7 most affordable Bay Area suburbs
The Bay Area is infamous for expensive housing but here are 7 suburbs that will help you save money while still being close to San Francisco and Oakland.
7. San Leandro, CA
Median rent: $1,392/mo
Median house value: $475K
Drive to San Francisco: 21 miles
San Leandro, located south of Oakland along San Francisco Bay, is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. Culturally rich neighborhoods and many public parks contribute to a mix of charm and activity. This suburb is also home to an advanced manufacturing industry that employs many of the residents in the surrounding area.
6. El Sobrante, CA
Median rent: $1,396/mo
Median house value: $402K
Drive to San Francisco: 22 miles
Adjacent to several parks, such as Pinole Valley Park, is El Sobrante. Be sure to visit Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve which is the habitat of Alameda Manzanita, an extremely rare flowering plant. El Sobrante has a suburban feel but it is also directly connected to San Francisco and Oakland via I-80.
5. Cherryland, CA
Median rent: $1,403/mo
Median house value: $364K
Drive to San Francisco: 27 miles
Tucked between San Leandro and Hayward is Cherryland. A popular attraction in this town is Meek Park, which covers the landscape of a historic mansion and also includes picnic space and play areas. Also, if you have a dog, you’ll enjoy Cherryland’s Old Creek Dog Park.
4. Ashland, CA
Median rent: $1,351/mo
Median house value: $396K
Drive to San Francisco: 25 miles
Ashland is slightly bigger than its neighbor to the south, Cherryland, but has much of the same appeal. Nearby Bayfair Center is the hub for shopping and restaurants in the community. Additionally, the Bay Fair BART station connects Ashland with Oakland and the surrounding areas.
3. Richmond, CA
Median rent: $1,329/mo
Median house value: $372K
Drive to San Francisco: 18 miles
Richmond came to prominence during World War II when its shipyards and factories brought thousands of workers to the city. Today, it’s an important center for the oil, transportation, and shipping industries. Richmond is also home to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, which offers miles of trails and picnicking areas.
2. Rodeo, CA
Median rent: $1,292/mo
Median house value: $382K
Drive to San Francisco: 26 miles
Known for being the hometown of Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt of Green Day, Rodeo is actually the least dense place on our list. This is because Crockett Hills Regional Park makes up much of the town. The park encompasses a large area of former ranchland that now hosts picnic space and plenty of trails.
1. San Pablo, CA
Median rent: $1,211/mo
Median house value: $270K
Drive to San Francisco: 20 miles
Historically, San Pablo is one of the oldest Spanish settlements in the region. Today, San Pablo is a thriving residential and business community. Access to BART, Amtrak, and I-80 give you many options to get to Oakland and San Francisco. Residents enjoy both this town’s diversity and its affordability.
Which of these Bay Area suburbs is best for you? MapTitan helps you find the places you’ll love to live based on what’s important to you.
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