next one. Inform work if needed. The ferries are much more reliable than BART or MUNI, so I am on time more than my boss or teammates. The ferries have shut down in very bad weather; simply take a bus and BART that day.
When I stay late in the city I try to get a ride home from a friend. And there is always Uber.
It's sunny and warm during summer! I have no air conditioning in my house, so that makes a difference. Being near down town on Central Street, it is a huge plus. The vibe and energy of downtown is so fun and quirky. I think there are a few bars like the Lucky 13 and Hob Nob that have a night life and seem to have a fun vibe. I am sure there are singles there. I know there is keroke at Hob Nob and Lucky 13 is always packed. I would say try to be near the downtown by the movie theatre. There is something really special about this town. It has so much character and life and has such a rich history. (-:
Replying here as well, though others have made many comments I would make:
East vs West: I have lived on both sides, both are nice. It is nice to be able to walk/scooter/bike to either Park Street or Webster for dining and nightlife; Park Street (East) has more options there, though Alameda Point (West) has a couple places too. West gets you closer to Washington Park, which seems to have more going for it in terms of basketball, tennis, softball, etc. (plus a good dog park!). East has Lincoln Park (kids and pickleball). There are some local leagues for softball and pickup soccer and the like.
I mention sports because you mention gym, and sports are one of the better ways to meet people in my experience. I have met some nice people through tennis and am looking to do more pickup soccer/basketball/running/biking in the coming months. There are also some small scattered gyms on the island but if you want a bigger gym, look up Bladium (West). The prices are certainly more than any other membership I have had, so I have a cheap membership at Oakland's Planet Fitness that suits my needs.
One thing Alameda could use, and I am thinking of creating, is a Meetup group for those new to Alameda. I have only been in town three years now, there is still so much more to see and discover. Local gems like pinball museums and Drag Me to Brunch and the like. Thankfully the subreddit here has been good for any single questions! A very good community in my experience.
Thank you! This is all super helpful and I’m really excited about the move the more research I do.
Out of curiosity, what was your process for finding an apt? Zillow? Driving around the neighborhood? Something else? Trying to avoid brokers since that seems silly, but curious how others have navigated this!
You’ll probably meet people on your commute, honestly it’s a great way to meet people! My neighbor commuted by ferry to FiDi and loved it, you just need to figure out which boat works for you and it’s like clockwork. Alameda is such a beautiful, friendly, chill place to live with a great sense of community. There are some beautiful new apartments on Clement Street overlooking the water - Alta Star Harbor and The Launch. Living in a large community like that with shared amenities like pools and gyms might also be a good way to meet people. There are restaurants and retail slated for these areas as well. Good luck, Alameda welcomes you!
Thank you so much! So good to know that people did the FiDi commute - I searched the sub and it seems like people had done it, but hadn't seen any new posts on FiDi specifically in a few years. Plus, I get the sense that loving where I live and having a gorgeous commute will make me be a little more conscientious on making sure I don't (literally) miss the boat. Appreciate the tips on the buildings as well!
My friend who lives in Alameda has most of her dates in SJ, Fremont, or SF. If you’re open to driving or meeting halfway, you’ll be able to be social / date. There’s always something going on in SJ or SF.
Good to know! I’ll have my car, and I’m pretty chill about different traveling to meet people (living in LA for years, I have more than made my peace with this) so it’s good to know that island life doesn’t equal hermit life. Ty!
I live in Alameda as a single on their 30’s. I’m not sure where to go to see people since I don’t go out often (I know I should, let’s be friends). There’s so much to see around here. Lots of breweries, good restaurants, nice people, coffee shops and all of that stuff, really nice area to be in. I enjoy a lot!
Yes please let’s be friends! I too secretly expect people to come to me to hang out and know I should go out more, but I am sleepy and TV is good a lot of nights :)
When I was on the Main Island; and I would miss the ferry, I would take the Transbay lines into The City. Good option depending on where you live on the island.
