Alameda Fernside

The Fernside District of Alameda is part of the East End, close to the foot of the High Street Bridge, near the foot of the High Street Bridge, and is coveted for its charming tree-lined streets, iconic Tudor and Spanish style architecture, and its high-performing schools. The Fernside is also known for its “starter” Split Level homes of the 1940s, Queen Anne Victorians, Transitional Colonial Revivals, and Craftsman Bungalows, as well as homes built during the 1970s and 1980s.

This area offers some of the few deep water lots on the island along Fernside Boulevard and Marine View Drive, allowing for boat access to the San Leandro Channel and the San Francisco Bay.

Among the neighborhood’s iconic landmarks are “Santa Claus Lane” on Thompson Street, and majestic Lincoln Park, dating back to 1909, offering play structures, a neighborhood pool, baseball diamond, and soccer fields.

Fernside History

“The Fernside” was the last major tract of land on the main island subdivided east of Grand Street, and formerly the 65-acre Cohen estate. It remained an orchard and horse pasture until the late 1920s when the heirs put it on the market after several years of careful planning. This development brought to an end the open, park-like atmosphere that once characterized all of Alameda. [Source: Alameda: A Geographical History]

Local Parks & Recreation: Lincoln Park, Krusi Park & Emma Hood Swim Center.

Commuting Options for the Fernside District

Commuting to Berkeley, Concord, Fremont, Pleasanton and The South Bay

Major freeways such as Highway 880, 80, 24, and 580 can easily be accessed from either Doolittle Drive, the High Street Bridge, or the Park Street bridge.

Public Transportation Options

BART, AC Transit Bus, Casual Carpool, Bay Ferry, Amtrak

Depending upon your location, the closest BART stations are either Fruitvale or Lake Merritt.  AC Transit Bus offers Transbay express buses to San Francisco via the OX, and local bus service to Oakland and Berkeley, BART stations, etc. to San Francisco, via the 51A  to Rockridge BART and to Fruitvale BART via College Ave., Broadway (Oakland), Webster St., Santa Clara Ave., and Broadway (Alameda), or the 51B to Rockridge BART to Berkeley Amtrak or Berkeley Marina via College Ave., Bancroft Way / Durant Ave., Shattuck Ave., Berkeley BART, and University Ave.

Casual Carpool runs Monday-Friday from 6am-9am for City of San Francisco commuter. Riders are picked up at Encinal and Park Avenue, at not cost for a quick ride into San Francisco financial district.

There are two ferry lines offering 20-minute trips to San Francisco. The Harbor Bay Ferry is most convenient for East End residents.

The Amtrak train station is located on 2nd Street in Jack London Square, Oakland.

Schools of the Fernside District

Alameda enjoys a reputation for great quality schools, both public and private. There are several schools within walking or bicycling distance of the Fernside neighborhood including: Edison and Frank Otis Elementary schools, Saint Philip Neri Catholic Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, Alameda High School, and Saint Joseph Catholic Elementary & High Schools. For more public and private educational options, school ratings and reviews visit Greatschools.org.