Centrally located in the heart of the bay area, with easy access to both the south bay and Oakland/San Francisco to the north, Hayward is a thriving, diverse city of over one hundred thousand. A wide array of price categories makes Hayward a popular and affordable choice for many first-time home buyers. Architectural styles range from single-family ranch homes built in the boom of the 1940s and 50s to town homes, luxury condominiums and larger, modern homes, many of which are located in the hills with stunning views of the bay.

Downtown Hayward offers residents a pedestrian-friendly center. Just two blocks from the Hayward BART and bus stations, the B Street Marketplace is an unpretentious mix of small shops in old Victorians, next to modern government buildings. Residents can enjoy an ice cream sundae at the old-fashioned Medicine Chest Pharmacy or shop for antiques at Suddenly Yesterday, then search for that perfect book at the independent bookstore The Book Shop and finally grab a bite to eat at The Bistro or Buffalo Bill's Brew Pub.

Cultural events include the Hayward/Russell City Blues Festival which takes place every summer in July and the annual Zucchini Festival the third weekend in August.

Learn more in local newspapers: Hayward Daily Review.