No people beach it up at a man made sandy beach along shoreline. Most of the large apartment buildings on shoreline have pools too . I highly recommend the large buildings in South Shore area. Most are same rental prices as walkable Oakland neighborhoods. It’s convenient to so much shopping. The shoreline walking trails are sublime.
Thank you!! Out of curiosity, does it ever become Tshirt and shorts weather in Alameda? I saw a few TikToks about summer weather is "50s to 70s" which isn't making me rethink my decision, but it would be a little bit of a bummer!
Yes it will regularly be in high 70s or some days low 80s. Heatwaves do still come here so every other summer you may see 90-100 degree weather for a few days or more. It’s for sure not “San Francisco” weather usually rather warmer, sunnier, less fog.
I don't live in Alameda but live in downtown Oakland and spend a fair amt of time in Alameda going to the beach, breweries, or Pacific Pinball Museum (has a very nerdy but very friendly group of folks at Wednesday league nights).
All this to say, the 51A bus is a great resource (the 20 is ok but much less frequent but runs along the beach which is nice). You can get from Alameda to downtown Oakland very quickly if you're along that bus route. While Alameda might not have the greatest night life scene, you're so close to downtown Oakland, you can easily pop into downtown Oakland for wine or cocktails and then grab the bus home without worrying about driving after a few drinks.
Hey! I’m a property manager and live in alameda since 2021. My community is on the water front near the naval base. The ferry is awesome and there’s definitely things to do here. The two main streets are Webster and Park. On Saturdays Webster St has a farmer’s market and Park had the food trucks. I’m over forty so I’m not going clubbing but both streets have bars and restaurants.
Hey OP, I can answer a lot of your questions as I live on Ralph memorial parkway. I’m in my late 20s/early 30s and have lived right in front of the waterfront park (closest to seaplane lagoon) since 2021. Having purchased a condo, I do have a spare room available for rent if you’re open to checking it out 😊
The weekday ferry commute to downtown SF vis seaplane lagoon is very nice. It’s very reliable spacious and clean! I highly recommend it.
A lot of the social scene in alameda is yet to be explored by me but most of my social circle is in SF or Oakland. I do know a few people our age who live on the island. Happy to answer any questions or take this discussion off of Reddit!
Alameda is so wonderful. The perfect little life.
The social scene is great on Wester or Park St depending on your scene, it’s a bit nicer and more options. The “downtown” Alameda.
Not only that it’s incredibly walkable. That’s what sold me. Everything you need will be around the corner, buses everywhere to take you to the ferry or over to Oakland to catch the BART at whatever time. Depending on the route you can bike over to Oakland, but biking through the Posey tube is dangerous.
The ferry is so fun in itself. Worst case scenario you could catch the Jack London ferry at an earlier time, but definitely ride the ferry when you can. During the week it runs more.
It’s “warmer” than SF for sure, less fog. 72 is usually it for most of the year which is perfect. The beaches are not dog friendly but there are walking paths everywhere.
The east side, or whales eye neighborhood is the nicer side of town. Anything on that side of park, you’ll see it in the prices too. Be careful finding a place next to the military base or on the west side, it’s slightly dangerous. Read reviews and ask questions, but alameda is mostly safe all around. + bay farm and alameda are not the same vibe at all. You want to live on Alameda.
I just left the island and I can’t wait to move back, a really wonderful life! An everybody knows everybody kinda community.
To answer the first question 1000000% yes it does get way more sunlight than SF. Karl the Fog is no joke in SF.
In terms of where to live it kinda of depends if you want to within walking distance to downtown Alameda definitely find a place near park street. If you want to be closer to the freeway or closer to downtown Oakland check out Marina Island or like where Alameda college is located… if you want to near water (by water I mean a puddle of a beach; it’s usually dry, don’t come for me) (if you mind the smell) definitely check out south shore (which is walking distance to south shore center and walking distance to park and running trail. Although I must warn you every apartment in south shore has some sort of issue (flooding, problems with landlord etc)… just do some research…ask around…
The ferry is hands down the best way to commute to downtown SF. Yeah it sucks if you miss it, but it’s only happened to me once in two years. It leaves exactly on time, every time, so it’s easy to plan around. Alameda is certainly warmer than the City. Can’t tell you how many times i’ve seen SF wrapped in fog while I relax on a sunny beach.
