- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
City of Alameda
Categories: Public Services & Government Health and Medical Hospitals Public Services & Government, Hospitals [Edit]
3221 Mecartney Rd(between Garden Rd & Melrose Ave)
Alameda, CA 94502
(510) 748-4668
33 reviews for City of Alameda
33 reviews in English
-
Review from Carol C.
Alameda, CA
12/10/2011 1 photo
I am not a native Alamedan. Instead I am a native Oaklander who with hubby and daughter moved here in September 1988. About three months ago I had a yelper from San Francisco who said, "Alameda is a snooze fest; end of story". I wasn't going to stoop to his level of mentality, feed into his statement and get into a "pissing" contest with him. Instead I took the higher road and thanked him for his nice compliment. There is a saying, "kindness kills". There's also "to each, his/her own".
Alameda is an island surrounded by water and in close proximity to Oakland and San Francisco. I have family in Oakland and I work in San Francisco; thus, what little wealth I have is spreaded throughout these three cities. I believe what I have on hand is the best of all three cities - urban mixed with a little suburban. Can't get any better than that, can it. On occasion, my money is spent in Emeryville (Bay Street Shopping, Target) and San Leandro (Target). Hint, hint - I would like to see a Target here in Alameda on my end of town - the west end.
Even though Alameda is not as "dynamic" as Oakland (another yelper's opinion), I like the quietness, the quaintness and the small town feel of this community. Yes, it is a bedtime community - so it seems as people are in bed by 9:00 PM. and there is not much going on in the later evening. The schools are dynamic and it's a great place to raise a family. Picnic in the summer? Check out Littlejohn Park and Washington Park. Don't want to shop in a huge shopping mall? Come on down to Southshore Shopping Center - there's Safeway, Trader Joe's, Kohl's, Old Navy, Ross, Walgreen's, Office Max, Beverly's, Post Office, several banks, eateries (Pearl's Burger, Panera Bread, Chipotle, Loard's, Starbuck's, See's Candies, etc.). Ooh, almost forgot...Beverly's, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Sushi House. Other places to shop and dine at - Marina Village, Webster Street, Park Street, Nob Hill Foods with all other businesses by the Fruitvale Bridge, even Bay Farm Island.
For those of you who are unaware, last Saturday evening there was a representative from Washington, DC, who appeared at the City of Alameda Christmas tree lighting ceremony, proclaiming this city for the second year in a row was selected as a community for young people to grow up in - what an honor. I was glad that I was there for the first time being at the Christmas lighting ceremony. I enjoyed myself and nobody stopped the group of carolers singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" among other Christmas songs. There was a band (Mistletones) who performed on the stage and of course, who could forget the Christmas tree dancers and the children having fun, waiting for Santa Claus. Also, a group of people was selling refreshments (hot cocoa, hot apple cider, popcorn, etc.) for a fundraiser and I finally got a bag of Peter's Kettle Corn, which I read on this website, had raved reviews from many yelpers. They were not lying. They were definitely the best kettle corn I have ever had - way better than the ones being sold at the farmer's markets. Aahhh, childhood memories - so sweet and so charming. Charming enough to knock some socks off..LOL.
For all the "spunk" this community has, I am staying - this is my home and I am very comfortable here. Alameda - dynamic and unique in its own way - love it. -
Review from John P.
Houston, TX
9/13/2011
I've lived here twice in my life and I hope to again, this time for a longer period of time.
Alameda is just that ALAMEDA. It is Pleasantville by the Bay. It's not hectic and it is not busy. It is a pleasant place to call home. You can leave your front door open. You can walk to the beach, grab dinner on the way, and a drink on the way back home. It is a community where the people say hello and become friends. It is a short ride to Oakland, but separated all the same. It is a short drive to San Francisco, but you can get back home just as easy.
In fact, maybe you don't want to go visit Alameda, so that it will stay the same when I go back. Just joking...
Hope to see you soon Alameda! -
Review from Nathan O.
