Hayward
Considered the heart of the bay, the city of Hayward is situated in the East Bay neighborhood of the San Francisco Bay Area in Alameda County, California. As of 2020, Hayward had a population of 162,954, making it the third-largest city in Alameda County and the sixth-largest city in the Bay Area.
Hayward is a wonderful area to live, work, and play due to its location close to large cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and others. A dynamic downtown, many parks, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities are just a few of the attractions it provides.
Living in Hayward
Schools in Hayward
Hayward is served by the Hayward Unified School District, which runs the city’s public elementary, middle and high schools. The city is also home to two colleges: Cal State East Bay in the Hayward Hills and Chabot College. School assignments depend on the exact address, and some edge areas fall in neighboring districts, so confirm the assigned schools for any home.
Commute & Transportation
Hayward sits on I-880 and I-580 with Highway 92 leading straight across the San Mateo Bridge to the Peninsula, a big advantage for Peninsula and Silicon Valley commuters. Two BART stations, Hayward and South Hayward, connect to Oakland and San Francisco, and Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor stops at the Hayward station on Meekland Avenue.
Hayward Neighborhoods
Downtown Hayward is the city’s most walkable area, with restaurants and shops along B and Main Streets near Hayward BART. Burbank, just south of downtown, is a residential neighborhood close to the station. In the Hayward Hills, homes near Cal State East Bay and Garin Regional Park offer views across the bay, while neighborhoods closer to I-880 are convenient to the bridge.
Things to Do in Hayward
Hayward has more than 3,000 acres of parks and open space, including the Japanese Gardens, the oldest Japanese garden in California, run by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. Hayward Regional Shoreline offers bayfront trails, Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks cover the hills, and downtown along B and Main Streets has a growing restaurant scene.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Hayward
Quick answers from the TAG Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Tri-Valley Realty.
Is Hayward a good place to live?
Hayward is the third-largest city in Alameda County, with about 163,000 residents (2020 Census). Buyers are drawn by its central location between Oakland, the Peninsula and Silicon Valley, two BART stations, the San Mateo Bridge, more than 3,000 acres of parks and open space, and generally lower prices than many surrounding cities.
Which school district serves Hayward?
Hayward is served by the Hayward Unified School District, which runs the city’s public elementary, middle and high schools. Some areas near the city’s edges are served by neighboring districts, so check the district boundary lookup for the exact schools assigned to any home. Hayward is also home to Cal State East Bay and Chabot College.
How much do homes cost in Hayward?
Hayward is often more affordable than nearby Castro Valley, Fremont and the Tri-Valley, with options ranging from condos and townhomes near BART to single-family homes in established flatland neighborhoods and view homes in the Hayward Hills. For current numbers on a specific home, request a local market report or a home valuation from our team.
What are the most popular neighborhoods in Hayward?
Downtown Hayward is the most walkable area, with restaurants and shops along B and Main Streets and quick access to BART. Burbank, just south of downtown, is a residential neighborhood near the station, and the Hayward Hills near Cal State East Bay and Garin Regional Park offer quieter streets and bay views.
Is Hayward good for commuters?
Yes. Hayward sits on I-880 and I-580, and Highway 92 crosses the San Mateo Bridge directly to the Peninsula. The Hayward and South Hayward BART stations connect to Oakland and San Francisco, and Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor stops at Hayward station, making the city one of the East Bay’s most central places to commute from.
What is there to do in Hayward?
Hayward’s Japanese Gardens are the oldest Japanese garden in California, and the city has more than 3,000 acres of parks and open space. Hayward Regional Shoreline offers bayfront walks and wildlife viewing, Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks provide hillside hikes, and downtown’s B and Main Streets have local restaurants and shops.
What colleges are in Hayward?
Hayward is home to California State University, East Bay, set in the Hayward Hills with views across the bay, and Chabot College, a community college serving southern Alameda County. Both campuses add classes, events and cultural programs to the community, and Cal State East Bay sits close to the Hayward Hills neighborhoods.
What is the Hayward Japanese Garden?
The Japanese Gardens in Hayward are the oldest Japanese garden in California, operated by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. The free garden features traditional plantings, koi ponds and walking paths, and it is a peaceful spot for a short visit just outside downtown Hayward.
Last updated October 2026