Castro Valley

About Castro Valley

Castro Valley is a growing community in Alameda County just a short distance east of San Francisco. While it may not have the name recognition of cities like Oakland and Berkeley, it's a desirable bedroom community with a warm climate and beautiful surroundings.

The History of Castro Valley

Before European settlers arrived in the area that's now Castro Valley, it was home to a tribe of Ohlone Native Americans. In the late 1700s, it was granted to Mission San Jose as part of the New Spain colony.

Castro Valley was named after Don Guillermo Castro, a soldier who fought for the Mexican Army in the 1830s. For his service, he received a large portion of land in East Oakland. Eventually, Castro sold portions of his land to several investors, including the men for whom the cities of Atherton and Hayward are named.

During the mid-1900s, chicken ranching became an important industry for Castro Valley. Today, the town is predominantly a commuter town. Many people who live there commute to nearby cities including San Francisco and San Jose for work.

Living in Castro Valley

Castro Valley has a lot of positive features that make it an attractive place to live. With its pleasant year-round climate, you can enjoy the scenic area and its outdoor spaces. The city also has plenty of entertainment options, including a local movie theater, historic landmarks and the Adobe Art Gallery.

Job growth in Castro Valley is slightly behind the national rate, mainly because the city is largely residential with few commercial zones. However, there are several nearby cities with active job markets within just a short commute. If you do choose to look for a job within city limits, you'll find the most opportunity in the industries of health care, retail and food service.

Castro Valley Schools

The Castro Valley Unified School District manages the public elementary, middle and high schools. In addition, the district provides a bilingual school for adult students. There are also several private schools operating in Castro Valley, most of them faith-based.

Resources for Moving to Castro Valley

Here are a few quick resources to help you plan your move to Castro Valley:

• Utilities: Pacific Gas & Electric is Castro Valley's main energy provider. The East Bay Municipal Water District manages water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city facilitates curbside collection of trash, recyclables and yard waste.
• Transportation: Both AC Transit and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provide public transportation in the area.

Castro Valley Housing

Castro Valley's median home price is significantly higher than both the national and state averages. Rent is also higher than average. However, the market provides a wide range of options, making it easier to find something to fit your needs.