Castro Valley is a thriving community nestled between canyons and the rolling hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The community has a distinct, laid-back feel and features a lot of amenities, such as nearby parks, great schools, shopping centers, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. The parks in Castro Valley offer a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, as well as recreational facilities for youth sports programs.
The community was originally inhabited by the Costanoan and Ohlone tribes and later known for its chicken ranches and orchards. The annual Rowell Ranch Rodeo in May, started in 1921, is one of the oldest rodeos in the country. Despite being near so many large cities, Castro Valley remains a piece of paradise. The Alameda County Board has worked hard to preserve this city and its community pride. You’ll love the small-town feel, stunning views, and rural feel when living in Castro Valley CA.
Where Is Castro Valley, CA?
Castro Valley is centrally located in California. Those living in Castro Valley CA will be in a census-designated place (CDP) and the fourth most populous unincorporated area in California. Castro Valley is located about 27 miles southeast of San Francisco and 15 miles southeast of Oakland. The main road through Castro Valley is Castro Valley Boulevard, which can connect you to nearby cities, hiking trails, and other small towns, providing easy access to local attractions.
What County Is Castro Valley CA in?
Castro Valley is located in Alameda County.
Map of Castro Valley CA
Explore the town while living in Castro Valley CA with this map of the city!
Castro Valley CA Population and Demographics
Castro Valley has a large Asian population, including Indian, Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese communities, which makes up almost one-third of the total population. The vibrant Asian cultural presence in the community can be seen with the number and variety of Asian restaurants and cultural events, such as the Asian & Pacific Islander Arts & Culture Festival that features opportunities to learn about Asian and Pacific Islander culture through music, dance, food, and crafts. The Castro Valley population is 65,354.
Race & Ethnicity:
- White alone 33.8%
- Black or African American alone 8.5%
- Asian alone 31.6%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.1%
- Two or more races 6.1%
- Hispanic 19.9%
Castro Valley’s Demographics:
- Population density: 3,943.55 per square mile
- Median age: 43.2
- Sex ratio: 49.6% males, 50.4% females
- Median household income: $132,000
- Educational attainment: 91.6% high school degree or higher, 48.0% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 32.4%
- Veteran population: 1,532
Living in Castro Valley CA is very safe, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office serves and protects the citizens of Castro Valley. The crime rate in Castro Valley is 43% lower than the national average. There are about 1,304 crimes per 100,000 people in Castro Valley. Violent crime rates are 36% lower than the national average, with about 234 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The office also works with highway patrol and the city council to keep the main roads, like Redwood Road, and the roads to Lake Chabot Park, Palomares Canyons, and Crow Canyon, safe.
Castro Valley CA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Castro Valley CA is 95% higher than the national average and 55% higher than the California state average. The sales tax Castro Valley CA rate is 10.25%, which is fairly high. Housing costs make up the bulk of the cost of living in Castro Valley CA. Castro Valley CA real estate costs are 173% higher than the state average.
The median sale price of a home in Castro Valley is $1,182,500, and the average price per square foot is $675. Check out the many current homes for sale in Castro Valley CA. The average rent in Castro Valley is $2,467 per month for a 870-square-foot apartment. By comparison, San Francisco residents pay about $3,420 a month on average, and in Oakland, the average rent is around $2,568 a month. Check out the many Castro Valley CA apartments and homes for rent in Castro Valley CA on RentCafe.
Typical Castro Valley Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $20.50
- Domestic beer: $8.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $1.42
- Dozen eggs: $4.27
- 1 pound of chicken: $9.68
- Average Castro Valley monthly utility bill: $200.00
Source: Numbeo, Castro Valley
The Best Neighborhoods in Castro Valley
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Castro Valley features single-family houses, spacious townhouses, and modern apartments, catering to a variety of family sizes and tastes. The Castro Valley communities are family-friendly, safe, and offer outdoor recreation in a tranquil setting. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Castro Valley:
Five Canyons
This newer community offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes and condominiums. The community features 300 acres of open spaces and walking trails. The Five Canyons Recreation Center has pools, a Jacuzzi, basketball and tennis courts, and a playground. It’s popular amongst those living in Castro Valley CA with families.
Palomares Hills
This is an established neighborhood, set among rolling hills, offers homes built from the mid-80s to the late 90s. Great for outdoor enthusiasts, Palomares Hills has trails and beautiful scenery. Community engagement and a lot of social groups make for a tight-knit neighborhood. Jensen Ranch School is close by.
Briar Ridge
The community has a rural feel, with Traditional and Craftsman-style homes, as well as townhomes with enclosed garages. Many homes in the neighborhood offer stunning views of the bay and surrounding hillsides. Greenridge Park and the Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area are close by, making it great for families with kids living in Castro Valley CA.
Weather Castro Valley CA
Castro Valley has a typically mild climate that includes mild winters and warm summers. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and in the summer months, temperatures climb into the high 80s. Rainfall is spread out fairly evenly throughout the year. Castro Valley gets about 21 inches of rain per year. The national average is 38 inches. It’s generally a bit more humid during the spring and summer months than during the rest of the year.
Overall, living in Castro Valley CA is great for the weather aspect. Castro Valley CA weather doesn’t see any snow, but it does see a lot of sunshine. On average, there are 261 sunny days per year in Castro Valley. That’s well above the US average of 205 sunny days. The best time to visit Castro Valley is from late June to late September.
One thing to keep in mind is occasionally there’s an earthquake near Castro Valley CA. You will usually see a few smaller earthquakes each year.
