If you’re moving from another part of the country, you probably wouldn’t put the words “affordable” and “average home value of $827,981” in the same sentence. But if you’ve lived in the Bay Area, you know this kind of pricing is a rare find. 

Up until the late 20th century, San Leandro was largely a light industrial and warehouse community. Today, this history is still baked into the neighborhoods west of the 880. Built mostly between the 1930’s and 1960’s, homes in San Leandro range in styles from bungalows and craftsman to Victorian and 1950’s ramblers. Mixed in, you will find duplexes, newer builds and manufactured homes, meaning no matter what they’re looking for, home buyers can almost always find their vibe.

This area is great if you’re looking for a small, starter home. First-time homebuyers can expect older builds with 2-3 bedrooms and 1-2 bathrooms. Newer builds are larger with more than three bedrooms and around two baths. 

Renters also benefit from more reasonable rates. Typically a 1 bedroom will cost anywhere from $1,800 to $2,500 and a 2 bedroom will cost between $2,100 and $3,000 (as of late 2023).

It’s important to note that demand in the Bay Area is increasing faster than supply, forcing San Leandro’s housing costs to rise. That said, it remains one of the most affordable places to live in the Bay Area.


The Price is Right

The Best Thing About San Leandro?

Unless you’re in healthcare, education, the industrial sector or a remote tech worker, you’ll likely be commuting for work. And if you’re a young professional looking for live music or a club, you’ll have to “commute” to a town with nightlife as well. 

Luckily, San Leandro is a commuter-friendly town. Running right through the city you’ve got main freeways like the 880 and 580 as well as several smaller freeways like the 238 and 112. Fair warning, all this “access” leads to more traffic congestion in the city. If you don’t want to deal with all that, the city hosts two BART stations (the San Leandro and BayFair stops). Centrally located within the Bay Area, you can get almost anywhere you want to go in 40 minutes. 

Not to renege on our choice for the “worst” part of San Leandro, but job opportunities and entertainment options aren’t nonexistent. One of the cool things about the city is the economic diversity. You’ve got teachers living next to software engineers and Ghirardelli Chocolate Company factory workers living next to Kaiser Permanente Medical Group employees. 

There are also several established restaurants and breweries that attract people from neighboring cities. For example, the upscale food with a view at [**Horatio’s**](https://www.horatios.com/) is a mainstay of SL, you can’t watch a video on “what to do in San Leandro” without hearing about [**Drake’s Brewing Company**](https://drinkdrakes.com/), and the dining experience at [**Paradiso's**](https://paradisosanleandro.com/) is said to be top notch. For those who do need to work and play outside the city, Oakland is only 20 minutes away and San Fran is 30. 

Bedroom Community

The Worst Thing About San Leandro?

San Leandro is a hybrid of city and suburbia. As we’ve mentioned, getting out of the city to other parts of the Bay is pretty easy, and within city limits almost anything you’d need is fewer than 10 minutes away. 

History and charm are infused into the culture and aesthetic here. The downtown area is populated with Mom-and-Pop shops and family-owned restaurants. While residents often complain the city needs a “facelift,” they mean improved infrastructure and a few upscale amenities, not trading in the community-centric appeal for generic corporate offerings. 

Eating is one of residents favorite activities. In addition to finer dining options like Horatio’s and Paradisos, and fan favorite breweries like [**Drake’s**](https://drinkdrakes.com/places/barrel-house/) and [**21st Amendment Brewery**](https://21st-amendment.com/), you can get your daily dose of caffeine at the lovely [**Zocalo Coffeehouse**](https://www.zocalocoffee.com/) or satisfy the sweet tooth at [**Koolfi Creamery**](https://koolficreamery.com/) (seriously, check out their Indian-inspired flavors, if you don’t decide to move here you’ll at least want to visit).

On a nice day, take your scoop of Bombay Butterscotch from Koolfi Creamery on a walk in one of San Leandro’s 20 parks. Niche.com’s “A” rating of San Leandro’s “Outdoor Activities” reflects the city’s winning combination of great weather and great access to the outdoors. [**Marina Park**](https://www.sanleandro.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Marina-Park-11) is the star amongst the green spaces. Here, fishermen, boaters, swimmers and picnickers can enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay Area with family and friends. On the other side of town is [**Lake Chabot Regional Park**](https://www.ebparks.org/parks/lake-chabot). Available activities here are numerous, ranging from biking and golfing to kayaking and horseback riding. 

For some indoor family-fun, residents head south to Hayward where they can bowl and play arcade games at [**Southland Mall’s Round 1**](https://www.southlandmall.com/en/directory/round1-bowling-arcade-28766.html). 



Eat, Hike and Be Merry

Lifestyle of San Leandro

For some families moving to San Leandro, the schools are a concern. As one resident described it, the public schools are just good enough to make it feel like you’re rolling the dice on your child’s education. That said, enough students excel and are accepted into Ivy League schools to satisfy some concerned parents.

The city of San Leandro is served by three school districts. Most students will attend schools in the [**San Leandro Unified School District**](https://www.slusd.us/), but those who live in unincorporated Ashland or the southern part of the Washington Manor neighborhood will attend school in the [**San Lorenzo Unified School District**](https://www.slzusd.org/) and students in a section of the hills will attend [**Castro Valley Unified School District**](https://www.cv.k12.ca.us/). In other words, get familiar with the city’s wonky school zoning before you move.

The San Leandro Unified School District has 13 schools and received a “B” rating from Niche.com. [**San Leandro High School**](https://www.slusd.us/slhs/) (rated “B” by Niche.com and 6/10 on Greatschools.org) is one of the top schools in the district. It offers Advanced Placement Courses in all the core subjects and relatively good college prep. [**John Muir Middle School**](https://www.slusd.us/muir/john-muir/john-muir-middle-school-overview/) (rated “B” by Niche.com and “4/10” by Greatschools.org) offers a nice balance between rigorous academics, diverse extracurricular activities and helpful support services. [**Madison Elementary School**](https://www.slusd.us/madison/) rated “A-” by Niche.com and 6/10 on Greatschools.org) is committed to cultural diversity and academic excellence, with a special emphasis on Mandarin dual language immersion. 

Families have their pick of top private schools in the Bay Area. [**The College Preparatory School**](https://www.college-prep.org/) (9-12) in Oakland, [**Head-Royce School**](https://www.headroyce.org/) (K-12) in Oakland, [**The Quarry Lane School**](https://www.quarrylane.org/) (PK-12) in Dublin, [**The Bentley School**](https://www.bentleyschool.org/) (K-12) in Lafayette and [**Bishop O’Dowd High School**](https://www.bishopodowd.org/) (9-12) in Oakland are all rated “A+” by Niche.com. 

Whether students attend public or private school, they’ll benefit from the city’s well regarded [**San Leandro Community Library**](https://www.sanleandro.org/162/Public-Library).


Could Be Better

Schools in San Leandro

The standard of living and prices in San Leandro are trending upwards. If you’re thinking about moving to the Bay Area, but need a starter home, you should seriously consider San Leandro. And as they say, these good prices won’t last forever so better get ‘em while they’re hot!


Trending Upwards

Why You Should Move Here Now

[**Washington Manor**](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/washington-manor-san-leandro-ca/) is regarded as one of the safest neighborhoods in San Leandro. It is a sleepier part of town and popular with those looking to start and raise a family. Its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere offers a peaceful haven away from downtown San Leandro and big cities, but commuting is made easy by the nearby 880. 

Home prices here range between $615,000-$998,000. They are typically 3-4 bedrooms with 1-3 bathrooms. You’ll find both single-family homes and townhomes in this area ranging between 1,100-2,300 square feet with large backyards. 

Most of the homes look aesthetically similar with only a few unique options standing out. Most homes have long-term owners or have multiple generations living in the same house. In other words, it is not a transient neighborhood and residents tend to come and stay for a while. 

Nearby schools include James Madison Elementary School and St. Felicitas Catholic School. Residents also enjoy easy access to [**Washington Manor Park**](https://www.sanleandro.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Washington-Manor-Park-Pool-26) and essentials like Foodnet Supermarket, CVS and Walgreens. The neighborhood’s walkability score of 82/100 makes it possible to accomplish errands by foot or bike. 


Families

Washington Manor

[**Estudillo Estates**](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/estudillo-estates-glen-san-leandro-ca/) is regarded as one of San Leandro’s premier neighborhoods. It offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and estate properties that exude an air of refined luxury and elegance set within tree-lined streets. Although it is one of the more wealthy neighborhoods in the city, Estudillo Estates undoubtedly gives off a sense of small town charm and humility. 

Homes in this highly sought-after neighborhood typically cost between $1.2 and $3 million. They range in size from 3- to 9-bedrooms, and 2- to 17-bathrooms (yes, you read that right). Square footage typically maxes out around 5,300 on a half acre lot, keeping in mind that there are homes as small as 700 square feet on much smaller lots. Popular architectural styles here include Tudor, Spanish and Contemporary.

Nestled along the 580, commuting to other cities is relatively easy. Its high walkability score of 68 and bike score of 71 enhances residents' quality of life. Walking to restaurants, coffee shops and parks is a popular activity for residents, as well as simply walkin through the neighborhood to enjoy the beautiful architecture and scenery. San Leandro Creek winds through the neighborhood on its way to emptying in nearby Lake Chabot.

Public schools near Estudillo Estates are above average and include Roosevelt Elementary School and Bancroft Middle School. Nearby eateries with 4.4+ ratings on Google include Paradiso, [**As Kneaded Bakery**](https://www.askneadedbakery.com/) and [**Boulevard Burger**](https://boulevardburger.menu11.com/). Groceries range from local favorite [**Estudillo Produce & Deli**](https://estudilloproduce.com/) to classics like Safeway. 


