Zip Code: 94501

Even though it is a short journey under the water or across the bridge, crossing over to Alameda is like traveling through time itself. In a matter of moments, you are in a simpler time where calm and community preside. Alameda--which literally means “tree-lined street”-- is a town that feels far away from the pressures of modern life yet is only just minutes from the best that the East Bay and San Francisco has to offer.

But, don’t you worry. There are plenty of modern amenities in Alameda, from hot local bakeries and coffeehouses in the morning to hot bars and theatres in the evenings. Locals flock to the Park Avenue district to visit Julie’s Coffee and Tea Garden and the Alameda Farmer’s Market on Haight and Webster. One of the many unique diversions is Lucky Juju Pinball, where you can play classic arcade games all night long. Of course, let’s not forget the amazing waterfront and parks, plus the fact that Alameda is a paradise for both golfers and boaters alike. And, the views of San Francisco from its coastline cannot be beat.

But, what about Alameda real estate? What a lot of home buyers don’t realize is how robust the real estate market is in Alameda. Throughout the recent market turmoil, Alameda homes have held their value well. This is due to many factors, including the great Alameda schools, terrific architecture, diverse local businesses and especially the pride of ownership that is evident throughout the community. Another interesting factor is that Alameda provides its own power, with 84% of its energy coming from renewable sources, such as geothermal, wind and solar.

To say that Alameda is a Victorian paradise would not be an understatement. There are approximately 1500 Victorian homes on the little island. We even recently saw a man casually riding his old-fashioned Victorian tricycle with a front tire that must have been over 8 feet tall! Such is life in Alameda.

Even if you don’t have a giant old tricycle, there are plenty of ways to get around. Alameda is not only served by AC Transit, including the ever-popular Route 51 for a direct line through Oakland to Berkeley, but there is also ferry service across the bay to San Francisco. And, BART is a short jaunt across the channel. There are even two “casual carpool” locations to get morning commuters from home to downtown San Francisco in record time.

With this many great things going for it, Alameda is a tough place to ignore and you should do so at your own peril. Need more evidence? Okay, there is also the restored art deco movie theatre, the only Bay Area restaurant serving a menu from New Zealand, the USS Hornet, so many waterfront restaurants, the massive monthly antique and collectibles fair, and the Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge. The list goes on and on. What more could anyone want?