Alameda, CA
1/6/2012
Awesome hybrid of city and small town! If only the suburbs could be this cool.
Moving from west LA, I was going to be attending graduate school in SF and my wife working every day in Oakland. We looked at Alameda due to its geographical compromise and were immediately struck by the island's uniqueness and great features.
Lots of bike lanes, great mix of restaurants, people get outside and use their parks and public spaces. If you have ever enjoyed smaller town living yet still having access to two incredible big cities this is a place you would likely enjoy. Great civic pride too - there are still two free weekly newspapers dedicated to the city and local news, and people genuinely feel pride in their city.
The other reviews also talk about its cool Victorian houses, diversity, and feeling of safeness and general lack of big city neuroticism. If you are looking for cons the only things I could think of would be that the island is completely flat (I like to cycle), access to SF is a little tougher than I had anticipated, and that the city is not completely isolated from Oakland's crime problems. Around Halloween we got a $2 pumpkin stolen from our front door. Simple stuff, but you get that in a lot of places though. http://Crimemapping.com and http://city-data.com are great resources for comparative purposes if you are concerned about that, and the general trend on Alameda is great compared with most urban areas.
Overall, love this city. -
Review from Steven C.
San Francisco, CA
12/24/2011
Alameda - I like you a lot. I don't love you ( yet). After 30 years of living in the city, Alameda is a nice change. I love the tree-lined streets, the friendly people, the views of SF. I'm not convinced Alameda is the best place on Earth, but so far so good.
Restaurant scene leaves a lot to be desired. Very few waterfront restaurants - not sure I understand that, given that Alameda is an island - with views that range from pretty good to spectacular. Seems like a lot of unrealized potential exists on this island. -
Review from Maria N.
Alameda, CA
1/13/2012
wow! you can rate wher you live! its fabulous here. but shouldnt i give it 1 star so the property values go down and my husband will let me buy
-
Review from Allen S.
Alameda, CA
10/9/2010
Voted the #7 Coolest Suburb in America for 2010 by Travel & Leisure Magazine ( http://www.travelandle... ), I am soooooo proud to call Alameda (94501) my home.
Born and raised in the area, having gone to grade school and high school here, I'm a "Native" unlike the many "Transplants" to the area, however, we are all friendly to eachother, and very accepting of all peoples, backgrounds, lifestyles, and diversity here on the island.
We have our own College, and many claim to fames. Tom Hanks grew up here, Peanut Butter was invented here, and the Oakland Raiders have their Headquarters in Alameda. We have our own beaches, numerous Marinas for boating/sailing, various swimming pools, and great views of the City of SF and the Peninsula.
We have beautifully matured tree lined streets and it's a very safe place for children to grow up and for new families, and the island is bike friendly and golf cart/electric cart friendly throughout the WHOLE island!
We also have the Hangar 1 Vodka and Rosenbloom Winery located on the former Naval Air Station, as well two SF Ferry docks.
Too many things to mention, but I love my Alameda!Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from zachary j.
Kapolei, HI
8/21/2011
I was born at Alameda Hospital 1946 left in 1966 have lived in Hawaii since loved growning up there with aunts and uncle's ,brother. I still REMEMBER EVERY thing about the Island's .no one is alive there now in my family.Hope to visit in 2014 .50th Reunion .
-
Review from Bebe E.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2008
I grew up in Alameda. What a great, safe place to live as a child.
but unfortunately now it is full of bitch cops and emo teens.
And don't you dare set foot out of your house looking like shit...because I guarantee you, If you've lived in Alameda longer than a year, or if you have children, you will see someone you know.
yup, it's that bad. -
Review from Kimi m.
El Cerrito, CA
3/3/2008 2 photos
I've lived here for four years and loved it for the most part.
Alameda felt like a small mountain town only it wasn't... it's in the middle of a metropolitan area, an island in SF bay right across from Oakland.
What I like about Alameda: the beautiful Victorians, the waterfront, tree-lined Central Ave., mom and pop shops all over the place, Park Ave. , the slow pace, and the fact that it's full of quirky places like Lucky Ju Ju pinball and the Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge. I also love it that it's a common occurrence to see your standard wholesome Americana family coexisting next to ex-punk parents covered in tattoos who walk with their strollers side by side. That and it's 2 minutes from Oakland and only about 15 minutes from San Francisco....
If I could afford to buy one of those beautiful Victorian houses, I would do it in a heartbeat.
I do have to say that I am not in love with the overbearing police department. I am not a speeder, but I have never received so many speeding tickets as I did when I lived in Alameda. Also, the transbay bus drove past my ass one too many times, making public transportation a bit of a headache. -
Review from Bettie M.
Alameda, CA
11/9/2007
Growing up, I hated living here. Nothing to do for kids and teenagers, gotta leave the island to find anything interesting.
Now that I'm 23, I love it. I like that I have to drive somewhere else to do anything interesting, because that means that there's nobody around my own neighborhood, because there's nothing interesting here for them to do either! I can drive 10-30 minutes to everything I need, and come home to a quiet neighborhood...and still not be in the boonies or something! The only reason someone would come to Alameda is if they knew somebody living here, and I think that's just fine.
If I ever start a family, it will probably be here, it's a nice community with small-town feel, without being a small town or farmland or isolated and too far from everything. I admit it's painful for teenagers, but there's bus stops everywhere, and they can take you to BART and from there you can get anywhere.
All in all, I'm glad places like Alameda exist. There's plenty of big cities and places with lots of attractions. Not EVERY city in the Bay Area has to have something great and interesting and full of action. =) -
Review from Liz B.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 9/16/2010
If you're looking for city life with a capital C, you'll hate Alameda.
But if you want an urban Mayberry that's safe, charming, friendly, and welcoming, has fantastic weather, good beaches, beautiful parks, lovely architecture and the best weather in the Bay Area (maybe in the entire state) ... you'll love the island of Alameda.
It is a fantastic place to live -- and my friends say it is a great place to visit as well.
People who don't live here complain about the town-wide 25 mph speed limit, which is strictly enforced. But most residents love it. It ensures a slower pace around town and means that pets and pedestrians are safer on the streets.
And speaking of pedestrians, don't be surprised to see traffic screech to a halt in both directions if you're standing on a street corner looking like you really want to cross. It has happened to me more than once.
There's a lot to love about Alameda. It's not perfect, of course, but that just makes it better. No annoying planned communities or architecture dyed-to-match. A strange 1970s apartment building may stand next door to a historical landmark Victorian -- exactly as it should be.
Come on over and see us sometime. We think you'll love it here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/19/2010
Alameda is so great that Frederica von Stade and Chanticleer sang a hymn to it on "A Prairie Home… Read more »
-
-
Review from plot t.
CA
6/8/2009
"A city searching for a village", Alameda is constantly reinventing itself. It was a great place to grow into adulthood:
Flat enough to bike anywhere
2 local high schools for cross-town rivalry
Close to everything, including nature
Entry-level jobs, and more, for expanding resumes
Just big enough to be mostly anonymous (if you're lucky)
Close encounters of the Squid kind
I'm sorry to have to leave it, but Alameda's new version is untenable. The usurious AP&T monopoly planted the seed, laughable police force matured the plant, and parents who let their children run amok have ripened the fruit. No use dusting for prints on a broken-into car, eh, officer? Suuuure. Go give a speeding ticket for doing 28 in a 25. Any outdoor event is punctuated by children screeching repeatedly, and the mothers who shove strollers in front of them as if they were battering rams? Apparently everything should stop for their plastic-encased child, including oncoming traffic that has the right of way! My brakes and bruised shins are pointing towards other shores.
Adieu, fair city! Perhaps we may meet again when you are not a tarnished bastion of monopoly and overpopulation! -
Review from Anna P.