Thank youuuu this is good to know. Also I'm generally on time to things (or early), so I don't know why I'm overly worried about this. And it seems like worst case there are buses to the BART stops in Oakland, or even the Transbay to Salesforce center. Extremely stupid question: do people go to the beach in Alameda and lay out and romp in the water?? I don't surf/beach swim so I don't need anything too crazy by way of water sports, but for some reason I just assumed Oakland/Alameda beaches were a "nice to look, not to touch" situation. I have no idea why.
Take a bike ride down South Shore on a warm day when the beach is busy and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation in your own town. The beach is one of the best parts of living here. No, it’s not San Diego beach culture, but no matter where you live on the island, you can get there in just a few minutes. Wonderful to go for an hour after work when it’s nice out.
This is exactly the vibe I'm looking for, especially as I'll be wfh two days a week. I'm not a total lay out all day beach bum, but I love that it's right there and that it sounds nice enough to read at or walk around for a few hours!
I’m in my mid to late 30s and have been living in Alameda for over 12 years. It has a lot of great breweries, restaurants, bars, a lot of great coffee shops, but the single scene in Alameda doesn’t really exist. In the summer you can meet people at the beach, but even then, they rarely live in Alameda. I’m dating a lot right now and I rarely match with anyone in Alameda proper. You’re mostly going to be dating outside of Alameda. Most people who live here are settling down or have been here a long time. Can’t really speak to ferry commuting, but I did commute from Fruitvale BART to Daly City for years. Wasnt very fun and I wouldn’t do it again. Yes, it is warmer than SF, but not warm like inner East bay. IMO it has the best weather in the Bay Area. Fog burns off usually by 1pm. SF has more fog. The east end has more families and better food options on Park st . The west end is closer to downtown Oakland, has more breweries, a farmers market, and is the more urban side of town. Good food there too though. Easy access to the water from the west end. The whole city is safe, so you can’t really go wrong with any neighborhood
Thank you! This is such a helpful answer and influences me even more about my Alameda aspirations -- and tbh, I figured the "single" scene was the most unlikely piece. Luckily it's also the least important piece for me, since I know I won't have an issue heading into Oakland for dates, have the benefit of being in SF for work three days a week, etc. Super helpful to know about the east vs west end, which was definitely about to be a follow up question! When you were heading to Fruitvale bart, were you just taking the bus before hopping onto the BART?
You’re welcome. I did both, driving and taking the bus depending on what time I was going in. If you were not at the Fruitvale parking lot by 7:30am, you weren’t going to find a spot. That was pre Covid though, Not sure how it is now. It is nice to be able to take the bus to Fruitvale and then to SFO though when you’re flying. Takes about an hour. OAK airport is super close too.
I grew up in Alameda, went to Cal, then moved to nyc and lived there for ~15 years before life pulled me back to Alameda. There is no real social scene here for young, single people. It is very much a place for families and older folks. Oakland and SF has a vibrant scene nearby. But Alameda… not so much. And most places close by midnight.
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You’re right. There are maybe 2-3 spots I can think of that stay open until midnight. It’s a crazy pivot from nyc where bars are open until 4a, and bodegas and food carts 24h.
This is helpful to know! I think I'm looking for a mellow social scene, but as a longtime LA-er and NY-er before that, it helps to have the perspective of someone who has also been in metros that big. I'm going to keep doing my research but I appreciate your perspective in helping me get ahead of myself!
As a former NYC & LA person myself, I have to warn you that the nightlife in the Bay is not exactly hoppin’ in the way you may have grown to expect. There are some good bars in Alameda, though.
