Diamond Certified Resource San Leandro Area Guide

Our San Leandran's Guide to Local Quality

San Leandro is our home and we love it! Here you’ll find the best spots to revisit, the San Leandro events schedule, local social media links, stories of our San Leandro area unsung heroes and much more. Connect with your neighbors and share what you love about our hometown. Plus, join us as a San Leandro Diamond Certified Preferred Member (always free).
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Downtown San Leandro features numerous local shops, eateries and community events. Photo: Matt Gush

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Our San Leandro Dashboard

Population as of 2024
81,852
Median Age
40.9
Median Household Income
$89,663
Median Household Size
2.94
Mayor
Juan Gonzalez III
2023-Current
Police Chief
Angela Averiett
2024-Current
Fire Chief
William McDonald
2016-Current

Famous San Leandrans

Joe Alves
Joe Alves is a film production designer who was born in San Leandro. Best known for his work on "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and the first three films of the "Jaws" franchise, Alves also directed "Jaws 3-D.”
Lloyd Bridges
Lloyd Bridges was an actor with a diverse career spanning over six decades. Bridges starred in the television series "Sea Hunt," which gained him widespread recognition. He also appeared in more than 150 feature films. He was born in San Leandro.
Natali Morris
Natali Terese Morris is a media personality and co-founder of Morris Invest, a real estate investment company. Formerly a technology news journalist, she worked with CNET and CBS. Morris co-hosted the technology news podcast "Buzz Out Loud" and hosted the daily technology news show "Loaded" on CNET TV. She was born in San Leandro.
Sara M. Harvey
Sara M. Harvey is a costume designer and author. She has contributed to the "Greenwood Encyclopedia of Clothing Through World History" and is recognized for her work in costume design, particularly for her plus-sized creations. She was born in San Leandro.
Richard Aoki
Richard Aoki was a civil rights activist known for his role in the Black Panther Party. He gained prominence as the only Asian American in a formal leadership position in the party. Born in San Leandro to Japanese parents, Aoki and his family were interned during World War II. He became a street fighter in his youth, served in the U.S. Army, and later attended Merritt College and the University of California, Berkeley.
Harold Peary
Harold Peary was an actor, comedian, and singer best known for his role as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve on radio's "Fibber McGee and Molly," which led to his own successful show, "The Great Gildersleeve." Born José Pereira de Faria in San Leandro to Portuguese parents, Peary began his career in local radio in the 1920s. He enjoyed a long and varied career in radio, films, and television, including voice work in animation.

Looking to the Future

Since its establishment in 1872, San Leandro has gracefully evolved from its agricultural roots into a modern urban hub, all while preserving its historical charm.

Our downtown area beautifully showcases San Leandro's heritage, with well-preserved buildings standing alongside modern shops and eateries. For those who love exploring history and the arts, the San Leandro History Museum and Art Gallery is the go-to spot.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, San Leandro won't disappoint. Take Marina Park with its views of the San Francisco Bay—it's perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and all kinds of outdoor fun. We also have plenty of green spaces like Thrasher Park and Root Park.

Education is a cornerstone of our community, with a variety of public schools, including San Leandro High School, known for its strong academics and community involvement. We celebrate our cultural diversity with a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, highlighting the rich traditions and cuisines of our different communities. This vibrant cultural tapestry makes San Leandro incredibly welcoming and dynamic.

Economically, San Leandro thrives with a healthy mix of retail, manufacturing, and services. We've been home to several notable companies, fueling economic growth and job opportunities. The addition of the San Leandro Tech Campus reflects our growing connection with the tech industry, further diversifying our economy.

Getting around San Leandro is easy with our convenient access to major freeways and public transit, including BART, which connects us to the wider Bay Area.

Diamond Certified Companies Serving San Leandro

    Diamond Certified Companies Serving San Leandro

    Diamond Certified companies serving San Leandro are rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 37,619 reviews of 133 rated companies.
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    Only companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Performance Guaranteed.

