Alright, My partner and I are Crime rate is something to consider — Hayward sits at 341.6 per 100K. Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Thoughts? The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
37 upvotes
2 Replies
jeremiah_soul
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 41, moved here 1 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
38 upvotes
Evan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Houston it's decent.