Things to Do in Castro Valley CA
Castro Valley offers an array of fun and entertaining things to do for all ages, including family fun entertainment. In addition, enjoy convenient shopping at Castro Village Shopping Center, 580 Market Place, Safeway Castro Valley CA location, and Castro Gardens Center. Here are some of the top things to do in Castro Valley:
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area (CCRRA)
CCRRA is a great place for family fun, featuring the popular 1.5-acre swim lagoon with a bathhouse, sandy beaches, and a kids’ area. A section of the Chabot-to-Garin Regional Trail runs through CCRRA, offering excellent hiking opportunities.
18825 Cull Canyon Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, (888) 327-2757
Golden Tee Golfland
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Golden Tee Golfland offers two unique and fun mini golf courses, Enchanted Journey and Adventure Quest, set in a lush, beautifully landscaped environment. Golfland’s arcade has all the latest games to enjoy, and you can win prizes at their redemption counter.
2533 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, (510) 537-2168
Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are the oldest traditional-style Japanese gardens in California. The beautiful gardens follow Japanese garden design principles, incorporating California native stones and plants. You’ll see over 70 plant species, including mondo grasses, Japanese black pine, cedar, juniper, and rhododendron.
22373 N 3rd St, Hayward, CA 94546, (510) 881-6700
Additional Attractions near Castro Valley, CA:
If you are still looking for things to do, Castro Valley has a number of parks, recreational areas, and beautiful landscapes where you can enjoy nature, engage in sports activities, and play. Castro Valley Community Park features baseball fields, tennis courts, a playground, picnic tables with grills, and a summer splash pad.
Don Castro Regional Recreation Area offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. Carlos Bee Park is a serene area with open space, a playground, and a barbecue & picnic shelter with lots of tables.
Castro Valley CA Restaurants
If you’re living in Castro Valley CA, you’ll have plenty of cuisines to choose from, including American fare, Italian, Asian, and local diners. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in Castro Valley:
Denica’s Real Food Kitchen
Denica’s serves up breakfast and lunch all day in a small, welcoming setting. Menu favorites include mochiko chicken & waffles, ube pancakes, prime rib & eggs, and huevos rancheros. Denica’s makes all their components from scratch, such as fresh tomatoes for their salsas and real whipped cream. It’s a top-rated restaurant for those living in Castro Valley CA.
2723 Castro Valley Blvd #5411, Castro Valley, CA 94546, (510) 537-1100
Rigatoni’s Restaurant
Rigatoni’s Italian restaurant only uses fresh ingredients and generations-old family recipes to bring you traditional Italian dishes and an unforgettable dining experience in a casual atmosphere. Rigatoni’s is all about the pasta, topped with incredible sauces.
20680 Rustic Dr, Castro Valley, CA 94546, (510) 537-6400
Tancho Japanese Restaurant
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Tancho is mainly a sushi omakase Japanese restaurant serving only high-quality fish, mostly from Japan. Tancho aims to bring you a memorable dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed environment. Their extensive selection of sakes, wines, and beers is a perfect addition to your date night while living in Castro Valley CA.
20861 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, (415) 319-5268
Jobs in Castro Valley CA
If you’re living in Castro Valley CA, and looking for a new job, there are many opportunities. The major industries in Castro Valley include healthcare, retail trade, and accommodation and food service. The community’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area offers many more employment possibilities.
One of the major employers in Castro Valley is Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, which provides quality medical services in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their services include back and spine, cancer, heart and vascular, neuroscience, and more. The medical center employs about 3,100 people.
Other top employers in Castro Valley include California State University East Bay, CooperVision, Chevron Corp, Eden Medical Center Castro Valley CA location, and San Ramon Regional Medical Center. If you’re looking for a job in Castro Valley, take a look at job openings on Indeed, and other job sites.
Schools in Castro Valley CA
Castro Valley has some wonderfully highly rated schools. Castro Valley is mainly zoned to the Castro Valley Unified School District, although, parts are served by the Hayward Unified School District and the San Lorenzo Unified School District. hayward school district The Castro Valley Unified School District enrolls over 9,000 students. Schools include Castro Valley High, Redwood High, Canyon Middle, Creekside Middle School, and nine elementary schools, including Castro Valley, Chabot, and Jensen Ranch.
The Castro Valley Unified Public School System is one of the highest-achieving districts in the state and is committed to providing quality education built on a strong foundation of parent support, community involvement, and a dedicated staff.
Castro Valley has a number of excellent schools, including private and charter school options to choose from. Some of the top private and charter schools in Castro Valley include Redwood Christian Schools, Northstar School, and Assumption School.
If you are looking for higher education options before moving to Castro Valley, some great choices include Chabot College, California State University East Bay, University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University.
Looking for more fun things to do while living in Castro Valley CA? The Castro Valley Library is a perfect place to check out books, magazines, newspapers, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more. The library events calendar offers a variety of events for toddlers, preschoolers, children, teens, adults, and seniors.
Castro Valley CA Statistics & Information
- Castro Valley CA county: Alameda County
- Castro Valley area: 17.07 square miles
- Castro Valley CA zip codes: 94546, 94552, 94541
- Castro Valley area code: 510, 341
- Castro Valley elevation: 161 feet
- Castro Valley time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Castro Valley: Oakland International Airport, 9.4 miles away
Let AMS Relocation Help You Move!
Is moving to Castro Valley in your future? This town is full of natural beauty, economic diversity, and good schools in the East Bay. Whether you’re looking for many parks or a multitude of recreational activities, Castro Valley can be right for you.
Our Castro Valley movers at AMS Relocation will assist you with local moving, long distance moving, storage, packing, and more! Give us a call at 650-284-2931 to get started on a free moving quote.
