I moved to Hayward CA from West Allis Wi in 1969 -- Via exiting US Army in the Bay Area. Cannot imagine going back to Wisconsin winters. The weather here is Mediterranean [neither too hot nor too cold] year round. It is centrally located giving great access to San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Silicon Valley, 3 International Airports, great freeway access to the Ocean, Inland Deserts and Mountains. In the same day you can get a suntan and go snow skiing [in winter]. There IS a lot of traffic because we are where the roads cross. But the smart people avoid it by choosing the correct neighborhood. My wife [52 years] and I have lived in the SAME house for 49 years because we took the time to research the area. We have a VERY nice park 1.5 blocks away; The largest area shopping mall is 1 mile away, our church 2 miles; the Post Office, Police Station, Court House, County Buildings are within 3 to 5 blocks; Great North/South/East/West freeway access is 1/2 mile; several major food stores, barbers, beauty salons, dry cleaning, and tons of local AUTHENTIC ethnic restaurants are within 2 miles; BART is 1.2 miles; great schools, University, Junior college, Industrial Parks, etc. are within 5 minutes travel; Silicon Valley is 20 - 30 minutes travel. Our neighborhood CAN be a bit noisy; but not excessively so; Very mixed ethnically but everyone gets along and racism is NOT a problem. The city is well managed, clean, up to date lighting, good streets and roads that are well maintained and access to officials and departments is quick, simple, and easy and they are VERY responsive. We love it here and cannot imagine living anywhere else.
Carl | Hayward, CA | Report Abuse