Looking for a peaceful city in the Bay Area offering diversity and easy access to outdoor recreation? Moving to Union City, CA, could be the exact right place. It’s a city in Northern California that’s popular among families and young professionals who work in Silicon Valley.
Living in Union City CA offers a peaceful suburban feel with easy access to San Francisco, Oakland, and Silicon Valley. The city is praised for its cultural diversity, strong schools, and family-friendly parks. While housing costs are high, many residents value the convenient location and vibrant community.
Union City is known for its unique attractions and cultural diversity. It was founded in 1850 by John and William Horner, who named it Union City after their steamship, “The Union.” A few years later, it merged with the nearby town of New Haven, and its name was changed to Alvarado.
However, in the 1950s, Alvarado merged with the adjacent community of DeSoto to form a single city and decided to name it after the original settlement formed by the Horners. It was officially incorporated as Union City in 1959.
Today, Union City, CA, is a good place to live for those seeking a laid-back, small-town atmosphere and affordable homes in the Bay Area. Think this might be the ideal place to raise a family? Here is a comprehensive guide to living in Union City CA, to help you decide if it’s a good option for you.
Where Is Union City CA?
Union City is in Alameda County within the San Francisco Bay Area. Nature surrounds Union City on both sides. The Eden Landing Ecological Preserve sits beside Union City on the west side, along the San Francisco Bay. To the east are Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park and Garin Regional Park.
One of the major benefits of living in Union City, CA, is the transportation options. Interstate 880 passes directly through the area, and four exits are available to drivers living in Union City CA. Highway 238 also passes through the community, offering a direct freeway route to other parts of the state.
Several transit systems serve commuters living in Union City CA, including AC Transit, Dumbarton Express, Bay Area Rapid Transit., and Union City Transit
Hayward borders Union City to the north, while Fremont and Newark border it to the south. Collectively, Fremont and Newark are known as the Tri-Cities.
It’s also in a very convenient location near several major cities:
- Union City, CA to San Jose, CA: 22 miles or a 30-minute drive.
- Union City, CA to San Francisco, CA: 32 miles of a 47-minute drive.
- Union City, CA to Oakland, CA: 21 miles or a 35-minute drive.
- Union City, CA to Hayward, CA: 7 miles or 20 20-minute drive.
Union City Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Union City, CA population is 70,145. The number of people living in Union City CA, has remained fairly consistent over the past few decades and only increased by 0.9% between 2010 and 2020.
However, that’s following a period of exponential growth in the late 20th century, and in 1960, there were only 6,618 residents living in Union City CA. It still has a fairly spacious suburban/urban atmosphere with a population density of 3372 people per square mile.
Union City is a wealthy and diverse community that’s a great place for families and young professionals. Although 21% of people living in Union City CA are under 18, 17% are also in their 30s. The median household income is $124,383, which is 30% higher than the rest of California.
The majority of people living in Union City CA are Asian, and a large portion are immigrants. Often referred to as “Little Manilla”, Union City has one of the largest Filipino populations in the East Bay region. Although many residents living in Union City CA, are white and Hispanic as well.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 55.9% Asian, 17.9% white (14.6% white alone, non-Hispanic), 19.3% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% Black or African American, and 9.6% two or more races. Famous people who have enjoyed living in Union City CA include actor Joey Bragg and former NFL player Roy Williams.
Other Union City CA demographics
- The median age is 41.1 years
- 88.7% of residents living in Union City CA have a high school diploma, and 44.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- 51% of the population of Union City is female, and 49% is male
- The foreign-born population is 46.3%
For the most part, Union City CA is safe, although it does experience more crime than the average city. The total Union City crime rate is 2,395 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 60% higher than the national average and 22% higher than the California crime rate.
The violent crime rate is 34% higher than the rest of the US, and the property crime rate is 65% higher. So you’ll want to use precautions when moving to Union City. However, most residents claim crime is contained in certain areas, and it features a relatively low violent crime rate compared to other California cities. So overall, living in Union City CA, is safe as long as you take the proper safety precautions, especially at night.
The Union City Police Department handles crime in the community with the support of 81 sworn officers and over 25 full-time support staff.
