Welcome to Hayward & Castro Valley
A peaceful Bay Area respite with a storied history
Nestled between towering mountains and the sparkling San Francisco Bay, Hayward and Castro Valley feature hard-working roots, a varied 21st-century economy, and an upbeat California aesthetic. A stellar public transportation system gets locals to and from Oakland, San Francisco, and many other East Bay suburban communities. A diverse population, local lakes, scenic hike trails, and a location just removed from the hustle and bustle of the Bay has proven to be a win-win for these East Bay locals.
First inhabited by natives from several thousand years ago, the land which is now Hayward and Castro Valley became part of Spanish settlements in the 19th century. The first San Mateo-Hayward bridge opened in 1929, connecting the East Bay to the San Francisco peninsula, paving the way for opportunity. Growth continued after the conclusion of the Second World War, and a second bridge across the bay was subsequently opened in 1967. With the completion of the BART system in 1972, expansion continued allowing blue-collar workers easier access than ever before to Central San Francisco. Today, the region is a quiet retreat from the chaos and “go, go, go” pace of the big city for those lucky enough to stumble across it.
What to Love
- Location serves as a quiet refuge from buzzy city life
- Several BART stations across town make it easy to travel across the greater Bay Area
Local Lifestyle
A large number of manufacturing centers within Hayward have made this region vital to the economy of the Bay Area. Once a largely blue-collar region, some of today’s top employers consist of California State University’s East Bay campus, Pentagon Technologies, and Saint Rose Hospital, among many others. Despite high growth in the 21st century, residents remember the rich culture of the region by attending local festivals, buying from regional businesses at the weekly farmers’ market, and supporting the hard-working families behind locally run businesses.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Flavors and styles of yesterday and today have effortlessly intertwined at many Bay Area shops and eateries. Despite this suburban environment, Hayward and Castro Valley locals enjoy some of the best cuisine within the San Francisco region.
Innovative Japanese fusion cuisine is served at iSushi in Castro Valley. Paying tribute to Silicon Valley‘s ever-present tech industry through its name, iSushi has nevertheless insisted on perfecting classical creations. Tempura, rolls featuring fresh fish, and ankimo, a Japanese specialty made from salted monkfish liver and ponzu sauce, are some of their best sellers.
Nearby, the Castro Village Shopping Center, just north of Interstate 580, is a central hub for essential businesses, spas and salons, great restaurants, and convenient shops.
In Hayward, Buffalo Bill's Brewery stands as America’s first brewpub. In business for over 35 years, a wide array of house-crafted beers are served in an indoor/outdoor setting alongside classic American bites. Some of their more creative offerings include the jalapeño burger, Gorgonzola pizza, and buffalo poppers.
Things To Do
This vibrant Oakland suburb hosts a continuous string of local festivals and get-togethers. Some festivals honor the history and culture of the community's residents, such as the Castro Valley Greek Festival. Each fall, the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church showcases dancing, live music, and the best in Greek cuisine. The Castro Valley Fall Festival features live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, food, wine, and much more. The first Fall Festival was held in 1972. Today, over 60,000 visitors attend to graze over more than 150 booths. On a more regular basis, the Hayward Farmers’ Market boasts nearly 40 vendors and their local seafood, eggs, dairy products, gourmet prepared foods, and organic produce every Saturday, rain or shine.
Schools
The East Bay region offers several opportunities for continuing education. Just some of these options are:
- California State University, East Bay; a part of the 23-campus California State University system, the East Bay campus offers 136 undergraduate degree options, and 60 post baccalaureate programs
- Chabot College; over 175 certificate and degree programs are offered
