Fernside

Ask anyone in Alameda about the Fernside neighborhood, and they will tell you about the tree-lined streets, gorgeous homes, and beautiful yards. Fernside is a highly-desirable neighborhood, appealing to families and those looking for good-sized lots and sizable houses.

Neighbors look out for neighbors here, and you’ll find a lot of the things that make close-knit neighborhoods so special, like block parties and community celebrations. ​ ​

Fernside Neighborhood

Fernside is located in the northeast section of the island of Alameda. Fernside Blvd. runs along the northern and eastern side of the neighborhood, Tilden Way/Everett Street to the west, and Central Ave. to the south. Though most of Alameda streets are in a grid pattern, inside the Fernside neighborhood, several streets curve around in a circle, adding charm and uniqueness to the area.

The residents of Fernside love to celebrate together, and the entire neighborhood goes all out on Halloween and other holidays when it comes to decorations. Thompson Ave. is also known as “Christmas Tree Lane,” and during the holiday, the street is a bustling destination for those coming to see Santa and all of the amazing holiday light displays. This annual extravaganza has been a tradition in Alameda for nearly 84 years. ​

Fernside is home to the very large and popular Lincoln Park. Located on High Street, the park offers a recreation center, pool, picnic areas, an athletic field, a basketball court, bocce ball courts, and pickleball courts.

Fernside Schools

In the Fernside neighborhood, you’ll find Edison Elementary and Lincoln Middle School. Both schools have a reputation for being high performing according to several school rating resources. For instance, greatschools.org rates Edison​ a 9/10 and Lincoln Middle​ an 8/10. There are tons of extra-curricular sports and activities for kids in the neighborhood.

You may see some informal “walking school bus” trains of kids through the neighborhood as neighborhood children make their way to school in the morning. And, those walking their kids to school with their dogs in tow, note that there is a good chance the crossing guard has a treat for your pup.

Architecture in Fernside

A big part of the appeal of the Fernside neighborhood is the varied architecture.

Here you will find Mid-Century Modern homes, Tudor Revivals, Colonial Revivals, Queen Anne Victorians, Craftsman Bungalows, Spanish style architecture, and Mediterranean beauties. If you are obsessed with architecture like we are, a huge part of the charm of living in Fernside is just walking around the neighborhood, admiring the different styles of homes. ​

Shopping and Entertainment In and Near Fernside

Park Street is an easy 10-minute walk away. Here you will find a myriad of shops, restaurants, and entertainment for everyone. From an arcade for the young at heart to wine bars for the adults, vibrant and bustling Park Street is a destination unto itself. Newly relocated Subpar Miniature Golf​ on Park Street offers hours of fun with its 19-hole mini golf course, arcade, laser maze, and pool tables.

Also a short walk away, on Lincoln Avenue, is Speisekammer​ (traditional German meals and beer). Asena, on Santa Clara Ave. offers fine dining, while the newly reimagined Lemon Drop offers hand-crafted cocktails and an outdoor sitting area with a firepit. Family-run See Spot Run has everything you need for Fluffy and Fido, and Second Home is a home consignment store featuring furniture and other home goods.

Nearby Bridgeside Shopping Center on Blanding Ave. has everything you need for your shopping runs — from groceries (Nob Hill Foods) and pet food (Pet Food Express) to gas (Aisle 1) and a kickboxing gym (9 Round Fitness). Grab a quick dinner at a variety of eateries in the center, such as BB Bowl, Cheese Steak Shop, Wingstop, Round Table Pizza, and Hashi Gawa sushi.

Altarena Playhouse is located on High Street right across from Lincoln Park, and has been presenting live theater for Alameda residents for years.

Commuting from Fernside

Alameda’s East End offers easy access to three bridges leading to the freeway and the Fruitvale BART station in Oakland. Several AC Transit bus lines offer service to San Francisco. Alameda also has three ferry terminals — two on the west side of the main island (Alameda Seaplane and Main Street Ferry) and one on Bay Farm Island (Harbor Bay Ferry). A ride to the Ferry Building in downtown San Francisco takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The Oakland airport is approximately a 10-minute drive from the Fernside neighborhood and is also accessible via BART.

Let us know if you have any questions about Fernside, or any other Alameda neighborhood. We’d be happy to chat!