Union City Cost of Living
Although the cost of living in Union City CA is higher than the national average, it’s relatively affordable compared to the rest of the Bay Area. A helpful way to understand how much it costs to live in a community is to reference the cost of living index. It compares the cost of regular consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the San Francisco Bay area is 166.8, indicating that it’s about 66.8% more expensive than the typical US city. However, Payscale shows that the COLI for Union City is closer to 158. That means that while living in Union City CA is about 58% more expensive than your typical US City, it’s about 9% less expensive than the rest of the Bay Area.
The Family Budget Calculator, created by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a good resource. It shows that the typical family of four, consisting of two adults and two children, needs to earn approximately $184,674 per month to afford the cost of living in Union City CA.
Typical expenses of living in Union City CA:
- Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $125.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.50
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.75
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.68
- Loaf of fresh bread: $3.25
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.75
- Average Union City monthly utility bill: $230.00
Source: Numbeo
Union City real estate is also expensive compared to the rest of the US but more reasonable
compared to the surrounding areas. Redfin shows that the median price of homes for sale in Union City, CA is $1.38 million. Although that’s 215% higher than the rest of the country, the average home price in Union City CA is 6.7% lower than San Jose and 5% lower than San Francisco.
Most people living in Union City CA own a home, but renters will find options as well. Census data shows that while 66% of Union City, CA, real estate is owner-occupied, 34% is rented out. Rentcafe shows that the average rent in Union City CA, is $2495 per month.
About 81% of rentals are in low-rise, garden-style apartments, and 19% are mid-rises, but very few are high-rises with more than 50 units. Rent in Union City, CA, starts around $ 2,000 for a 1-bedroom unit and goes up to $ 4,200 for two or more bedrooms.
Union City Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Union City
Before moving to Union City, you’ll want to find the perfect neighborhood. While most places you look at will offer a high quality of life, some areas naturally tend to be more desirable than others. So, to help make the decision easier, here are a few of the best neighborhoods among anyone living in Union City CA.
Seven Hills | A Quiet, Family-Friendly Neighborhood With a Nearby Park
Located next to the park of the same name, Seven Hills is a quiet community offering gorgeous single-family homes and access to top-rated local schools, making it ideal for families living in Union City CA.
Decoto | A Diverse, Centrally Located Neighborhood With Transportation Options
Initially its own separate community, Decoto is now a neighborhood of Union City offering diversity, a strong sense of community, and access to the city’s BART station. Ideal for commuters living in Union City CA.
Alvarado | A Popular Neighborhood With Easy Access to Shopping
Originally called New Haven, Alvarado is another former settlement that merged with Decoto to form Union City. Today, it offers a great blend of new amenities and old-world charm, and a central location near other neighborhoods, I-880, and the Union Landing Shopping Center.
Union City, CA Weather & Climate
Union City, CA, weather is relatively mild throughout the year. According to the Koppen classification system, Union City has a Mediterranean climate, which means you can expect warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters if you plan on moving there.
Temperatures typically range from 43°F to 79°F, although winters can drop as low as 35°F and summers can reach as high as 89°F. The best weather in Union City, California, typically occurs from June to September. Snow won’t be much of a concern, although the city receives about 17 inches of rain annually. So, anyone living in Union City CA should own an umbrella.
Things to Do in Union City
Although not the most happening place, finding something to keep you busy won’t be a huge issue. You’ll find a wide variety of Union City attractions available, offering culture, arts, and entertainment, no matter what your interests may be. Union Landing is the main shopping mall in Union City, CA, and features plenty of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Shoppers living in Union City CA will also find plenty of shops and local businesses at El Mercado Shopping Center, Union Square Marketplace, and Alvarado Plaza Shopping Center. Beyond shopping, here are a few of the best things to do in Union City, CA.
Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park
Outdoor adventurers looking for fun things to do in Union City should check out the Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, which features over 20 miles of mountain trails that are ideal for a nice walk, hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
550 May Rd, Union City, CA 94587 (888) 327-2757
Pump It Up Union City
Pump It Up is an amusement center offering a variety of fun activities, including trampolines, slides, bouncy houses, and other family-friendly activities, making it one of the best things to do in Union City, CA, with kids.