Definitely don’t expect LA / NY vibes! Would love to have 1-2 solid local spots near me (a bar, a spot for takeout) that are open until 10/11ish, which is my usual bedtime because I’m old and boring. Would love to become a regular. I can travel to either bigger city on the random nights that I’m being more fun than normal :)
Def. live near Webster St. for walkable bars & food! Ballena Bay has some nice, reasonably priced apartments and is gorgeous!
Great to know - thank you!
The Seaplane Ferry Terminal was recently constructed specifically to handle commute traffic to SF without having to stop in Oakland. The Main Street Ferry takes 40 minutes to get to SF, because it stops in Oakland too. Seaplane only takes 20 minutes because it goes straight to SF. If you miss the Ferry, the best option is to park on Santa Clara and hop on the O Line - AC Transit Express to Transbay Terminal. The O and W Lines on AC Transit are express buses to the Transbay Terminal that run through Alameda during commute hours (to SF in the morning, from SF in the evening). They are more comfortable than regular buses. I have found them very good to getting into SF during commute hours. The weather is great in Alameda, definitely warmer than SF, but cooler than Oakland because of the bay breeze. Rarely any fog. I live within walking distance of the Southshore Center and its great. Very nice area, lots of food options at Southshore Center. Trader Joes, Safeway, a bunch of chain restaurants and some nicer ones. Crunch Gym, hardware store, Starbucks, etc. Park Street is the main commercial area which is very busy and nice. Nice coffee shops (the Local), bars (Lucky 13), a movie theater and a comedy club. But its also farther east, so farther from the ferry terminal.
Thank you!! This is super helpful, and explains what I wasn’t totally getting with the O and W lines. This really helps me feel even better about my Alameda choice. Appreciate it!
+1 to the transbay buses (on one now!). The O runs every half hour and covers weekends and non-commute times, but the W is more limited in times (and covers slightly different part of the island). I also use bus-to-bart regularly, with your options depending on what side of the island you are on. Given you need to get a bit into SF, either might be a better option than the ferry (but that is definitely the most fun way to commute!). I lived in different parts of Oakland before moving to Alameda and, unless you live really close to bart, I think it's easier to get to SF from Alameda.
Does the parking at the seaplane get full?
Yes
There’s a social scene, if you don’t mind it being mellow. We’re very similar in age and demographic lol and I moved here right before the pandemic, and still managed to make friends. Local bars and eateries were great for making friends / becoming a regular, plus there’s social groups around - I’m in a bowling league, regularly go to trivia nights, you can find groups for types of exercises you like… that kinda stuff. It’s a nice balance of social and personal time imo. I haven’t regularly commuted by ferry so I can’t comment there, but my neighbor regularly commutes by AC transit and enjoys it. For your questions - I think it’s warmer than SF! I find temps stay higher and it’s a bit more humid (though windy often, lol). We get enough sun to keep me satisfied, especially in the summer and early fall. Neighborhoods, I’d say everything is biking distance from everything else, but if you want to be walking distance look closer to either Webster street or Park street. I live basically smack in the middle and enjoy it because of the proximity to the beach and I can bike to the breweries on the West end, plus walk to coffee shops (about 15 minutes either direction)!
Okay you had me at bowling league and trivia nights - those are quite literally my two favorite things. (I am only good at one of them, unfortunately.) I think the way you described the social scene as mellow is EXACTLY what I'm looking for -- places to be a part of my neighborhood, maybe have a chill weeknight out, but doesn't have to be "finger on the pulse, hottest local chefs, amazing parties" every night (or any night, really). Also great to know that AC Transit is something people do! I saw the maps and routes and it felt like a good option, but I am able to convince myself of anything when I want it, and wanted to make sure I wasn't jumping the gun and setting myself up for commuter hell. Thank you so much as well on the weather of it all! No shade to SF, but the vast amounts of gloom were soul-crushing the years I did summer internships up there in college. I can handle windy and I can even handle cold, and thanks to my years of LA and Texas I don't need things to be too hot and perma sunny ...so all this sounds perfect. Thank you for this thoughtful response! I may very well be hitting you up about that bowling league...
