Living in San Leandro, CA provides the best of all worlds. Nestled within the Bay Area cities, residents can take advantage of all the culture and fun in San Francisco, but without suffering the high rents or over congestion.
In the last 9 months of 2020, net exits from San Francisco increased 650%.
Some moved to far-away cities and states; however, many have opted to move to closer cities, such as San Leandro.
If you’ve been dreaming of living close to the water, with easy access to nature and a great balance between urban entertainment and quiet neighborhoods, then San Leandro, CA offers everything you are looking for right here in northern California.
Even though this welcoming community has a population of just over 90,000, there is more than meets the eye to this beautiful town, and there are many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about San Leandro before moving.
Looking for an apartment in San Leandro? Find your next home at one of our apartment communities.
Weather in San Leandro
Like much of northern California, East Bay living means a comfortable, Mediterranean climate. The winters are short and wet while the summers are long and dry.
The warm season in San Leandro lasts from June to October, while the cool season lasts from December to February. With average temperatures of 71°F during the warm season and 59°F during the cool season, San Leandro is the perfect place to engage in your favorite outdoor activities year-round.
San Leandro also has plenty of sunshine, with 9.5 hours of daylight even on the shortest day of the year in December. If you’re going to be outside, make sure to pack sunscreen and plenty of water. You might also want to consider wearing layers, as it can get quite cool during the night and the early hours of the morning.
If you’re not a fan of the rain, then San Leandro is the perfect place for you. The dry season lasts 6.9 months and the wet season comes with typically only a 30% chance of rain. You probably won’t have much need for an umbrella, but you might want to have a light raincoat on hand just in case.
For those who love mild weather, San Leandro is the place to be. The temperature rarely dips below 36°F or goes above 85°F. Instead, it stays between a comfortable 43°F to 75°F all year long.
Things to Do: Outdoors
San Leandro is perfect for nature lovers. For starters, Lake Chabot is a popular destination for a relaxing day of boating and fishing. For those who enjoy hiking, Lake Chabot Regional Park has a hiking trail, or you can check out East Bay Regional Park District for more hiking options.
For a view of the bay, it’s only a short drive to Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline, where you can watch the birds and a variety of other wildlife. If you like walking by the water, you can head to Marina Park, which is right by the shoreline and has a mile-long trail.
Things to Do: Arts and Culture
There are plenty of places for history lovers in San Leandro as well. Train lovers and toddlers alike can visit the San Leandro Historical Railway Society, which has miniature train displays. There is also the San Leandro History Museum, which has a wide collection of art and exhibits from the 20th century through World War II. It has been called a “hidden gem” by reviewers, and best of all, admission to the museum is free!
For all you readers out there, the San Leandro Public Library System has four beautiful branches for all your reading needs.
If you’re an architecture buff, be sure to check out Casa Peralta. This historic home was built in 1901 and was remodeled in 1926 as a Grand Spanish Villa with hand-painted tiles from Spain. It’s now a historic house museum, and the grounds are even available to rent for weddings and other events!
Things to Do: Places to Eat
San Leandro has many options for foodies, including Mexican, American, and Chinese restaurants. If you enjoy beer, be sure to check out 21st Amendment Brewery, which has a great atmosphere and delicious bar snacks. There are also great options for eating out on a budget, such as Paradiso Restaurant for Italian (including vegan and gluten-free options) and Horatio’s for barbeque.
For students or for those who work remotely, bring your laptop and have breakfast, a sandwich, or a great coffee at the cheery, community-focused Zocalo Coffeehouse.
What to Expect From the School System in San Leandro
San Leandro is home to the San Leandro Unified School District, consisting of 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, a high school, an alternative education center, and an adult school. The school district’s goals include personalized and real-world learning, creating college connections, and bridging school and community.
Despite the relatively small number of schools, the district is committed to taking care of the community. For example, the district gives free summer meals to students, including meals for the weekends.
One of the best-rated schools in San Leandro is James Madison Elementary school, which has received praise in online reviews for its great teachers and staff that keep children safe. There are also private education options to choose from, such as the Montessori School of San Leandro.
One program offered by the San Leandro Unified School District is the San Leandro Academy of Multimedia. In this program, students in grades 10-12 can learn skills such as photography, web design, and video production. The center even has a sound stage and a room that mimics a television studio.
Start Living in San Leandro, CA Now
San Leandro is the perfect place to live if you enjoy the outdoors, a mild climate, and a balanced lifestyle.
With a wide array of employment opportunities, nature activities, and attractions, it’s easy to see why living in San Leandro, CA would be amazing. Take a look at our beautiful apartment listings in San Leandro today.
