Mt Eden - Hayward, CA

Mount Eden was founded in 1850 by farmers originally from Mount Eden, Kentucky, who came to California in search of gold. The town’s first post office opened in 1860.

The town developed because of its shipping and salt-harvesting industries. Oliver Salt Company and Leslie Salt Company were two of the companies that took advantage of the town’s location on a series of salt marshes. Over time, these industries attracted many immigrants from Germany and Denmark.

The salt companies eventually disbanded in the 20th century, and Mount Eden has since become absorbed into the town of Hayward.

Though Mount Eden contains no museums or art galleries, nearby Hayward has the McConaghy House and Hayward Area Historical Society for interesting ways to connect with the area’s past.

The area’s closest annual event lies in East Hayward, where the King Tut Festival is held each September with food, kids activities and music.

Mount Eden lies to the west of the 880 Freeway and slightly north of Route 92. As a primarily residential neighborhood, it doesn't offer a huge culinary variety or have a central restaurant location. But if you're willing to travel to nearby Hayward, you'll have plenty to choose from, including barbecue, Cajun/Creole, American, Afghan, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more. Hang Ten Boiler may not sound like it belongs in the Bay Area, but this Cajun/Creole spot does it right, from seafood boils to fried baskets and great sides like corn, macaroni salad and even lumpias. Meat lovers shouldn't fear -- lava chicken, loco moco, grilled salmon and kalbi short ribs are just some of the choices in this relaxed, friendly joint.

If you're craving American food, check out Buddy's Bites & Brews for seafood, tasty drinks and comfort classics like burritos and fried chicken. Locals also tout the chicken and waffles as a must-try. Plenty of parking and a casual ambiance keep residents coming back happily from year to year.

Just south of Route 92 lies Pot Pie Paradise & Deli. You may feel like you've died and gone to heaven when you see their astounding menu of pot pies, from country style pot roast to lamb curry, spicy duck with red curry to piccata mushroom vegan. There's truly something for everyone in this calm, quiet comfort-food palace. Many pies are also offered frozen to take home.

Nightlife in Mount Eden can be pretty quiet, give the area's coastal, residential vibe. You'll likely need to travel to nearby San Lorenzo or Hayward to check out the bar, music or dance scene.

The Manor Lounge spins old school hip-hop and funk among pool tables and a divey atmosphere locals love. Though it can get a little rowdy on weekends, most say it's a fun place to hang out.

Hayward also has Bijou Restaurant and Bar for a more sophisticated dining and drinking experience and Shisha Nights Hookah Lounge for chill tunes while relaxing and smoking with friends.

For live music, check out the Bistro in Hayward, which offers blues, jazz and open mic nights. And if dancing is your thing, make your way to El Potro Nightclub, an under-the-radar place known for Latin music and booty shaking.

Since Mount Eden residents live in an outlying coastal area, most prefer to get around via car, given the area’s accessibility to the 880 Freeway and Route 92.

The closest public transportation options include Hayward and South Hayward, as well as the AC Transit bus system serving Alameda County and Contra Costa County and Amtrak trains running between San Jose and Sacramento.

Parking in this area is generally easy to find and inexpensive or free. Though it’s not easy to hail a cab on the street, there are several cab companies serving the area, or an Uber pickup can be arranged.

Many errands can be accomplished on foot in Mount Eden, and since there are some bike lanes here, cyclists can feel safe on the streets.

Mount Eden and the surrounding Hayward area have many parks and green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. Hayward Shoreline Interpretative Centers sits along the coast and offers exhibits, programs and activities designed to help kids feel a sense of stewardship over the bay.

San Lorenzo’s Meek Park has a gorgeous restored mansion at its center and offers lots of green space to walk dogs, jog or have an impromptu game of Frisbee. Kids, doggies and exercisers are all welcome here, especially when the weather permits.

Sulphur Creek Nature Center gives visitors the chance to reconnect with the area’s wildlife, from golden eagles and peregrine falcons to coyotes, bunnies and owls. Kids are encouraged to dive in and learn. Handy parking is provided, with free admission.

Though Mount Eden doesn’t have any annual events, southerly neighbor Fremont hosts the Fremont Festival of the Arts in August. The fest gives attendees an up-close and personal look at more than 700 local artisans exhibiting their work.

Mount Eden’s cost of living sits higher than the Hayward and national averages, with a 1-bedroom residence renting for about $1,660 per month.

It costs $4.85 to get from the Hayward BART station to Civic Center in San Francisco.

A beer at a local pub will run you around $5, and gas prices sit about 17 percent higher here than the national average.

As a small residential neighborhood, Mount Eden doesn’t have a centralized shopping zone or support high-end or luxury shopping. In fact, most shopping of any kind will likely be done in neighboring Hayward.

There are a few chain stores in this area, including Target and TJ Maxx, but there are several smaller stores to explore, too.

Hayward has several retro and vintage-inspired places to check out, including Vintage Alley for men’s and women’s clothing from the 1930s, ‘40s, and ’50s. Residents love coming back to see what new items have been added to the racks in this friendly and inviting boutique.

The Book Shop provides a personalized approach to buying books for yourself or anyone in your family, with friendly staff picks and people only too happy to recommend their latest discovery. Meanwhile, Nina’s Bode carries couture women’s fashion delivered with impeccable customer service. Whether you’re seeking a last-minute date outfit or something for a meeting, presentation or event, this is the place to go.

The closest grocery stores to Mount Eden include Lucky and Safeway, two large chain stores. But smaller grocers like Pacific Ranch Supermarket can be found in San Lorenzo, or try New Sang Chong Market for ethnic and other grocery items.

Mount Eden’s closest farmers market happens on Saturdays in Hayward. Locals love the ethnic foods as well as the fresh produce, flowers, and crafts. Hit the ATM first, though, since most vendors only take cash.