Estudillo Estates

The neighborhood of [**Bay-O-Vista**](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/n/bay-o-vista-san-leandro-ca/) offers just what it sounds like: panoramic views. It sits on the hills east of 580, overlooking breathtaking landscapes and natural scenery. Directly east is Chabot Park and Lake Chabot (LINK). 

The neighborhood is highly desirable, with housing prices ranging from $975,000-$1.9 million. Homes are typically one-story with 2-5 bedrooms and 2-3 baths. 

This neighborhood provides a sparse urban feel. Residents enjoy the proximity to downtown San Leandro, the 580 and the Lake Chabot Regional Park. Students may be zoned for Roosevelt Elementary School, Bancroft Middle School and San Leandro High School amongst others. These schools are rated above average. 

Within the neighborhood, [**Bay-O-Vista Swim & Tennis Club**](https://www.bovswim.com/) offers residents a way to stay active and enjoy the sun. Nearby shopping can be found in downtown just six miles away, or even closer in the Estudillo Estates and Broadmoor neighborhoods. You can grab your groceries from family-owned [**Galvan’s Market**](https://galvans.wordpress.com/) or splurge on your favorite drink at Starbucks. 


Bay-O-Vista

San Leandro

**Moving to the Bay Area, is San Leandro an ok place?**

As with most cities and towns, it's often about neighborhood and the specific building you're renting at, the management company, etc. You'll definitely be able to find a good 1b/1br for that range. Heck, I'm living in a 2b/1br for that range with a .5 mile walk to BART, low / no crime rate, and a short walk to get your necessities around town. San Leandro is a sleepy town with its ghetto parts, again like most places, but not like to the extent that you'll see in SJ, SF, and Oakland. Those places have far more break-ins that it's a common occurrence. Here? Not so much.

If you care about the SF life, definitely move closer to there like Daly City or Colma, but you're going to be paying way more for it. Pre-COVID my commute door to door to work was about 45 minutes. For friends coming from Colma or Daly City? About the same because the body traffic with public transit on that side makes it just as rough. Driving wise, I'm a huge stickler for San Leandro because, given light traffic, you can drive to most places in the Bay Area within 40 minutes. 25 into downtown SF some nights if you speed well. There's also just taking a ride share at night, too.

**Housing too expensive everywhere - thoughts on San Leandro?**

I live in SL with young kids. It is generally safe but there are times where I hear helicopters, sideshows and gunfire out of Oakland, or I see a broken window in the neighborhood or find out my neighbor's truck was stolen or someone got their catalytic converter stolen (these are very rare occurrences though). Aside from that the neighborhoods are cute and super walkable. I feel like the layout of houses kinda makes things feel safer since your neighbors are close though not everyone's cup of tea. Most neighborhoods are extremely diverse, economically and racially which I feel like is a good environment for kids to be raised.

For 1-200k more you could go to Castro valley which is even safer, though I like walking around my neighborhood more than when I walk around CV (hills, lack of sidewalk). May seem like I have a big focus on walking but it's what we do with our kids everyday. I do wish there were more nice playgrounds around though.

I can walk to a grocery store, multiple restaurants within 10 minutes. Not always an option in burbier areas. SL has been described as the city burb hybrid and you get the best and worst of both worlds, though I think more bests than worsts.

**thoughts on San Leandro?**

We bought in San Leandro 2 years ago with the intention of raising a family here and love it. The schools were a concern initially based on ratings but a deeper dive of greatschools data showed that affluent White/Asian kids (our demographic) had 9/10 outcomes, similar to kids in the traditionally good school districts like Berkeley or Albany. There are lots of 30 something professionals working in tech/healthcare/law that have moved here in recent years to raise children. It’s racially diverse here, which is pretty cool as a multiracial household. Neighbors are friendly, a couple of kids on my block got into Ivies from the local high in recent years which is pretty neat.

I’m in the Broadmoor neighborhood which is near the 580 but it’s generally quiet and I have never personally been affected by any property crime, not even package theft. As another commenter says, you do hear helicopters above occasionally and sideshow noise, and fireworks/gunfire from nearby East Oakland (not sure which lol). But I love walking around my neighborhood and into Estudillo Estates, some very picturesque houses and tree lined streets.

I can walk 5 min to Safeway, an independent craft bakery, and an indie coffee shop (Zocalo) as well as some other restaurants that are decent (although it’s no college Ave). Downtown is a 10 min jog for me when I want something a bit livelier. And I like that a lot of the cool stuff in Berkeley and Oakland is only 10-20 min away by car. Big box stores are all easy to get to as well, within 10-15 min if not less. Note, I work from home, so commuting to the city or peninsula is not something I need to worry about.

It sounds like where you were was the Washington Manor part of SL, which is hella Asian. It’s pretty safe there, and has really good Asian food, but probably even sleepier hehe. But I know people who live there and like it. The only negative for me is that friends from Oakland and Berkeley may look down upon you because of the city’s prior reputation. But then they are pleasantly surprised when they have visited me! Imo this city offers some of the best value for living in the inner Bay Area.

San Leandro, California

40 Mins. from Everywhere

Looklyloo Score: 85

We're on it!