Thinking of moving to San Lorenzo CA, a tight-knit community known for its peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle, while close to the East Bay opportunities.
The city of San Lorenzo California was born as the nation’s first planned community in the 1940s, with many of the original houses remaining, forming a neighbourhood that retains the old spirit of the 1950s. Today, many young professionals have decided that living in San Lorenzo CA makes sense. It has become an attractive community in California. Moving to San Lorenzo CA can be a good choice, especially if you are moving to California from another state.
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Where Is San Lorenzo CA?
Located in Alameda County on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay, San Lorenzo sits within the bustling suburbs of the Bay Area, close to Oakland. The drive from San Lorenzo CA to Oakland is 12 miles. On the other side of the bay, it’s 24 miles from San Lorenzo CA to San Francisco. Hayward lies to the south, and to the north the San Lorenzo Creek forms a natural border to San Leandro.
San Lorenzo CA is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP). The suburban layout of this quiet commuter town is primarily made up of single-family homes and townhouses.
The San Lorenzo CA public transportation is convenient, with AC transit bus lines operated by the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District and the San Leandro BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. This makes living in San Lorenzo CA easy even without a car.
To the south lies the private Hayward Executive Airport.
San Lorenzo CA Population and Demographics
The population living in San Lorenzo CA is 29,581 people, growing by 26% since 2010. An attractive location and welcoming vibe make it popular for families. The population is highly diverse, with a Hispanic or Latino majority and a significant Asian minority.
Demographic data for people living in San Lorenzo CA:
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- 49.9% female and 50.1% male
- 20.5% of the population is younger than 18 years old, slightly below the national average of 21.7%
- Median age 40.3 years
- Median household income in San Lorenzo CA is $110,495
- The racial and ethnic composition of people living in San Lorenzo CA is diverse, with 27.8% White alone (19.7% White, non-Hispanic), 41.4% Hispanic or Latino, 30.1% Asian alone, 4.7% Black alone, 1.9% American Indian, 1.3% Native Hawaiian, and 12% two or more races.
- 82% of the adult residents have graduated from high school, and 25.4% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
San Lorenzo CA Crime Rate
Is San Lorenzo, CA safe? Yes, living in San Lorenzo is safer than many other cities in Alameda County. Just keep in mind that its crime stats get lumped in with the whole county, which can make things look worse than they really are. The county’s violent crime rate is 62% higher than the California average and 98% higher than the national average.
In reality, San Lorenzo is a quiet, residential community made up mostly of single-family, owner-occupied homes. It has a friendly, close-knit feel and doesn’t experience the same level of crime as some of the larger cities in the county.
The town is served by the Alamenda County Sheriff’s Office, which has a force of over 1.200 officers.
Cost of Living in San Lorenzo CA
Can I afford living in San Lorenzo, CA? According to data from the Economic Policy Institute, the estimated minimum annual budget for a family of four is around $184,000 — one of the highest in the U.S. Another commonly asked question is how the cost of living in San Lorenzo CA compares to the rest of the Bay Area. It’s more affordable than San Francisco and Oakland but more expensive than inland cities like Tracy or Stockton.
Living in San Lorenzo CA offers a range of grocery options, from discount and bulk stores to ethnic specialty markets. There are four local grocery stores in town, with even more choices available in nearby cities.
Typical Expenses Living in San Lorenzo CA*
- 1 meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $20
- 1 gallon of milk: $5.66
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $4.64
- 1 pound of apples: $3.24
- 1 pound of potatoes: $1.73
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.77
- Average San Lorenzo utilities per month: $240.04
Source: Numbeo
*Prices for San Leandro, as statistics for San Lorenzo are not available.
Real Estate and Housing in San Lorenzo CA
Is housing affordable when moving to San Lorenzo CA? The median home price is $855,000—well above the national average of $438,357 and roughly equal to the California average of $852,900, according to 2025 data. Living in San Lorenzo definitely means Bay Area suburban prices.
Many of the houses for sale in San Lorenzo were built during the 1940s-1950s. The real estate market is dynamic and competitive, with homes often selling quickly and above the asking price. Currently, there is a good selection of homes for sale in San Lorenzo CA. If you’re thinking about buying a house in the Bay Area, it’s important to be well prepared.
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Two-bedroom condos can be found for under $700,000, and a three-bedroom house will easily be over $800,000.
The majority of people living in San Lorenzo CA own their homes—over 66% of residents are homeowners. But if you’re looking to rent, there are still plenty of options. The average rent is $2,286 a month, according to RentCafe.
Weather in San Lorenzo CA
Living in San Lorenzo CA means enjoying a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are late spring or early fall, when the weather is sunny and comfortable. September is typically the warmest month, with average daily highs around 77°F, while December’s average daily lows around 43°F. The most likely natural hazards in San Lorenzo are earthquakes and flooding.
Things to Do in San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo CA is primarily a quiet, residential community focused on family-friendly living. It also offers several churches, each supported by devoted and active congregations. For travelers planning a visit to San Lorenzo and the greater Bay Area, BetterTrips offers convenient vacation rental options that make it easy to enjoy a comfortable stay while exploring the region.