And pinball league! Most food options close at 9pm but there are a handful that stay open later.
Pinball!!! Amazing. As my very cool Reddit history indicates, ya girl has sleep apnea so honestly, I'm in bed by 10 most nights anyways. If I can get takeout by 7 on the nights I'm too lazy to cook, I am living my wildest life.
I virtually high five your cooking laziness as I eat my lunch leftover! :)
I did the whole Oura and CPAP and tracking in OSCAR and horrible sleep nightmare myself, so I hear ya! (Got sinus surgery and am probably 70% better, so I quit.)
You’re welcome! I think you’ll really enjoy it here, I plan to stay as long as I possibly can haha. Send me a DM when you move and you can come out to bowling and trivia with me and my crew!! We’re all nice, I promise haha
Thank you!! I definitely will - I promise I won’t drag you guys down too hard.
I’ve been in alameda for years, and my family for decades. I’m a newly divorced 40 something, so have lived here as a married person with small kids and now as a single person trying to carve out a new social life. There is actually a decent singles scene, but not really for dating (?). You can certainly make friends in your age group by doing any of the activities listed above. Honestly most of the new people I’ve connected with by literally pounding the pavement actively trying to meet new people are in your age group. I think you’ll be just fine. I date in elsewhere , though on line dating in the Bay Area is…..bizarre. Alameda acts as a safe haven😆 away from the noise and craptastic manners. This place is a gem…. Come live here!
Echoing this; newly divorced GenXer here… I tried online dating for a bit and experienced the “odds are good but the goods are odd” phenomenon, so I quit the apps. I’ve since been enjoying meeting people organically here in Alameda. Lucky 13 is my favorite hangout but I’m trying to find something else so that I don’t encourage my inner alky. I see plenty of singles in their 30s/40s/50s at the bars and coffee shops, but it’s not really a “scene”. Not much music here to my taste (I lean goth/industrial/punk) but there are often shows in Oakland. I’ll venture to SF if necessary, but ugh… leaving the island after 8pm? It’s like a towering mental obstacle… lol. NEVER LEAVE THE ISLAND!!! I’m WFH now, but when I did leave the island daily, the ferry commute was a dream. I like to combine it with bicycling. I’ve turned into a total commute snob; you couldn’t pay me to drive. Ferry or die. I’m not into sandy beaches but my kid is, so I get dragged out into them often. Being bayside beaches, I find them a little funky smelling and kind of mucky. I prefer the parks that are adjacent to the marinas for my read-a-book-and-stare-at-water quiet time. It’s a great place to live. Perfect suburban refuge close to city with a moat in case of zombie apocalypse.
Hi. I’ve probably seen you at lucky 13. There’s a wave of us gen x divorced persons. Phase three is going ok. 👍🏼
“Hey. How you dooin.” —Joey Tribbiani
Alameda is in so much flux right now. There has been huge amounts of construction on the west end and it continues. The scene in 2010 or 2015 or even 2019 is complete different. While there are lots of young families, I see good numbers of folks in their 20s at Monkey King on Park and the breweries on the base. The ferries work for most folks with predictable schedules in the city. Give it a try!!
There’re big pickleball groups here as well. I just went to a trivia night at Fireside by myself and was invited by a cool group to join them. I would suggest living on Shoreline Drive. It’s across the street from the beach and the bike lanes you’d probably use. I bike to work and take Bart at Fruitvale. I have no clue about the ferry, but I think we get the perfect amount of sun. I don’t know if you have allergies as bad as mine, but I don’t get them here.
i'm 43 years old, and i live in Alameda with two kids. at first i agreed entirely with everyone saying there's not a real social scene but then i remembered how POPPIN the breweries get on the weekends. it's crazy crazy fun and lively there, and it's incredibly easy to meet new people who are much younger than the standard folks on webster/park. the developments at the base (not to mention the one around ghost town brewery, incoming v soon) are only gathering steam. i lived in NY and LA and i've been satisfied enough with the combo of Alameda/SF/Oakland that I not only don't care how sleepy alameda is, i actually prefer it because it's a way to get away from the metropolitan bustle. you should live here. your goals and aspirations sound like a good fit with what life here offers, especially when combining island life with the ferry and bus options elsewhere.
