North Hayward - Hayward, CA

After the Gold Rush, William Dutton Hayward squatted in this area before he bought a lot and built a hotel in 1852. Though historians argue about which Hayward the town was named for, most believe it was this early settler. Agriculture and tourism helped North Hayward grow throughout the 19th century. The Hunt Brothers Cannery business and Leslie Salt became two of the largest companies, but were eventually lost. Today, North Hayward has become home to many high-tech companies. Though it has no museums, the McConaghy House and Hayward Area Historical Society provide interesting ways to connect with the area’s history via exhibits, collections and other educational opportunities. The Hayward Arts Council also holds exhibitions of local artwork here. The area’s closest annual event lies in East Hayward, where the King Tut Festival is held each September. Food, activities and music make touring this Coptic Church fun for all.

While North Hayward has no central restaurant location, it gives visitors access to a wide range of restaurants, including Afghani, Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese, American, Cajun, Hawaiian, Filipino cuisine and more. The Cannery Cafe provides the Hayward Area Historical Society with sandwiches, hand pies, salads and other goodies made from seasonal ingredients and freshly baked breads and pastries. The relaxed atmosphere and adequate parking make this a pleasant stop for breakfast or lunch. Ghazni Afghan Kabobs features friendly service and a family-owned feel for Indian classics. Locals love the lamb and beef kabobs, which come with salad, rice and yogurt sauce. Leave room for the tasty bread with leeks and onions or other well-spiced dishes. For excellent Italian fare, Acqua E'Farina brings in locals with its fresh baked focaccia bread and indulgent dishes like soft gnocchi, pillowy polenta and addictive lasagna. Most say the food is so good and service so attentive that you want to stay forever once you eat here. Sushiland provides your Japanese hookup in North Hayward as this hidden gem serves sushi rolls, sashimi, udon and teriyaki. Favorites include the fried California roll, lion king roll and dancing queen rolls, but most customers cite the incredibly friendly service as the main reason they keep coming back. This place draws crowds and doesn't take reservations, so prepare to wait or grab a spot at the counter. Nightlife gets going on weekends in North Hayward, especially on the eclectic bar scene. Shisha Nights Hookah Lounge has couches, chill DJs and plenty of tobacco choices for a relaxed hang with friends, while The Dirty Bird Lounge displays local art on the walls and features a pool table and outside patio for drinking, laughing and making memories. Dark Horse Lounge stands as another dive bar worth checking out in the area. The Bistro has live music, freestyling and open mic nights. If you want to dance, though, head into central Hayward where the The World Famous Turf Club welcomes a gay-friendly crowd.

North Hayward residents have two primary ways of getting around. If staying in the same general area to do errands, most residents prefer to drive, using the accessibility to Interstate 880, State Route 92 and State Route 238 to get their business done. Those preferring to use public transportation have two BART stations, Hayward and South Hayward, to choose from. The AC Transit bus system also operates buses serving Alameda County and Contra Costa County, and locals can also use Amtrak, which runs between San Jose and Sacramento. Parking here is usually relatively easy to find and inexpensive, depending on where you intend to go. Though hailing a cab on any average street won’t be easy, you can find them more readily at train or bus stations. North Hayward is considered somewhat walkable, with some errands easily accomplished on foot. Since this neighborhood has some bike trails, cyclists will find it safe to ride here.

North Hayward supports a few parks and green spaces, among them the Hayward Japanese Gardens with landscaped bonsai trees and manicured lawns, a pond with swimming turtles and small stone temples. Most describe it as a hidden gem in the city, perfect for a peaceful meditative stint before diving back into work or chores. Sulphur Creek Nature Center features all kinds of ways to reconnect with the area’s wildlife, from golden eagles and peregrine falcons to coyotes, bunnies and owls. Kids are welcome to learn more about the animals, and parents will find lots of handy parking nearby. Admission comes without charge, though this center accepts donations. Take your furry friends to Greenbelt Trails & Park, which provides lots of walking and hiking trails and plenty of space to truly experience the natural world. Fitness buffs will find Lake Chabot Regional Park in Castro Valley a challenge since the hiking trails can get steep in places. Though North Hayward has no annual events of its own, nearby Castro Valley hosts the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade in May, with a pancake breakfast, chili cook-off and rodeo events.

North Hayward’s cost of living sits lower than Hayward’s average, but higher than the national average. A typical one-bedroom residence rents for about $1,208.27 per month. It costs $4.85 to get from the Hayward BART station to Civic Center in San Francisco by train. A beer at a local pub runs about $6, and gas prices sit about 17 percent higher here than the national average.

Though Hayward and neighboring Castro Valley have some big box stores like Target and T.J. Maxx, most of North Hayward supports smaller stores and boutiques, not high-end or luxury shopping. Locals’ favorites include Vintage Alley for men’s and women’s clothing from the 1930s, ‘40s and ’50s. Excellent quality items and a super friendly sales staff make this shop a fun adventure, not a chore. The Book Shop features local authors, staff picks and a personalized vibe perfect for picking up something new to read for yourself or anyone in your family. Locals love the inexpensive prices and hand-sold suggestions from staff members. North Hayward features mostly large chain grocery stores to serve its residents. The surrounding areas of Castro Valley offer several smaller choices, such as Al’s Food Market and European Market Deli for sandwiches and cold cuts as well as fresh produce and other grocery items. The Hayward Farmers Market happens on Saturday mornings, providing locals with tons of fresh fruit, veggies and a variety of ethnic foods from local vendors. Most say not to miss Soleil’s African Kitchen and the kettle corn. Just remember to bring cash.