East Vallejo - Vallejo, CA

The city of Vallejo began as an area where native tribes gathered to reside. By 1843, it was part of a land grant from Mexico and was then named after General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Since then, the city became part of California and immediately began to flourish.

The beautiful natural settings and proximity to the shore make the land perfect for calling home. The area quickly grew in popularity among people of all ethnicities. Residential areas and attractions started to rise during the 20th century.

Events and community activities do occur annually around the area. From live music at The Empress Theatre to the annual waterfowl events, the region provides education and entertainment for all ages. For year-round history lessons, check out the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.

Ethnic diners and places for a quick bite to eat lie in the vicinity of the East Vallejo neighborhood. Along Springs Road, cafes and other eateries exist. Most locals head here when they need something to eat during their day.

Enjoy breakfast at the Joy of Eating Cafe. This Springs Road location provides its guests with large portions of their favorite breakfast foods. The reasonably priced menu, brightly colored decor and wood-paneled walls create a homey, comfortable feeling perfect for dining on biscuits and gravy or an omelette full of bacon and vegetables.

Be sure to visit Bulacan Bakery on Springs Road for authentic Filipino breads, baked goods and pastries. Customer favorites include flaky empanadas filled with chicken or beef and siopao, Filipino steamed buns. Karioka, a traditional dessert you can find at the bakery, is a portable snack of chewy dough balls that can satisfy any sweet tooth.

Those that reside in the neighborhood usually head to larger cities or the coast to have access to endless nightlife facilities. Nonetheless, a few bars sit nearer to East Vallejo. Gentleman Jim's can be found on Lincoln Road and provides the area with a sports-friendly atmosphere. This cocktail bar features a large bar selection, billiard games and a stage for live musical performances. The many flat screen TVs and cheap beer options keep locals coming back for more.

For another fun place to go, check out The Coconut Grove, also on Lincoln Road. The comfortable booths, warm brick walls and dimly lit seating areas provide a relaxing place where friends can socialize. While here, enjoy dancing to some live entertainment or sampling something new from the large menu.

Being close to I-80 and other major roads and highways makes getting around easy. Private vehicles remain the most common form of transportation, but walking and bicycling are almost equally preferred. Safe roads and sidewalks make it easier for residents to go for walks just to ease their mind or even to walk towards Springs Road for the shopping and eateries.

Public transit does exist within the neighborhood. Cabs can't be summoned by hailing, but a quick phone call can get one on its way. Ferry rides across the bay and other water transportation exists nearer the shore. Contact Uber for public transit to Sacramento.

Being close to the beach provides wonderful outdoor fun for all ages. Nonetheless, parks full of woods, shaded areas, hiking trails, playgrounds and fenced-in areas where dogs can roam do exist in East Vallejo. The natural settings make it easy to enjoy the outdoors with a little more peace than the beach allows.

Blue Rock Springs Park provides golf courses, playgrounds, beautiful trails along wetlands and much more to East Vallejo residents. On the northernmost part of the neighborhood sits all this natural beauty, making it simple to walk to. Visit the small Stone House or sit on the benches in the shade; this park remains a serene spot to frequent.

Wardlaw Dog Park sits along Ascot Parkway and provides pet owners with a spacious place to take their pets. Dogs can roam unleashed in the fenced areas while their owners socialize and sit on the benches. Plenty of free parking makes it easy to come here any time of day.

While rent remains lower in East Vallejo than other inner city regions nearby, the cost of living stays higher than the nation's overall average. A one-bedroom apartment in East Vallejo goes for an average of $1,102 a month, an appealing price point for many professionals and retirees.

Grabbing a cold brew at the local pub runs about $5, and meals cost around $15. The average fuel rate sits nearly 1 percent higher than that of the national average.

Few options exist in the neighborhood for shopping purposes. Sporting goods, vapor shops and an accessory and dollar store exist in the community. Slightly northeast lies major brand name shops such as Target, Costco and Macy's.

For affordable and unique accessories, women can head to Always in Style. Jewelry, purses and other creative finds can be purchased inside the store. This place may be small in size, but it doesn't lack in personality or charm.

Just outside of the neighborhood you'll find Happy Tails Thrift Store. The proceeds of this thrift shop go to an animal charity, making it well-loved by the locals. Tons of sales and a lot of inventory could have you browsing for hours, if you choose. This place remains great for friends to gather for a little household or clothes shopping on a rainy day.

While no supermarkets exist within East Vallejo, Safeway provides the main form of grocery shopping for residents. Fresh produce and small markets remain preferable, and a few places exist nearby, but nothing sits within the neighborhood's borders. Golden Gates Organics provides residents with delivery services and 100 percent organic produce.