Alameda South Shore

South Shore is a centrally located, suburban style eclectic area known for its tract style homes, duet homes and condo conversions from the mid-1960s as well as charming starter homes from the 1930s and 1940s, in Spanish and wood clad split level styles. The neighborhood is conveniently located to both retail and outdoor recreation. For outdoor enthusiasts, the South Shore area offers a chain of lagoons, waterfront bicycle paths, a bird sanctuary and Alameda Beach, boasting the longest stretch of beach of any Bay Area city. Nearby is the recently renovated Alameda South Shore Center outdoor mall, anchored by tenants such as Trader Joe’s, T.J. Maxx, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl’s, Safeway, Walgreen’s and several restaurants. South Shore Center is also home to Off The Grid food trucks on Thursdays and Saturdays, an annual holiday ice rink, and several other year-round special events. Architectural styles are quite diverse, including Spanish bungalows, craftsman cottages, split level, ranchers, mid-century housing developments, modern tract homes, condos, and apartment buildings.

Commuting Options for Alameda’s South Shore Neighborhood

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, Harbor Bay Ferry, Amtrak

Depending upon your location, the closest BART stations are either Fruitvale or Lake Merritt stations.  AC Transit Bus offers Transbay express buses to San Francisco via the O and W, and local bus service to Oakland and Berkeley, BART stations, etc. 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 pick-ups are at Santa Clara Avenue and Webster Street or Encinal at Park Avenue. Free to riders, the carpool allows drivers to access Bay Bridget Carpool lane at a discount. Casual Carpool only runs in weekdays in mornings.

The Harbor Bay Ferry offers 20 minute trips to San Francisco.

The Amtrak train station is located in Jack London Square, Oakland.

Schools in Alameda’s South Shore Neighborhood

Alameda has enjoyed a reputation for great quality schools, both public and private. There are several schools within walking or bicycling distance of the South Shore neighborhood, including Donald D. Lum Elementary School, Saint Joseph Elementary and High School, Will C. Wood Middle School, and Alameda High School. For more educational options, school ratings and reviews visit Greatschools.org.