California Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Hayward, California

Population: 144,304

Located in Alameda County

Hayward is a vibrant and diverse community of 144,304 residents, boasting a variety of recreational and cultural attractions -- parks, arts groups and art enrichment opportunities, historical roots and resources -- which help make Hayward a good place to live as well as a good place to work. We have many parks, swim centers, tennis courts, an arts center, performance theaters, a rodeo arena, a nature center, and a greenbelt hiking trail. Skywest, Hayward's professionally rated 18-hole golf course, is "one of the best municipal golf courses in the East Bay" according to the San Francisco Business Times. And we have restaurants to satisfy every taste! There is lots to see and do in Hayward, right here in
The Heart of the Bay.

History

Hayward was founded in 1852 by William Hayward, who purchased 40 acres of land encompassing what is now Downtown Hayward. The early Hayward community, with its location at the crossroads of commerce, its temperate climate, and its fertile soil, consisted of a stage coach stop, post office, general trading store, a dairy farm, and one of the area's finest hotel resorts. Hayward experienced tremendous growth during the post-war years, and since the 1960's has grown at a steady and managed pace.


Downtown Hayward

Hayward has a pedestrian-friendly downtown comprised of two story buildings with a mix of housing, retail shops, offices, and restaurants -- and parking is free! Downtown is the site of the Saturday Farmer's Market and celebrations throughout the year including the Blues and Brew, Celebration of Nations, and Art and Wine Festivals. The City is developing a Civic Center Complex with government offices in City Hall, retail stores, and condominiums adjacent to the downtown BART station. Across from the Civic Center, 83 townhomes, the first phase of 250 new residences, have been built.


Education

Hayward is home to a California State University campus (Cal State Hayward), Chabot Community College, and 23 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 high schools operated by the Hayward Unified School District. Local technical and business colleges provide training programs designed to equip students with practical job skills. The vast educational and research resources of University of California campuses in Berkeley and San Francisco, and Stanford University, are located nearby.


Culture And Recreation

Hayward boasts a variety of recreational and cultural attractions -- parks, arts groups and art enrichment opportunities, historical roots and resources -- which help make Hayward a good place to live as well as a good place to work. The Shoreline Interpretive Center and the Japanese Garden are unique to Hayward. We have many parks, swim centers, tennis courts, an arts center, performance theaters, a rodeo arena, a nature center, and a greenbelt hiking trail. Skywest, Hayward's professionally rated 18-hole golf course, is "one of the best municipal golf courses in the East Bay" according to the San Francisco Business Times. And we have restaurants to satisfy every taste! There is lots to see and do in Hayward -- click here for more information about the sights of our city and here for a calendar of events.


Transportation/Access

Hayward is served by four freeways, the transbay Hayward-San Mateo bridge, two BART (rapid transit) stations, several AC Transit bus routes, and three international airports (Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose). In addition, Hayward has its own general aviation airport. It is easy to get to and around Hayward.


Hayward Airport

The Hayward Airport is your aviation gateway to the city of Hayward and the San Francisco East Bay area.