Apartments for rent in Hayward, CA

Overview of Hayward

Hayward, CA's motto is "the heart of the bay," which is fitting given this Alameda County community's proximity to many major cities. 14 miles south of Oakland, 25 miles southeast of San Francisco, and 26 miles north of San Jose, Hayward is conveniently situated near many metropolitan areas, but still holds its own as a community known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, social activism, and abundance of outdoor recreational options. If you want to live the fabulous Bay Area life without paying super steep prices, a Hayward apartment for rent is the perfect choice for you and your family.

Living in Hayward

In the early 20th century, the Hayward area was frequently called the "Heart of the Garden of Eden" due to its rich, fertile soil. By 1950, Hayward's variety of apricot trees and canneries helped the city earn its nickname "Apricot City." Around that time, the city's population rose to 14,000 residents, and Hayward was officially incorporated as a city in 1956.

Today, with a population that surpasses 149,000, Hayward is the sixth largest city in the Bay Area. This progressive Bay Area City places an emphasis on social justice, particularly in the arenas of environmental awareness and gay rights.

Outdoor enthusiasts living in Hayward will want to venture around the four parks administered by the "East Bay Regional Park District and stroll through the oldest Japanese garden in California, while art enthusiasts will find inspiration in Hayward's Public Art Program, which has commissioned numerous murals throughout the city.

Sports fans will want to check out The Bay Area Ambassadors amateur soccer team based right in the area, or venture over to San Francisco or Oakland to watch The Giants or the Golden State Warriors.

In terms of public transportation, Hayward is served by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), which enables residents to commute easily to San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, among other Bay Area attractions.

Apartments in Hayward-School

If a search for the right higher education institution is bringing you to Hayward, there are plenty of options to choose from. Both Chabot College and California State University, East Bay, are located in Hayward, California College of the Arts, Laney College, and Merritt College are all located 20 minutes away in Oakland, and The University of California, Berkeley is less than a half an hour away.

Apartments in Hayward-Work

The top employers in the city are in the healthcare, education, and government sectors. Kaiser Permanente, California State University, East Bay, and Alameda County, are among some of Hayward's top employers.