Brookvale - Fremont, CA

Brookvale forms part of the Centerville District of Fremont, which began as an agricultural community in the mid-19th century. The area remained sparsely populated until the post World War II housing boom that resulted in rapid development of the neighborhood.

The Fremont Arts Council strives to foster a lively arts scene in the community. The organization sponsors annual events such as a juried photography show and poetry contest. Pick up handmade jewelry or pottery at Art in the Park, where local artists sell their work. At the annual Fremont Festival of the Arts, visitors enjoy browsing local art while sampling selections from the wine garden. Pick up tacos or a burger from one of the food vendors, and enjoy live music. The Museum of Local History preserves artifacts from Fremont's past, while the Olive Hyde Art Gallery showcases galleries of local art.

With residential areas comprising much of the center of the neighborhood, most restaurants can be found along the roads on its outskirts. Expand your palate by dining on Burmese food at Kyain Kyain. The tea-leaf salad, piled high with crispy shrimp and peas, features the unique flavor of fermented tea leaves and remains a favorite dish on the menu. With a menu consisting of many noodle and rice dishes, the restaurant remains a great spot to get a quick and filling meal. As an added bonus, patrons receive free pots of tea at the table. Be sure to stop by an ATM before you go because the restaurant is cash only.

Many locals agree that Satomi Sushi is the best place to grab authentic sushi in the neighborhood. The most popular selections include the Flaming Dragon, a sushi roll wrapped with shrimp, snow crab and tuna, and served while on fire. Complementary miso soup and 99-cent sake on Wednesday and Thursday nights have also contributed to the loyal following among locals.

Start off your day by grabbing a white mocha with caramel and a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit from Suju's Coffee. A roast beef sandwich or Caesar salad make for quick lunch options. Students frequent this establishment to take advantage of the Wi-Fi and many outlets. The store provides a nice alternative to the type of chain coffee shops that tend to dominate in the suburbs.

Nightlife options tend to be limited, consisting mainly of a few bars. Offering unique flavors to choose from, such as melon mist and gummy bear, Dream Hookah Lounge makes for a relaxing spot to enjoy hookah with friends. Patrons enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the attentive staff. Indulge in a slice of cheesecake and cup of coffee to round out the evening.

Most residents use a personal vehicle to get around or run errands. Bike lanes on most roads facilitate biking, and ample sidewalks make walking easy. The AC Transit also operates several bus lines that run through the neighborhood. Businesses usually offer free parking nearby, but it can be difficult to find a parking spot. Uber does not service the area, but residents can call a taxi company for a ride.

The area's proximity to Interstate 880 makes it easy to get out of town. Bay Area Rapid Transit provides access to major cities of the bay such as San Francisco and Oakland. Board the Capital Corridor Train, operated by Amtrak, to visit Sacramento.

Residents of Brookvale enjoy access to many parks and natural areas. Los Cerritos Community Park offers many recreational opportunities, including tennis courts and baseball diamonds. Children enjoy playing in the open spaces and on the extensive playground. Picnic areas make the park a popular spot for birthday parties and social gatherings.

The blue lakes of Quarry Lakes Recreational Area give residents the chance to escape the suburbs and venture into the wilderness. Get out on the water by taking a canoe or kayak onto the lakes, taking the opportunity to fish as well. People can also have a day at the beach by relaxing on the shores and swimming in the lakes. The many miles of trails make the park popular among joggers and walkers. Admission to the park is free, but there is a small fee to use beach areas. The park also permits dogs in certain areas.

Residents of Brookvale pay for the amenities they enjoy, with the cost of living 14 percent higher than in Oakland on average. The average monthly rent runs around $1,845 per month for a one-bedroom, and gas prices hover 10 percent higher than the national average cost. Expect to pay about $6 for a pint of beer at a local bar. To go from Brookvale to Oakland, pay $2.10 for bus fare to the BART station, and then pay $4.30 to board the train.

Many locals shop for groceries at Lucky Supermarket, located in the neighborhood, but some residents also drive a little further out to shop at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Safeway. A shopping complex at the intersection of Fremont Boulevard and Mowry Avenue, a few miles from the neighborhood, features retailers such as Ross, Pier 1 Imports, and Marshalls. Stop by the Farmer's Market in Irvington to buy local produce.

Celebrate a special occasion with a bouquet of roses or tulips from Fremont Flowers. The many varieties of flowers in the shop can be customized to fit any occasion, and a card or balloon completes the bouquet. A fruit or gourmet food basket makes a great gift item as well.

Comic book collectors frequent Chris's Comics to hunt for rare issues missing from their collections. Boxes of comic books stacked along the walls make for an exciting hunt, perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of the chase. A selection of action figures and artwork also make this the perfect spot to find a gift for the superhero enthusiast.