Alameda

by The Linguist

Alameda, California

Alameda is a city located in Alameda County, California. As of 2019, the population was estimated to be 78,906, making it one of the larger cities in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.

History

Alameda has a long history dating back to the 18th century when it was part of a Spanish land grant known as Rancho San Antonio. It later became part of the United States when California was annexed in 1848 after the Mexican-American War. The city of Alameda was incorporated in 1854 and was originally a shipping and industrial center due to its location on San Francisco Bay.

For more on the history of Alameda, visit the City of Alameda’s history page or the Alameda Free Library’s local history resources.

Geography and Climate

Alameda is located on an island in the San Francisco Bay, adjacent to Oakland. It has a total area of 23 square miles, of which 10 square miles is land and 13 square miles is water. Alameda has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

Demographics

According to 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Alameda had a population of 78,906 residents. The racial makeup of the city was 59.5% White, 11.2% Asian, 11.1% Black or African American, 11.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 5.2% Two or More Races.

There were 33,793 households with an average household size of 2.32 people. The median age was 44.2 years old. The median household income was $99,406 (2017 dollars).

Economy and Major Employers

Alameda has a diverse economy focused on healthcare, business services, retail trade, and tourism. Some of the major employers in Alameda include:

For more on Alameda’s economy and employers, visit the Alameda Chamber of Commerce website.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some of the top attractions and landmarks in Alameda include:

For more on things to see and do in Alameda, visit the City of Alameda’s visitors page.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Alameda is provided by AC Transit buses and ferries as well as BART and Amtrak trains:

  • AC Transit – Operates local buses throughout Alameda and connecting service to other East Bay cities and San Francisco.
  • San Francisco Bay Ferry – Provides ferry service between Alameda Harbor Bay and San Francisco Ferry Building.
  • BART – Alameda has one BART station located at Alameda’s West End.
  • Amtrak – Alameda has an Amtrak station with connections to Sacramento, the Central Valley, and Southern California.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Some of the top museums and cultural attractions in Alameda include:

Sports

Alameda is home to several sports teams and facilities:

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Alameda has an extensive park system and many opportunities for outdoor recreation:

Government

Alameda is governed by a city council and city manager. The City Hall is located at:

2263 Santa Clara Ave.
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 747-4700

For more information on Alameda’s city government, visit the City of Alameda’s website.

Public Libraries

The Alameda Free Library operates three library branches:

For more information, visit the Alameda Free Library website.

Public Schools

Public schools in Alameda are managed by the Alameda Unified School District. The district operates:

  • 10 elementary schools
  • 2 middle schools
  • 3 high schools

For more on the school district, visit the Alameda Unified School District website.

Map of Alameda

Here is an interactive map of Alameda showing major landmarks and attractions:

Additional Resources

For additional information on Alameda, check out these local resources: