Neighborhood guide · 2026-05-01
10 things to know about Alameda before you buy.
A buyer's guide written by Roger Grubb, a 18-year Bay Area realtor (DRE #01845823, Security Pacific Real Estate) who has transacted in Alameda repeatedly.
- 01
The median home price
Alameda median in 2026: $1,180,000. That's $694/sqft on a typical 1,700 sqft home.
- 02
How fast homes sell
13 days on market is the Alameda average. A correctly priced, well-prepped listing often goes pending in 7-14 days.
- 03
Who lives here
Families wanting top schools + walkability + a yard, willing to trade direct BART for tunnel access.
- 04
What Alameda isn't
BART-accessible without a tunnel commute. The geography costs you 10 minutes vs. Oakland.
- 05
The schools
Key schools: Edison Elementary (rating 9/10). Alameda HS (rating 8/10).
- 06
What makes it special
Family-friendly, walkable downtowns (Park Street + Webster Street), excellent schools, and the only Bay Area community with genuine small-town feel inside the I-80 commute belt.
- 07
Roger's insider note
East End trades slower but at the highest prices. West End is the value play. Bayview pockets are the local secret.
- 08
Best fit for
Families, Downsizers from SF, Long-term holds.
- 09
Notable amenities
Park Street downtown · Crab Cove + Crown Beach · South Shore lagoons · Alameda Point waterfront redevelopment
- 10
Walk score
68/100. Somewhat walkable; car still useful.
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