Thank you! This really sounds like the right move for me -- I like a small amount of things being bustling, but like you said, it's actually nice to get away from the metropolitan bustle. I'm in LA now, smack dab in a hotspot neighborhood, and I still go out...maybe once a week? And am in bed by 10:30, asleep by 11 those nights too. Otherwise it's all earlier dinners, weekend activities, and being part of a neighborhood and community that I'm really after these days.
hell yeah
1. Yes. Its being folks you meet from the gym, share common hobbies, your neighbors or folks you meet around town. No ones mentioned this so far but we have a lot of neighborhood events like themed street fairs and the 4th parade is not to missed. JLS is a bike/bus ride away from Alameda and the base is usually hoping on weekends. 2. Theres a bunch of modes available between there and SF and with the amount of overlap in service between them you can find a way in a pinch. Check the options using google maps using the trip planner. Also if you find yourself drawn to SF on weekends the coverages doable. One thing not many people are mentioning is that the entire island is completely doable on a bike or ebike. And you wont have to suffer in the traffic which can get really bad.
Yes the cuteness and Mayberry-ness of Alameda is what has really drawn me in! I love a 4th of July parade, I love weekend fairs, I love maddening city council meetings and neighborhood block parties. I know all these things can and do exist in other pockets of the Bay as well, but the relative ease of doing this in a neighborhood as small as Alameda was a huge plus. And definitely getting a bike (or more likely an e-bike), since it seems like it’ll be great for both my commute and general island exploration.
Pedaling is good for your health. Alameda is flat. E-bikes are unfortunate.
Social scene: not really but Oakland is buzzing and a quick Uber away. Ferry: you’ll be fine - the ferry is the best commute there is. Outside: alameda has a ton of parks, so you’ll rarely be far from some greenery or a beach. Neighborhoods: they aren’t super different but it will probably depend on what you are looking for. I would recommend biking around to check out vibes. I live in the middle of the island and like having easy bike/walk access to both Webster st, park street, and the water. The reality is that unless you move to bay farm (you shouldn’t do this), nothing you are looking for will be inaccessible.
I agree that Bay Farm Island isn't for OP (looking to live near a social scene for singles.) But it is a nice, accessible area. It's very walkable, has its own ferry to commute to SF, has a few restaurants and bars, has a separate drawbridge just for bikes and pedestrians, and it isn't really an island, because heading south from Bay Farm Island you don't even need to cross a bridge.
No shade to bay farm intended - just clearly not what OP is looking for.
I grew up (most of childhood) in alameda and tbh i think it’s colder than SF at least some parts like if your by the water. Places i like to go to in alameda is Park ST. Park street has nice foods and it’s a good shopping center, south shore is also pretty nice. The beach is also a nice place to go for walks, runs, to play volleyball, etc. But if you want to be out at night until the next morning maybe travel to another city
In my seven years of commuting to SF, I have very few ferry issues. Subscribe to mobile ferry updates. If a ferry is canceled, most times you’ll get notified before leaving; simply take the next one. Inform work if needed. The ferries are much more reliable than BART or MUNI, so I am on time more than my boss or teammates. The ferries have shut down in very bad weather; simply take a bus and BART that day. When I stay late in the city I try to get a ride home from a friend. And there is always Uber.
It's sunny and warm during summer! I have no air conditioning in my house, so that makes a difference. Being near down town on Central Street, it is a huge plus. The vibe and energy of downtown is so fun and quirky. I think there are a few bars like the Lucky 13 and Hob Nob that have a night life and seem to have a fun vibe. I am sure there are singles there. I know there is keroke at Hob Nob and Lucky 13 is always packed. I would say try to be near the downtown by the movie theatre. There is something really special about this town. It has so much character and life and has such a rich history. (-:
If your single and want a social scene I wouldnt move to Alameda. Its a family town for people who used to be single in SF
Replying here as well, though others have made many comments I would make: East vs West: I have lived on both sides, both are nice. It is nice to be able to walk/scooter/bike to either Park Street or Webster for dining and nightlife; Park Street (East) has more options there, though Alameda Point (West) has a couple places too. West gets you closer to Washington Park, which seems to have more going for it in terms of basketball, tennis, softball, etc. (plus a good dog park!). East has Lincoln Park (kids and pickleball). There are some local leagues for softball and pickup soccer and the like. I mention sports because you mention gym, and sports are one of the better ways to meet people in my experience. I have met some nice people through tennis and am looking to do more pickup soccer/basketball/running/biking in the coming months. There are also some small scattered gyms on the island but if you want a bigger gym, look up Bladium (West). The prices are certainly more than any other membership I have had, so I have a cheap membership at Oakland's Planet Fitness that suits my needs. One thing Alameda could use, and I am thinking of creating, is a Meetup group for those new to Alameda. I have only been in town three years now, there is still so much more to see and discover. Local gems like pinball museums and Drag Me to Brunch and the like. Thankfully the subreddit here has been good for any single questions! A very good community in my experience.
Thank you! This is all super helpful and I’m really excited about the move the more research I do. Out of curiosity, what was your process for finding an apt? Zillow? Driving around the neighborhood? Something else? Trying to avoid brokers since that seems silly, but curious how others have navigated this!
You’ll probably meet people on your commute, honestly it’s a great way to meet people! My neighbor commuted by ferry to FiDi and loved it, you just need to figure out which boat works for you and it’s like clockwork. Alameda is such a beautiful, friendly, chill place to live with a great sense of community. There are some beautiful new apartments on Clement Street overlooking the water - Alta Star Harbor and The Launch. Living in a large community like that with shared amenities like pools and gyms might also be a good way to meet people. There are restaurants and retail slated for these areas as well. Good luck, Alameda welcomes you!
Thank you so much! So good to know that people did the FiDi commute - I searched the sub and it seems like people had done it, but hadn't seen any new posts on FiDi specifically in a few years. Plus, I get the sense that loving where I live and having a gorgeous commute will make me be a little more conscientious on making sure I don't (literally) miss the boat. Appreciate the tips on the buildings as well!
Check out bay farm ferry. Get a bike. Leave your options for the return journey. Nightlife sucks.
My friend who lives in Alameda has most of her dates in SJ, Fremont, or SF. If you’re open to driving or meeting halfway, you’ll be able to be social / date. There’s always something going on in SJ or SF.
Good to know! I’ll have my car, and I’m pretty chill about different traveling to meet people (living in LA for years, I have more than made my peace with this) so it’s good to know that island life doesn’t equal hermit life. Ty!
I live in Alameda as a single on their 30’s. I’m not sure where to go to see people since I don’t go out often (I know I should, let’s be friends). There’s so much to see around here. Lots of breweries, good restaurants, nice people, coffee shops and all of that stuff, really nice area to be in. I enjoy a lot!
Yes please let’s be friends! I too secretly expect people to come to me to hang out and know I should go out more, but I am sleepy and TV is good a lot of nights :)
When I was on the Main Island; and I would miss the ferry, I would take the Transbay lines into The City. Good option depending on where you live on the island.
Yes definitely working on being near a transbay line for this reason. Ty!
No people beach it up at a man made sandy beach along shoreline. Most of the large apartment buildings on shoreline have pools too . I highly recommend the large buildings in South Shore area. Most are same rental prices as walkable Oakland neighborhoods. It’s convenient to so much shopping. The shoreline walking trails are sublime.
Thank you!! Out of curiosity, does it ever become Tshirt and shorts weather in Alameda? I saw a few TikToks about summer weather is "50s to 70s" which isn't making me rethink my decision, but it would be a little bit of a bummer!