Public Parks in San Lorenzo
Right in San Lorenzo lie several parks that are popular among the locals and a place where neighbors meet. A highlight when living in San Lorenzo CA is the Community Park, which features several sports fields, a dog park, and a covered picnic area. In the surrounding region, residents also have access to the East Bay Parks East Bay Regional Park District, the largest urban regional park system in the U.S., with over 70 parks to explore and enjoy.
1970 Via Buena Vista, San Lorenzo, CA 94580, (510) 881-6700
Sports
Living in San Lorenzo CA offers many opportunities for an active lifestyle. Team sports options include tennis courts, as well as soccer, baseball, and football fields in nearby towns. For fitness enthusiasts, there are facilities like Crunch Fitness and US Karate & Boxing Gym. Additionally, runners and cyclists can enjoy miles of scenic outdoor trails along the Bay at the Hayward Regional Shoreline trail.
W Winton Ave, Hayward, CA 94545, (888) 327-2757
East Bay Area and San Francisco
Living in San Lorenzo, CA, offers easy access to the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area and its many opportunities.
- Oakland Zoo, home to over 850 animals, is perfect for a family day out.
- The Oakland Museum of California combines art, history, and natural sciences, offering something for everyone.
- San Francisco, the iconic city that draws over 20 million tourists annually, is less than an hour away.
- The Oakland Arena hosts a variety of events year-round, from monster truck shows to classical concerts.
Restaurants San Lorenzo CA
The best restaurants in San Lorenzo CA are located along Hesperia Boulevard. There is a wide variety of authentic ethnic cuisine for anyone living in San Lorenzo CA. A good place to explore different tastes.
Oh Fish Sushi Kitchen
Dine in with the best-rated restaurant in San Lorenzo. Crispy tempura and black garlic ramen are in high demand.
17852 Hesperian Blvd, San Lorenzo, CA 94580, 510-363-8603
Classic Burger
Diner with no-frills burgers. Food for the hungry, with the biggest burgers in town. Patrons order the steak sandwich and onion rings.
15927 Hesperian Blvd, San Lorenzo, CA 94580, 510-278-3333
Tao´s Fresh
Asian fusion restaurant with a modern feel. Popcorn chicken, sizzling beef plate, and of course Boba teas on the menu.
15809 Channel St, San Lorenzo, CA 94580, 510-278-7838
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Private and Public Schools in San Lorenzo CA
Is living in San Lorenzo CA a good place for families? Yes, thanks to its quiet neighborhoods, community parks, and decent schools, it’s popular among families. There are some great educational opportunities for children living in San Lorenzo CA. The San Lorenzo Unified School District has three elementary schools; nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools.
Over 8,000 students attend the schools in San Lorenzo. The schools are average to above-average, with a few standout elementary schools. There are more options nearby, including charter and private institutions.
The best private school is the Redwood Christian Schools, with a strong focus on Christian values and sports. The Bay Area has several other private high schools to choose from.
The options for universities are endless – with some of the world’s best universities close by, and a range of other options- Stanford University, Berkeley University to name a few.
The modernised San Lorenzo library provides a vibrant learning environment for the residents living in San Lorenzo CA.
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Jobs in San Lorenzo CA
Most people living in San Lorenzo CA commute to jobs outside of town. There is a thriving industry on the Bay side, with several businesses in the food and logistics industries. The biggest single employer is the San Lorenzo Unified School District, and many smaller businesses have service jobs available. Indeed has the current San Lorenzo CA jobs. Santini Foods, Tyler Foods, and other thriving businesses have operations in San Lorenzo.
The median commute time for workers living in San Lorenzo CA is 32 minutes, allowing residents to easily reach San Jose, Oakland, and San Francisco with a wealth of job opportunities available.
A frequently asked question is what the commute from San Lorenzo to San Francisco is like. The commute to San Francisco is about 45–60 minutes via car or BART, depending on traffic and station access.
No salary data is available for San Lorenzo, so let’s look at the nearest large city, Hayward. According to PayScale, the San Lorenzo CA median income is $94,000 per year. Well above the national average, with opportunities also further, the Bay Area is home to over 7 million people with a vibrant job market.
San Lorenzo Statistics and Information
- San Lorenzo County: Alameda, California
- San Lorenzo area: 3.1 square miles
- San Lorenzo CA zip code: 94580
- San Lorenzo area code: 510 and 341
- San Lorenzo time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- The closest airport to San Lorenzo: Oakland International Airport (OAK), 6 miles from San Lorenzo.
Map of San Lorenzo California
Explore this map of San Lorenzo to find the best places to live and the most exciting things to do.
Is Living in San Lorenzo CA for You?
If you’re considering moving to San Lorenzo CA, our San Lorenzo movers can help. We offer a wide range of moving services to make your transition as smooth as possible. From packing and loading your belongings to transport and storage, Berkins can handle it all. Contact us today at 650-284-2931 or fill out our online form to get started on a free quote!