Alameda, CA
9/29/2006
Ok, first, the good parts: It's a nice area, mostly not ghetto, and there's a beach. The rent is not too expensive. Public transportation (at least in my area) is adequate. There are two grocery stores within two blocks from where I live. My apartment has a giant patio with tall walls, so that my cats can go out and i don't have to worry about them escaping. The people seem fairly laid back. On 4th of July and New Years', you can walk on the beach and watch the fireworks from SF and from Oakland at the same time (provided it's not too foggy) - and people usually set off their own, even though the police are cracking down on that sort of thing.
Now, the not so good parts:
minus 1 star: Webster tube - i get freaked out every single time i have to drive from Alameda to Oakland. the two-lane tunnel (fortunately rather short) goes under water and has the most claustrophobic feel to it of any place i've ever experienced.. it may also have to do with the fact that right when you enter, there's a turn and a dip, both at the same time, so your visibility is very poor for a few seconds. And you can't slow down because some people just fly through there; if god forbid there is an accident, the backup can get really really large.
minus 2 star: I stand corrected on my original point about the movie theater - msbeesknees pointed out that there is one! ok, well, hmm - oh, I forgot to mention the green draw bridge. it sucks because it's green and bumpy, so your car sort of drifts when you're on it. And let's not forget that it is a draw bridge, it's not up very often, but when it is, you can expect delays.
also, you know that beach i mentioned in the good parts section? while it may seem like an ocean beach from afar, it's not... yet, parking appears to be quite scarce around it.
lastly: i'm not actually subtracting this, because it only affects me personally. But at the moment, it's driving me nuts. Today, the third person has told me, sorry, you're just too far. I mean, I understand. Everything is peachy. I have a distinct feeling that i could have scored tonight with someone i've been crushing on for months. But guess what - I live in Alameda, and I hate driving. Do I really need to go on? can anyone relate to me here? am i just being selfish? -
Review from Michael B.
Spokane, WA
1/14/2009
I am holding back my fifth star out of spite for the fact that I cannot now (nor likely ever) afford a house here. I love the variety of activities, the beautiful Victorians, and the wonderful downtown. I like the relative safety, the hundred year old or more trees, and the convenience of freeways, the airport, and BART, with a feeling of being far away from them.
The weather is stellar, the people are kind, the schools are good, and I can get almost anything I want here (except stellar Thai - why is that by the way?) I have Hanger One Spirits, a Winery, Pizza, Lucky Juju, great parks, a beach, a natural grocery, and Trader Joes. I have old houses with interesting architecture, mansion mammoths, slow speed roads, a nice "downtown" and views across the bay to SF. The weather is pretty great too.
So to you Alameda I give 4 stars because I am mad that I cannot live here and own, but I love you all the same. -
Review from Kathleen M.
San Jose, CA
1/12/2007
Alameda, I'm torn. On the one hand you have lots of cute Victorian homes. On the other you have some horrid 50s apartment complexes, and I'm always afraid I'm going to die in an earthquake whenever I go through the Webster and Harrison Tunnels. (Cool game to play while going through the tunnels: try to find the city line written in black tile on the wall.)
The Marina area was a good idea, but then it was impossible to find and kinda unpaved. But then again you were the home of the first Chevys ever.
You can take nice walks over on yuppie coastal Bay Farm Island, but going there is missing the point of visiting you, Alameda. I think the point of visiting you involves avoiding the potentially crushing tunnels and entering via the little bridges over the estuary lined with little houses and little boats. -
Review from Kerrinski S.
San Francisco, CA
2/24/2007 1 photo
Alameda, you are a bit Twilight Zone-ish, but it only makes me love you more. Your quaint lagoon provides me connection to the natural environment, as well as a buffer from the freaky kid on the other side of the water who constantly grabs himself while watering the backyard and pretending to be a rap superstar.
You're not too close to the Oakland Airport, Alameda, but rather, just close enough to be enviously convenient. Walking along your picturesque beach reminds me of East Coast vacations, and your sweet Park Street provides me everything I'm ever looking for. I didn't even feel corny watching your 4th of July Parade because it just felt, well...right.