    Building Codes and Permits

    Building Official: Michael Jeffery
    835 E 14th Street
    San Leandro, CA 94577
    Phone: (510) 577-3405
    Email: permitsbyemail@sanleandro.org

    San Leandro FAQs

    Q: What kind of public transportation options do my out-of-town relatives have when they come to visit?

    A: Public transportation in San Leandro is convenient, with services like BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and AC Transit buses connecting to various parts of the Bay Area.

    Q: Where should I go on a first date?

    A: San Leandro has a few cultural spots like the San Leandro History Museum. It contains artwork like wall murals and life-size portraits.

    Q: What are the best areas for my in-laws to explore when they visit?

    A: Downtown San Leandro, the Marina, and parks like Lake Chabot Regional Park are popular areas to explore.

    Q: When is allergy season in San Leandro?

    A: Allergy season typically occurs in the spring (March to June), with tree and grass pollen being most prevalent, and in late summer to early fall (August to October), when weed pollen like ragweed is common. Winter (November to February) is generally milder for outdoor allergies but can still trigger symptoms due to indoor allergens like mold spores and dust mites.

    Q: What are the average rent prices right now for San Leandro?

    A: Rent prices currently range from $2,000 to $2,400 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, $2,600 to $3,200 for a 2-bedroom apartment, and $3,500 to $4,500 for a 3-bedroom apartment.

    Diamond Certified Expert Contributors
    Serving Our San Leandro Area

    Rafi Benbenishti

    Rafi Benbenishti

    Owner, HSR

    Dryer Vent Safety

    Regularly inspect your dryer to prevent fire hazards. Check that the vent line behind the dryer isn’t smashed or crimped, which restricts airflow. Next, while the dryer is running, go outside to the exterior vent and test the airflow with your hand. If the airflow seems weak, the vent line may be clogged.

    Agapito Chavez-Reyes

    Agapito Chavez-Reyes

    Owner, PRI-Premiere Roofing Inc.

    The Importance of Attic Ventilation

    When replacing your roof, don’t overlook the importance of attic ventilation. Since heat rises, any heat that enters your home eventually makes its way into the attic. Without proper ventilation, heat buildup in the attic can cook the roofing shingles from the bottom and gradually lead to premature failure of the roof.

    Alan Robinette

    Alan Robinette

    President, Window-ology

    Benefits of Cellular Shades

    One benefit of cellular shades is their small stack height, which means they compress tightly when raised and cause minimal obstruction of window views. Additionally, cellular shades’ dual-fold character allows them to be lowered from the top-down, providing privacy on the lower half of the window.

    Scott Mamola

    Scott Mamola

    Owner, Service Champions

    Hazardous Electrical Panels

    In some cases, an outdated electrical panel isn’t merely an energy efficiency issue—it’s a safety issue as well. Despite being known to have dangerous defects, certain brands of discontinued panels (most notably Federal Pacific and Zinsco) are still present in many Bay Area homes, so make sure yours isn’t one of them.

    Our San Leandro Glossary

    “Marina Park”

    A scenic waterfront park in San Leandro known for its beautiful views and recreational activities.

    “San Leandro History Museum”

    A museum showcasing the rich history and heritage of San Leandro.

    “Bay Fair Center”

    A major shopping center in San Leandro, offering a variety of retail stores and eateries.

    “San Leandro Tech Campus”

    A modern business and technology hub in the city.

    “San Leandro Hospital”

    A key medical facility serving the San Leandro community.

    “Cherry Festival”

    An annual event in San Leandro celebrating the city's agricultural heritage, particularly its cherry production.

    “San Leandro High School”

    One of the main public high schools in the city, known for its educational programs.

    “Lake Chabot Regional Park”

    A regional park near San Leandro, popular for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

    “San Leandro BART Station”

    A Bay Area Rapid Transit station providing essential public transportation connectivity to the San Francisco Bay Area.

    San Leandro's Perennial Events

    MLK Celebration

    JANUARY

    MLK Celebration

    This event is held every January to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It features a march, a rally, and a program with guest speakers.

    Egg Hunt

    MARCH

    Egg Hunt

    This event is held every April and is a fun way to celebrate Easter with neighbors in the community. Children can participate in an egg hunt and other activities.

