Mission-Garin - Hayward, CA

Most of the area encompassing Mission-Garin was once farmland with a small town forming in the 19th century. However, an earthquake in 1868 caused significant damage to many of the structures in the city and the town had to be rebuilt. As in many places surrounding the Bay, World War II brought in an influx of workers to power the war effort. Mission-Garin sprang up during the post-war suburban sprawl, which took over much of the previous farmalnd. The Hayward Area Historical Society chronicles this history in a museum in Hayward.

Also in Hayward you'll find annual events such as the Zucchini Festival, where you can sample this vegetable cooked in every way imaginable. The Hayward Arts Council has many galleries and historical exhibits located throughout the town.

Restaurants in Mission-Garin serve many different types of ethnic cuisine and tend to be quick take-out places rather than fine dining establishments. You'll find most restaurants clustered around Mission Boulevard.

As its name suggests, people head to Curry Corner Takeaway for a bowl of authentic chicken curry served over rice. The owner also holds cooking classes that teach you to cook Fijian food like a pro. Most people choose to get food to go because the restaurant only has a few tables and it can get quite crowded.

Those looking for Mexican food stop by La Victoria Taqueria to order a carne asada burrito made with a hand-rolled tortilla. Also consider trying the nacho fries, a basket of hot fries topped with meat, cheese and salsa. The restaurant is known for its orange sauce, which goes well on any of their dishes, and the restaurant has garnered a strong following among locals.

Because few nightlife options exist within the neighborhood, most locals head over to the Dirty Bird Lounge for a night out. Grab a drink and play a round of pool while the juke box blares music in the background. Patrons also enjoy relaxing in the large patio area outside.

Many people drive to get around the Mission-Garin neighborhood. While parking usually does not cost anything at most businesses, it can be hard to find a parking spot. Most roads have sidewalks on either side and crosswalks at intersections, making walking a popular option. The bus system operated by the AC transit only has routes along Mission Boulevard and not within the residential sections of Mission-Garin so you'll need to walk to Mission Boulevard to catch the bus. The lack of bike lanes can make biking a little precarious. Several taxi companies operate in the area, but you'll need to call to arrange for a pickup; Uber does not service the area.

To get out of town, drive a few blocks to Interstate 880. This road joins up with State Route 92 which carries passengers across the bay to Palo Alto. You can also use the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to access nearby cities including Oakland and San Francisco, with a station located right in Mission-Garin.

A few natural areas exist around Mission-Garin to offer recreational opportunities. The largest are Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks which share a contiguous border and encompass nearly 5,000 acres. People visit the park to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness, bringing binoculars and field guides to view the wildlife. Visitors enjoy biking, jogging and walking dogs on the many miles of trails that wind throughout the parks. Garin Park also hosts an annual Apple Festival in the late summer in which visitors can sample the many varieties of apple grown on the property. Parking a car requires $5, plus $2 for each dog you bring into the park.

Patrons use Stony Brook Park to play tennis on the several tennis courts located in the park. The playground equipment, open areas, and picnic tables make it popular with families as well.

Living expenses in Mission-Garin run higher than the national average but 9 percent lower than in Oakland. Average rent in the neighborhood runs $1,415 per month for a one-bedroom residence and when filling up your gas tank, you'll pay about 9 percent higher than the national average. At local pubs, expect to spend between $4 and $5 for a pint of beer. Getting from Mission-Garin to Oakland taking BART costs a total of $3.50.

You'll find most shopping opportunities in this neighborhood lining Mission Boulevard, which houses a few high value stores such as Kmart. Several antique and thrift shops exist in the area as well. Locals shop for groceries at Food Source, the largest supermarket in the neighborhood, but many smaller ethnic markets serve the neighborhood as well specializing in many different types of grocery items including Indian, Mexican and Afghan.

To pick up a gift for a special occasion, stop by Hayward Flowers, which sells custom floral arrangements. Complete the bouquet with a balloon and greeting card or opt for other gifts like candles and picture frames.

You can find your perfect gown at Sagar Exclusive, an upscale Indian boutique that has one of the largest showrooms of Indian fashions in the country. Selections range from very inexpensive to high-end, ensuring outfits that fit in to any budget. The store also sells shoes, jewelry and hair accessories to complete your outfit.