Alameda, I "get you" and if I ever get tired of life in the Big City, I will come back to you. And I know, without a doubt, that you will welcome me with open arms. -
Review from Cat F.
Alameda, CA
5/26/2009
Alameda is Maybury reincarnated. I love this place. I have lived all over the state of California, as well as 12 other states in this great nation of ours and not one of those places did I love more. Alameda is safe, beautiful, family friendly, eclectic, and did I mention safe?
I love that you have to worry about the cops coming down hard on you here, it means they are paying attention! I particularly love my neighborhood on the east end with all the beautiful old victorians and craftsman. Not to mention the fact that my neighbor mows my lawn and my neighbor and husband race to take out our trash. This is truly a neighborhood community and I am proud to be part of it. -
Review from KAI S.
Oakland, CA
11/11/2009 1 photo
Ah Alameda...
I wouldn't wanna live in the City [again] because it's too crazy.
I wouldn't wanna live in Oakland because it's... well Oakland.... (j/k haha)
You're the perfect combination of peace, Bay Area free-thinking vibe, that cozy small town feel we all know and love, and great, great weather.
Sure there's still some crime (a bicycle of mine got stolen a couple months ago while it was locked up outside my apartment) & there's a "bad" part of town (well, not really), but no one said this was paradise we were talking about.
I've never had any sort of run in or problem w/ APD, either.
All things considered, with its great close proximity to San Francisco & Oakland as well as other great cities, AND the fact that its a friggin' ISLAND (how may Americans can say they live on an island?) with a huge beach....
*ALAMEDA ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!*
.. And out of all the places I've lived, its my favorite.
:D -
Review from William P.
San Leandro, CA
10/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really liked living here at first but after almost two years I'm excited to get off this freaking island. The people that live here remind me of some weird movie. The people in Alameda seem as if they haven't left the Island in over 50 years and are oblivious to the outside world. Stay away from Alameda college, it's a joke. Summer House apartments is filled with section 8 convicts and everything on the south side of Webster is like driving through Detroit.
-
Review from Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
1/20/2008
Can I review this? Lovely little joint with interesting spots. I believe a very good man with a very nice cheeseshop might be on this island.
I say island with a little surprise, as I didn't really know that as many times as I have visited. Super... weird.
Anyhoo... I am not sure I should review this, but it is here, and I know it, and it is cute, and I like tunnels, and I think the beach is quite nice for pups, so.. hell. I review it. So there. Please.. let me be.
=) -
Review from Sara G.
CA
5/12/2007
OH
MYYYYYYYYYY
GAWD!!!!
Are you people kidding? I mean REALLY!? I'll give you this... Do NOT move to Alameda if you want to party. Even on its best night, there are a few bars in town and the action doesnt hold a candle to SF. But sweet jesus, guys!
Now I'll credit Bill P with his comments. Ive heard planning is a nightmare over here, and I can imagine that dealing with the CITY OF ALAMEDA could be frustrating. Beyond that...
First, can I say that calling people "white trash" (or "ghetto", or any other semi-acceptable slur) is bad enough, but to incinuate that an entire town is "white trash" is weak, and insulting. Look, I came over from the city. I spent my fair share of time in all of the fancy little hideouts that the city has to offer 20 and 30 somethings. But what you have here is a community. You have people who were born and raised in Alameda, grew up here, got a job here, raised a family here. And that doesnt make for great sophisitication, to be sure, but it does not make them a lesser class of people.
What none of you seemed to mention is that sense of community. Here, you see the same people out for an evening walk. Here, we have accomplished in 9 months what we never accomplished in 10+ years in San Francisco - we know our neighbors on either side, across the street, and we've even gotten to know passers by. The 4th of July parade is a TRUE hometown parade, where veterans who were stationed here (once a base) still live, and they stand up and salute every time an american flag passes on a float. Alameda is Americana, tucked TIGHTLY into one of the most jaded, most expensive, most cutthroat areas in the united states. And I would not dare to speak the lie that I dont love being part of the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area, or that I dont like the "status" that it affords, but at the end of the day, when I come home, I hear the church bells signal 6 o'clock, I sit on my back deck, and enjoy the last of the evening sun while SF is shrouded in fog.
I like that the police are "overbearing". First, becuase this community is small enough that there is NOWHERE on this island that you have to be that you cant get to going 25 miles per hour. Second, because we live just over the bridge from some rougher areas, and its nice to know that the police are vigilent. And you know, it IS safe here. You'll see kids out playing on tree lined streets, and you dont stare at them and wonder "where are their parents?".
Im sorry. I guess what really chaps me is the "white trash" comment. Its particularly irritating to hear such an ignorant comment when the Bay Area is supposedly such a liberal and tolerant place. And I think much of what makes Alameda special is that somehow, in the midst of these "Metropoli", it has managed to maintain the same smalltown vibe as Anytown, USA.
Love,
Sara -
Review from Sara F.
Albany, CA
11/6/2007
5 Star People Watching. See http://www.yelp.com/bi...
-
Review from Jana H.
Alameda, CA
7/5/2008
I have lived out in the bay area for 11 years, some of that time in Oakland--(Montclair, West Oakland, Lake Merritt, Temescal), and Berkeley. I have never felt as safe as living in Alameda. I really enjoy the many gorgeous Victorians, the several wide and tree lined streets, close access to the bay, and the small town feel.. Plus I get more for my money in regards to the flat I rent. Parking isn't as bad when doing errands and the Park Street area has some good restaurants. Just don't move into the Summer House Apartments.
-
Review from L D.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2007
What is with this place?
I lived in SF for 2 years, then Oakland for 4 years. I have been in Alameda for 5 months now and it still doesnt feel like home. It is a homely little town with a friendly vibe for the most part. It is safe and there are supposedly good schools and a OVERBEARING police department....
Where is the good food? La Pinata is great but so far everything else is only fair. Where is the night life? Oh yeah, there is NONE. Where is the fun Bay Area flair? There is NONE. Oh sure there is the occasional hippie who washed ashore and the astounding cultural diversity of Santa Rosa.......
What is going on here? Yes, I know, I know, "Island People" are proud of the fact that there is more Victorian houses per capita in Alameda than any other American city. That is cool... but who cares? Here's another fact for ya.... Alameda has more White Trash per capita than any other city in Northern California. Now THAT is something to brag about. (I am white, and I cant stand it. I wonder how miserable people of color must be here!!!)
Why did the city not utilize the beautiful waterfront space that is Crown Memorial beach? It could have been SAUSALITO or SANTA CRUZ!!! But instead, it is several miles of 1950's-60's ugly assed motel-looking apartment buildings. It is SO TACKY. What a waste of prime real estate. What is there to do in Alameda? NOTHING. You could go sit in your car and eat Fosters Freeze ice cream but you are likely to have the Alameda Police swarm on you. Really, the cops here are everywhere nabbing speeders like flies on shit. I think maggots would be a better way to describe those hypocritical scumbags.
There is boring out dated Webster street. Park Street is trying, it is "nicer now than it used to be", they say. That is depressing. The whole town suffers from its isolation. There are people who actually claim to have never left the island. As soon as I get the chance, I will leave the island and never come back.
When people in the city refer to Bridge & Tunnel people, maybe they are not slamming folks of the East and North Bay... MAYBE THEY ARE SLAMMING THE PEOPLE OF ALAMEDA???
I give it one star because I have to in order to write a review. I give another star for La Pinata Blue Agave Margaritas.
EDIT HERE (UPDATED 10/1/07):
I just read Saras post about Alameda and I gotta say, I have changed my views. Now the nice thing to do would be to delete all the slanderous comments I made before but what would be the point? The fact is, after 15 months in this town, I LIKE IT! In fact, I am not leaving any time soon.
In all honesty, I wrote that posting shortly after I was arrested for walking home drunk as to avoid DUI. I ended up spending the better part of a weekend in Santa Rita Jail for a minor offense. And that would make most people LIVID. I am over it now (as long as I dont think about it too much) and I have come to appreciate everything that is Alameda. I love the friendly people, the laid back attitude... the little things like Pagano's on Lincoln, Linguini's on Park St, and yes... still La Pinata at least once a week. It just never gets old!
