CENTRAL ALAMEDA

Tree-lined streets, charming homes, close to shopping and schools - why, yes it is as nice as it sounds.

The Central Alameda neighborhood is bordered by Webster St. to the west, Grand St. to the east, and Central/Encinal Ave. to the south and Lincoln Ave. to the north. Central Alameda is mostly residential; home styles are diverse, with many Victorian and craftsman style homes in the area.

Webster St., the main drag on the western border, features a myriad of restaurants, shops, and services. From pizza to sushi, brunch to burritos, Webster Street has a wide variety of eatery options, including the popular Neptune’s, Wes Cafe, Cafe Jolie, and one of the East Bay’s most popular destinations for dim sum, East Ocean. Here, you’ll also find a gym, multiple barber shops and hair salons, second-hand and consignment stores, a comic book store, two tattoo parlors, and several specialized small grocery stores.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays you can shop for flowers, fresh fruit, and more at the Urban Village Farmer’s Market at Webster and Haight Streets.

Take note that the Pacific Pinball Museum is here as well. With over 90 playable games from the 1940’s to present day, it’s a great spot for a date night or to bring the whole family for a day of fun.

To the south, just one mile away, you’ll find Crown Memorial State Beach - a popular area for water sports, walking, biking, and fun on the beach. Washington Park flanks the beach, and is a hugely popular park in Alameda for sports, with its tennis courts, basketball courts and baseball field, picnics, and features a large play structure for children. Two dog parks (one for small dogs; one for large dogs) can be found here as well.

Crab Cove and its Visitor Center, an education center with interactive exhibits about marine life, is located on the western end of the beach. Crab Cove also offers a large grass playing field and its own small beach. During the summer, the Cove is home to several free concerts, featuring live music, food, wine and beer.

On the eastern side of the neighborhood, popular Franklin Park provides visitors with picnic tables, playgrounds, tennis courts, sports fields, and a swimming pool. Franklin Elementary, a California Distinguished school, is just across from the park.

On the northern side of the neighborhood, Lincoln Ave. offers various shops and services - from burritos and pizza to yoga, hair salons, and one of Alameda’s most popular destinations - Forbidden Island tiki bar. The Frank Bette Center for the Arts on Lincoln offers art classes, exhibits, and events.

The Alameda Main Street Ferry terminal is a short drive from Central Alameda, and the ferry will have you in downtown San Francisco in 20 minutes. Casual carpool pick-up and transbay buses run along Webster St. There is also easy access to downtown Oakland and Interstate 880 via the Posey Tube.

With its tree-lined streets, charming homes, and proximately to shopping, restaurants, and parks Central Alameda is a wonderful place to call home.