Ashland - San Leandro, CA

The area around nearby San Lorenzo began developing in the 1850s while Ashland itself experienced a boom of development in the 1940s. In the following decades, immigrants and workers from all backgrounds built their homes in Ashland.

The neighborhood itself holds no museums, but you can get your history fix at the nearby Hayward Area Historical Society. For a taste of local culture, check out the life-sized portraits and walk-through timeline at San Leandro Museum & Art Gallery, or catch a play at the nearby Historic BAL Theatre.

With a restaurant scene as diverse as the community that calls it home, Ashland's dining scene takes you on a taste experience around the world without the sky-high Bay Area prices. Satisfy your cravings at the Japanese, Mediterranean and Mexican restaurants, or explore sandwich shops and hole-in-the-wall bakeries along East 114th Street for a budget-friendly lunch with an authentic, local touch.

If fresh sashimi and fun-loving vibes are your style, stop by Angry Fish Sushi to try the irresistible sunshine rolls with a glass of sake. The tempura crumbled over the rolls add a crunchy touch to any order, and Taco Tuesdays always draw a crowd. Angry Fish holds the crown as a local favorite, so avoid peak hours on the weekends to maximize your experience.

For a laid-back lunch, pull up a chair at Shami Restaurant & Hookah Lounge to sample authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Be sure to try the fresh hummus, or go for the lentil soup to satisfy even the biggest appetite. Finish your meal with a slice of crispy, fresh-made baklava.

You don't find any high-end clubs in Ashville, but dives and sports bars line the main streets. Grab a drink or shoot some pool at Stadium Club, the relaxed dive where the locals come to unwind after work. Don't miss Thirsty Thursdays for discounted drinks and a live DJ.

Nestled between Interstates 580 and 238, life in Ashland puts you just minutes from San Leandro, Oakland and other major Bay cities. The suburban locale makes hailing a cab difficult, but you can always call the local Yellow Cab service, San Leandro Taxi & Limo, or a ride-share service such as Uber. Curb parking is plentiful on residential streets while many businesses feature spacious private lots.

Most residents commute by car, but plenty of folks make use of Ashland's rich public transportation options. Catch a bus along East 114th Street for a quick ride to the supermarket. You can also catch one of three Bay Area Rapid Transit train lines at Bayfair train station to enjoy a peaceful morning commute to Hayward or central San Leandro.

Take a look around the neighborhood, and you're sure to see residents running errands on foot in this compact community. For those who prefer to navigate on two wheels, a few bike lanes serve the neighborhood while the wide, suburban streets remain bike-friendly. You can even rent a bike for a few hours from BikeLink at Bayfair Station.

Enjoy a sunny afternoon at Edendale Park, a spacious public park adjacent to the Edendale Middle School sports fields. Dog-lovers gather here to let their pooches play in the off-leash dog park that features separate runs for large and small dogs, and families from all over Ashland stop by to let their kids explore the large playground.

Adjacent to Edendale Park, you find Reach Ashland Youth Center, a personal growth-focused facility offering recreation options ranging from dance to yoga and boxing. Kids can also enroll in digital and visual arts classes. Across the street from Edendale Park lies Jack Holland Sr. Park, a modern square with a more metropolitan feel. Enjoy a tranquil picnic while watching your kids climb on the jungle gym or test their skills at the skate park.

Ashland residents enjoy peace of mind with a cost of living that falls 9 percent below the San Leandro average. Affordable groceries and amenities always await within arm's reach, and catching a train to downtown San Leandro costs just $1.85 one way. You can get a one-bedroom apartment in one of the many complexes for around $1,100. Gas holds steady at around 25.3 percent above national average while a pint of beer at the local dives costs around $7.

From the high-end bath shops in the mall area to the thrift stores and bargain havens along East 114th street, Ashland provides the perfect balance for the everyday shopper. Head to Bayfair Center to enjoy the 16-screen theater and explore fashion mainstays, perfumeries and boutiques. At the San Leandro Farmer's Market located at Bayfair Center, you can pick up fresh Watsonville berries and Brentwood corn every Saturday morning. For other grocery staples, head to Casa Lucas Market or Supermercado La Raza.

While exploring Bayfair Center, be sure to check out Wax & Things , a shabby chic aromatherapy store featuring handmade soaps, candles and bath bombs. Let the scents of exotic fruits and blooms entice you as you walk in, and pick up some organic, paraben-free and environmentally friendly products for a home spa session. Don't forget to return your 8-ounce bath salt containers for a credit toward your next purchase.

For something a little edgier, stop by Orbit Skate & Boutique to pick up skateboard supplies and wheels and decks ranging from modern to retro. The staff share their their passion for the skate life and stand always ready to help you pick out the perfect gear. This local favorite also offers jewelry and piercings.