For all those Alamedans that I offended, I am sorry. I give a big salute to you for proving me wrong.
I might never leave the island. -
Review from Steve D.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 7/6/2008
I have lived in Alameda since 1965, and this is my home. This is a small town on an island in the SF Bay. Its a place to escape to. If you want places to go and clubs, then goto San Francisco. Yes its boring, and yes the police like to write traffic tickets. But at night, its peaceful and you can relax.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/1/2008
Hey, this is Alameda, CA 94501. There's only one place like the City of Alameda. Its an island, you… Read more »
-
-
Review from joel r.
Alameda, CA
5/1/2009
Alameda Police
Kind a funny these peoples that complain about the "Cops" lets compare and drive 6 block east in Oakland and you get one of the worse killing zone in the nation .....Alameda not so bad after all :}
Make up your mind you want unlimited freedom move to oakland buy a bullet proof vest and sleep with a gun because someone will visit you to steal your wallet in your house while you are asleep ,buy yourself a junk car because it is also one of the top vehicle theft in the nation . You want peace of mind , but then you "Bitch" when an officer ask you to turn the music down at 2 am or you drive like an idiot winning about the price of gas , Do youself and everyone else a favor Move to Oakland nice place to leave , police response time 1 hour . Fire dept 20 mn ambulance , better drive yourself to Highland .
THANK YOU ALAMEDA POLICE OFFICER TO MAKE THIS CITY A SAFE PLACE TO LEAVE -
Review from Sean S.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 8/22/2009
Ya know....
Now that I'm leaving Alameda I'm realizing that it was truly a great place to live. I never worried about crime or the undesirable elements of life interrupting perfect suburbia. It's safe, and I'm thankful for that. You talk to an Alamedan and the first thing they'll tell you is that the cops are crazy and "you better not drive over 25". Looking back, I agree with many people here and I am glad that the cops cruise around in their Chargers making a scene and keeping the town in a better state of mind than Oakland. It's funny how one little bridge or tunnel can make you feel safer...how that negligible distance is so huge and unconsciously present. I commend the Alameda Police Department for that, even though I'll still poke fun, as a laid back community member should. I never got an unwarranted ticket from them and in talking with them they seem like level-headed and prudently fair individuals. I'm not sure I can say that about the rest of the Bay Area.
As for the rest of life's activities... Look...I commute. Most people that live here do as well. It's situated in an ideal location if you work in San Francisco or the East Bay. If I'm looking to get drunk and party hard after a long days work then I'll stay where I'm at. San Francisco/Berkeley/Oakland has the scene...and that's fine. Let's party there, cause ruckus there, puke on lawns there, and then come back to safe, quiet Alameda to sleep off our quickly arriving hangover. I'm fine with that. I like the calm quiet and stable minded individuals that make up most of Alameda.
Regarding the rest... The restaurants are decent and you can find almost anything within island's reach. Japanese - Sushi House, Yume, or Kamakura. Mexican - La Pinata or take a 2 min drive onto International Blvd. Chinese - East Ocean, Wok's Kitchen, or China House. There are great restaurants to be had here and not having to take the trip elsewhere is key on a tiring lazy weekday night.
Shopping does suck though...no Malls or major shopping outlet. South Shore is ______ and lacks. I don't know how many times I had to drive the GF out of town for her mall binge... That is the main thing wrong with Alameda but everything else is great....and I'll stop. There are too many positive things to say about Alameda and great places to find (if you know where to look) but this is getting tired and is way too long. Thanks.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/3/2009
This is a great place to live. Yeah, the nightlife isn't great. Yeah, the cops are overbearing and… Read more »
-
-
Review from Joe P.
