Fremont, California

Fremont has amazing weather, like a lot of the Bay Area. Anyone relocating from the south will love the mild summers and anyone from the midwest will be shocked that places don’t have all four seasons, in a good way. Locals definitely take advantage of the nice weather and there are quite a few outdoor activities to enjoy. You’ll see families and friends enjoying a walk through Central Park, hiking in Mission Peak, and meandering around the California Nursery Historical Park.

Here's a note from a local about living in Fremont:
Likes: Culturally diverse, a lot of restaurants, for a city of its size it's decently run by the mayor and city council, political stands like sanctuary city status, on average good schools, most of the places I shop are in town low crime, and the few times I've interacted with FPD, they've been professional and quick to respond. Farmer's markets. Washington Hospital, though expensive, has always been great quality for me and my family (3 kids born there, emergency surgery for me, planned surgery for my wife in one of the outpatient surgery centers). Coyote Hills, Mission Peak, Don Edwards are all great places to hike and get some outdoor time. There's lots of great parks, Ardenwood farms, Niles silent film museum, etc.

Residents will give you a lot of advice about moving to Fremont, but the first thing they’ll say is that you need a car, both for your daily needs and for getting to work. There are several BART stations, but the public transportation to get to those stations is lacking. Despite not being the most walkable city, there are still some areas where you’ll luck out and be able to have a night out on the town without your car. And if not, there’s always Uber right?

In a positive review about location of Fremont a local notes the need to drive:
I lived in Fremont for two years in my late 20s. Fremont isn’t known for most things you’re into, but one benefit of the city is the location - you’re not far from all those things. There are a lot of hikes in the east bay just 20 min or less drive. Under 30 min to Oakland for breweries, outdoor hangs, live music. Under 30 min peninsula for the same thing (Foster City, San Mateo, Palo Alto).

Seeing as Fremont is essentially smack dab in the middle of tech valley, it’s not surprising that locals say it’s a bit of a ‘sleeper’ town. It’s not that there isn’t anything to do, per say, but more that people spend a lot of time at their jobs and in their homes. Everyone here has a car, both for commuting and day to day necessities. But not to worry, if a quiet, peaceful, beautiful city is what you’re looking for, locals here like it this way and will welcome you…from afar, of course.

If you're interested in what people get up to in Fremont and the area check out the calendar of events:
https://baynature.org/events/