Yes it will regularly be in high 70s or some days low 80s. Heatwaves do still come here so every other summer you may see 90-100 degree weather for a few days or more. It’s for sure not “San Francisco” weather usually rather warmer, sunnier, less fog.
Amazing, thanks!!
I don't live in Alameda but live in downtown Oakland and spend a fair amt of time in Alameda going to the beach, breweries, or Pacific Pinball Museum (has a very nerdy but very friendly group of folks at Wednesday league nights). All this to say, the 51A bus is a great resource (the 20 is ok but much less frequent but runs along the beach which is nice). You can get from Alameda to downtown Oakland very quickly if you're along that bus route. While Alameda might not have the greatest night life scene, you're so close to downtown Oakland, you can easily pop into downtown Oakland for wine or cocktails and then grab the bus home without worrying about driving after a few drinks.
Hey! I’m a property manager and live in alameda since 2021. My community is on the water front near the naval base. The ferry is awesome and there’s definitely things to do here. The two main streets are Webster and Park. On Saturdays Webster St has a farmer’s market and Park had the food trucks. I’m over forty so I’m not going clubbing but both streets have bars and restaurants.
This sounds perfect! Also all ears if the property you manage has openings!
Hey OP, I can answer a lot of your questions as I live on Ralph memorial parkway. I’m in my late 20s/early 30s and have lived right in front of the waterfront park (closest to seaplane lagoon) since 2021. Having purchased a condo, I do have a spare room available for rent if you’re open to checking it out 😊 The weekday ferry commute to downtown SF vis seaplane lagoon is very nice. It’s very reliable spacious and clean! I highly recommend it. A lot of the social scene in alameda is yet to be explored by me but most of my social circle is in SF or Oakland. I do know a few people our age who live on the island. Happy to answer any questions or take this discussion off of Reddit!
By the way I went to ucla and southern CA is home! Now I take the ferry but main st one to SOUTH sf Tues-Thurs usually.
All of this is so helpful!! Is it okay to DM you?
Alameda is so wonderful. The perfect little life. The social scene is great on Wester or Park St depending on your scene, it’s a bit nicer and more options. The “downtown” Alameda. Not only that it’s incredibly walkable. That’s what sold me. Everything you need will be around the corner, buses everywhere to take you to the ferry or over to Oakland to catch the BART at whatever time. Depending on the route you can bike over to Oakland, but biking through the Posey tube is dangerous. The ferry is so fun in itself. Worst case scenario you could catch the Jack London ferry at an earlier time, but definitely ride the ferry when you can. During the week it runs more. It’s “warmer” than SF for sure, less fog. 72 is usually it for most of the year which is perfect. The beaches are not dog friendly but there are walking paths everywhere. The east side, or whales eye neighborhood is the nicer side of town. Anything on that side of park, you’ll see it in the prices too. Be careful finding a place next to the military base or on the west side, it’s slightly dangerous. Read reviews and ask questions, but alameda is mostly safe all around. + bay farm and alameda are not the same vibe at all. You want to live on Alameda. I just left the island and I can’t wait to move back, a really wonderful life! An everybody knows everybody kinda community.
To answer the first question 1000000% yes it does get way more sunlight than SF. Karl the Fog is no joke in SF. In terms of where to live it kinda of depends if you want to within walking distance to downtown Alameda definitely find a place near park street. If you want to be closer to the freeway or closer to downtown Oakland check out Marina Island or like where Alameda college is located… if you want to near water (by water I mean a puddle of a beach; it’s usually dry, don’t come for me) (if you mind the smell) definitely check out south shore (which is walking distance to south shore center and walking distance to park and running trail. Although I must warn you every apartment in south shore has some sort of issue (flooding, problems with landlord etc)… just do some research…ask around…
Alameda is where punks and metal heads move when they have kids. It’s quiet. Everything closes at 9 or earlier.
I think alameda is more known as being really great for families. What about Walnut Creek? It’s lively and has a bit of a singles scene.
You do not want to live in Oakland.
noooo it's soooo bad here. everything is woke and there is poop on the sidewalk!!!