2995 Whipple Rd, Union City, CA 94587 (510) 477-9663
iFly Indoor Skydiving
Anyone living in Union City CA looking to do something adventurous with friends should check out iFly Indoor Skydiving, an indoor wind tunnel that simulates the experience of skydiving without the need for a plane.
31310 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA 94587 (510) 489-4359
View this post on Instagram
Additional Attractions In Union City, CA
Anyone looking for more fun things to do while living in Union City CA should visit the local Community and Recreation Services Department’s website for activity guides, several parks, community events, fitness programs, and more.
Union City Restaurants
Looking for delicious food? You’ll be pleased to know the community is filled with delicious restaurants in Union City, CA, offering fresh ingredients and unique recipes. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Union City, CA.
Playa Azul
Playa Azul is an authentic Mexican restaurant serving classic dishes like enchiladas and nachos in a relaxed setting.
1680 Decoto Rd, Union City, CA 94587 (510) 436-7930
View this post on Instagram
Kitchen 804
For those seeking casual Union City, California, restaurants serving mouthwatering menu items, Kitchen 804 is the place to be. With traditional recipes and halal meat, you’ll find a wide selection of burgers, chicken wings, and sides cooked to perfection.
1798 Whipple Rd, Union City, CA 94587 (510) 634-7360
JenJon’s Cafe
Anyone living in Union City CA who is in the mood for Vietnamese cuisine should stop by JenJon’s Cafe, a laidback noodle house serving sandwiches, milk tea & vermicelli bowls with outdoor seating available.
1704 Decoto Rd, Union City, CA 94587 (510) 471-7100
Jobs in Union City
Living in Union City CA offers easy access to jobs in the tech industry and other lucrative fields. It’s a quick commute from Union City to San Jose or San Francisco, where you’ll find the offices of some of the biggest companies in the tech industry.
Union City itself has a multi-faceted economy, and most jobs in Union City, CA, are in industries such as professional services, retail, manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing. It’s home to the American Licorice Company’s West Coast office, as well as three major healthcare providers: Kaiser Permanente, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, and Washington Hospital’s Nakamura Clinic.
It’s also home to several prominent industrial and shipping companies, including R&S Manufacturing, RCD Concrete, Jatco, and EntirelyPets.
Largest employers providing Union City CA jobs:
- New Haven Unified School District
- Southern Wine and Spirits
- Walmart
- Masonic Home for Adults
- Mizuho OSI
According to Payscale, the average salary in Union City CA, is $89,000 per year. From teacher to project manager, you can find a wide range of fulfilling Union City jobs available. The City of Union City jobs are also available if you’re interested in working with the local government.
Union City Schools
The New Haven USD is the primary Union City School District. It serves nearly 10,000 students living in Union City CA, and Hayward. The district contains seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school in Union City CA.
Elementary schools in Union City CA:
- Alvarado Elementary School
- Delaine Eastin Elementary
- Guy Emanuele Elementary
- Hillview Crest Elementary
- Tom Kitayama Elementary
- Pioneer Elementary
- Searles Elementary
James Logan is the sole Union City high school. It’s a fairly well-respected school that features a 94% graduation rate and a 40% AP Participation Rate.
There are also several notable private schools in Union City, CA, including Union City Christian Academy and Mission Hills Middle School.
For those seeking higher education, Union City is within both the Ohlone Community College District and the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. Anyone living in Union City CA is also welcome to stop by the local branch of the Alameda County Public Library System for books and community events.
Union City Statistics & Information
- Union City County: Alameda County
- Union City area: 19.22 sq mi
- Union City zip code: 94587
- Union City area codes: 510 and 341
- Union City elevation: 69 ft
- Union City time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- The closest airport to Union City: The Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 15 miles away.
Union City CA Map
Explore all the benefits of living in Union City CA, the best city in Northern California, with this map.
See for Yourself What Living in Union City CA Is Like
Ready to find out what living in Union City CA is really like? When you’re ready to plan your relocation, you can count on the dependable Union City CA movers at AMS Relocation to make your moving day easy and affordable. Call (650) 284-2931 today for a free quote.
