Old San Leandro neighborhood
I am looking to move to Old San Leandro with my husband and (soon to be born) baby, specifically to the Williams Street 300 block. We'd be moving from Alameda.
Would you recommend this as a safe area to live? For example, would I feel comfortable walking from my house to shops in town alone with my stroller? Or to the BART alone (during commuter hours)? Also, the backyard isn't totally fenced in and we'd have a garage in the back with tools and valuables inside. Not sure if we should be worried about break ins (more than other areas in SL). I have perused a few neighborhood review sites, but don't have a totally clear picture on crime/safety.
Thank you so much for any tips or advice!
Mar 9, 2021
Parent Replies
Hi, I've lived in San Leandro most of my life (for 30 years) and walk around everywhere. Before the pandemic I would regularly walk from BART to John Muir Middle School's field to watch my daughter play soccer in the evening. I've never felt unsafe at night except for perhaps immediately around the BART station. My normal commute is to walk from BART home (I live near the police station) and I carry a large MAG flashlight for "protection" but other than that you should be pretty safe. I would get your yard fenced in and put a stout lock on your garage. Crime is increasing but in my opinion mostly crimes of opportunity and catalytic converter theft.
We've lived a block south of the 300 block of Williams in SL for the past 5+ years and have found it to be a very safe and comfortable neighborhood. I walk daily in the neighborhood, either alone or with my partner, and have never had a negative experience. My 2 kids (14 & 18) have also walked, scootered & gone for runs in the neighborhood & around SL with a lot of comfort. It's easy to walk to the local Safeway/CVS/post office shopping area, to BART & to the public library. The city has been installing curb cuts at many residential intersections so pushing a stroller across streets is easier than it was 5 years ago. We've never had a house or car break-in in the time we've lived here. You'll notice that the neighborhood is a bigger mix of housing types than Alameda: houses of varying vintages, condos, apartment buildings, all mixed in within any given block. Lots of nice neighbors here. Wishing you the best with your move, your new baby and your new home! Welcome to the neighborhood !!
Thank you, both, for responding to my post. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. It's so helpful to hear personal accounts and tips. A lot of my stress and fear (of the unknown) has been alleviated. I am going to meet the landlord today and fingers crossed we'll signing the lease and moving in next month! Looking forward to being part of your community.
We've lived in the Dutton/E-14 area for almost 6 years now, this last year with a baby. I can't comment on your specific neighborhood, but in general I've found San Leandro to be relatively safe. Pre-COVID I commuted using BART. Since its a little over a mile to my house I usually didn't walk home from BART late at night, but I always felt safe on the BART platform/in the station. Otherwise we walk a ton all over San Leandro for coffee, meals, quick errands etc. It has been a great community for my family. We know nearly all our neighbors which wasn't true of our old neighborhood in North Oakland/Berkeley. We have a Ring so between what I've seen on that app and Nextdoor I'd agree with others that most of the crime is property theft--stolen packages, occasional car break-ins etc. If you end up in San Leandro feel free to shoot me a message--happy to pass on intel re my favorite parks for baby walks/toddler play, restaurants, etc.