San Jose, CA
4/11/2010
Oh, Alameda, how I remember you. Trains actually traveled over the Fruitvale bridge, an old steam train in Washington Park was a toy (now operational), the 4th of July Parade, a popular Southshore Mall, a fully functional Naval Base (Nuclear Subs, Aircraft carriers, etc...), Denim and Diamonds C&W Bar, and last but not least, Mel's Bowl... My sister city growing up...
-
Review from Ash P.
Berkeley, CA
4/20/2009
When the jack-booted, fat-arsed thugs in blue pull you over in Dodge Chargers to give bull-sheiz 'traffic control' tickets for $200, you've gotta take off a couple stars. Seriously, the cops here are a mockery of protection and are laughable servants. A pox on them.
(I lived in Alameda for a couple years in the late '90's, it's gotten a lot worse since then. May your dollars go elsewhere.) -
Review from Kerry n Tony L.
Concord, CA
9/25/2008
I LOVE Alameda, I am very blessed to have grown up in this tiny little town. I love the fact that there is everything here on this island, and there is so much to do. I have been out of Alameda for a few years now and I am still finding little jewels each time I revisit it. I would love to live there, but the prices in the nice neighborhoods are so high... maybe one day I will have a nice little suburban house out there. Alameda is not far from much as well. 10 mins from downtown Oakland, 20 mins from downtown SF it's in the heart of the bay area without the crazies and the highly populated streets :)
Listed in: I love ...
-
Review from C B.
Alameda, CA
11/9/2007
moved here from new jersey six years ago. i was supposed to move back to the east coast when i finished school. i have since opened a business here, and have no intention of leaving any time soon:)
-
Review from alamedabrian m.
Alameda, CA
12/28/2009
For a sizeable [60K] suburb in the middle of a large metro area, Alameda has an amazingly small-town feel. Usually this sort of community is maintained only in the outer exurbs. Obviously, a big part of this is the fact that Alameda is the only city in the Bay Area with a moat around it. I love the architecture and the history, and the way that the residents embrace that history. Living on an island is coolaceous, and the abundance of shoreline means that even though the city has tried hard to waste its best views and water environment, there's still plenty they haven't destroyed. In keeping with the town's identity as a Pacific island, they have one of America's great tiki bars {Forbidden Island], a leading purveyor of tiki culture paraphernalia [Firetiki], a nice combo tiki bar/waterfront restaurant [Tiki Tom's, technically about 40 feet outside the city line], and a fine Cuban bar/restaurant [Havana].
-
Review from Jackie A.
Alameda, CA
9/19/2008
I don't know if I should write a review, it will probably attract more people to Alameda and it's a small island. I like our police department. They have high standards, good attitudes, and good morale. I haven't received a speeding ticket. Lots of people complain of it. The island is one mile by three miles so once you have arrived on the island you are almost where ever you wanted to be. Why not slow down and enjoy the drive.
The tube gives me a fit because I see people walking through it (on the walkways). People shouldn't be walking through the tube. It's a serious health hazard due to car exhaust. There are particulates (which the lungs have a hard time clearing out) and pseudo-estrogens. The problem is that there is no other way for people to walk to downtown Oakland. The waterway between Alameda and Oakland is open to sailing boats, which precludes construction of a low rise pedestrian bridge.
Shoreline beach is lovely. We have ludicrously low waves, something on the order of seven inches. Usually it's too cool to swim or sun bathe. But on the odd hot summer day we even have "tourists". Which makes for a resort feeling, nice to see the beach populated, with bright umbrellas and people in swimsuits. I think it's a great beach for people with children. You can walk out a thousand or more feet and be up to your knees. Children, being energetic, can wade for hours. And it's fun to watch the kite surfers and kite flyers.
The beach facing street is called Shoreline. There are condos and apartment houses facing the beach and no commercial establishments (till you reach the shopping center). I think it's relaxing. We have troups of geese in the parks, flocks of pelicans flying overhead. You can throw bread to serried ranks of sea gulls, if the wind is blowing at the right speed and angle.
It is like living in a small town. It is somewhat crowded and the house prices are starting to approximate Los Altos.