    Cinco De Mayo

    MAY

    Cinco De Mayo

    This event is held every May to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. It features live music, food, and drinks, as well as a parade and a carnival.

    Cherry Festival

    JUNE

    Cherry Festival

    This festival is held every June to celebrate San Leandro's heritage as the former cherry-growing capital of the region. The festival features live music, food, and drinks, as well as a parade and a carnival.

    San Leandro Restaurant Week

    JULY

    San Leandro Restaurant Week

    This week-long celebration of San Leandro's culinary scene features local restaurants offering special menus and discounts to showcase their best dishes​.

    San Leandro Maps

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    San Leandro was founded in 1872, and today, your 89,830 neighbors enjoy hiking, cultural festivals, dancing, libraries and mountaineering.

    ZIP Codes Within San Leandro City

    • 94577, 94578, 94579

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    Groups and Clubs Serving San Leandro

    Rotary Club of San Leandro

    The Rotary Club of San Leandro, founded in 1926, is a community organization committed to service and fellowship. Emphasizing their motto "Service Above Self," the club engages in various local and international projects, focusing on community development, education, and health.

    San Leandro Historical Society

    The San Leandro Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of San Leandro. They focus on building awareness and appreciation of the city's unique and diverse past, supporting the preservation of historic sites and legacies.

    San Leandro Community Food Pantry

    The San Leandro Community Food Pantry is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to addressing hunger in San Leandro. Established in 2013, it has grown significantly, serving a large number of clients and distributing substantial amounts of food.

    Homegrown Habitats San Leandro

    This group is aimed at promoting and supporting the creation of wildlife-friendly habitats in San Leandro. This program encourages residents to incorporate native plants in their gardens, which helps support local wildlife, such as birds, bees, and butterflies.

    Religious Organizations
    Serving San Leandro

    St. Felicitas

    St. Felicitas Catholic Church is a parish devoted to faith and community service. Led by Rev. Peter D. Ngo, the church offers a range of spiritual and community services, including Masses, sacraments, and various ministries.

    Heritage Baptist Church

    Heritage Baptist Church offers a welcoming and spiritual environment for its congregation. The church, led by Pastor Alan Fong, emphasizes Bible-based teachings and aims to connect people from various life stages to Jesus.

    St. Leander Catholic Church

    St. Leander Catholic Church has been serving San Leandro since 1864. The church offers a range of spiritual services including Masses, sacraments, and faith formation programs.

    Creekside Community Church

    Creekside Community Church offers an inclusive place for worship and community engagement. They provide various services and programs catering to different age groups including children, youth, and adults.

    Social San Leandro

    Oldest San Leandro
    Businesses

    Fifth Wheel Food

    (Founded in 1946)

    Harry's Hofbrau

    (Founded in 1954)

    Elio's Family Restaurant

    (Founded in 1984)

    Pelton Cafe

    (Founded in 1991)

    Paradiso

    (Founded in 1996)

    Popular Spots!

    San Leandro History Museum

    The San Leandro History Museum is a local museum that showcases the history of San Leandro and its surrounding areas. It includes exhibits on the Muwekma Ohlone people, the Gold Rush, and the developments of the 20th century through World War II.

    Drake's Barrel House

    Drake's Barrel House is a brewery taproom and beer garden that offers 24 different beers on tap, including flagships and one-off releases.

    Oyster Bay

    Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline is a picturesque park known for its stunning views and recreational opportunities. It offers a variety of activities such as picnicking, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The park also features a unique disc golf course and provides access to the San Francisco Bay for shoreline fishing.

    Marina Park

    Marina Park is a popular waterfront park offering a variety of recreational activities. It features scenic views, picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths along the San Leandro Marina.

    Restaurants We Love

    Elio's Family Restaurant

    Elio's Family Restaurant serves a range of American dishes including omelettes, burgers, salads, and more. They are open daily, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

    Fifth Wheel Food

    Fifth Wheel Food offers a blend of American classics with a twist.

    Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen

    Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen offers authentic, vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

    Pelton Cafe

    Pelton Cafe offers homestyle American favorites like pancakes and burgers.

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