Sitting on the southeastern edge of San Francisco, Fremont is but 40 minutes away from the famous City on the Bay.
Though close enough to access the celebrated metropolis, Fremont is far enough away to create a small community feel among its more than 200,000 residents.
It's also only a 30-minute distance from Silicon Valley, the world's largest corporate technology territory, which makes it a premier province with booming business opportunities right outside its borders.
Between work and play, the contemporary community, founded in 1797, gives locals the luxury of having both a good job and great social life all in the same breath.
If you have ever considered moving to Fremont, get a feel for what it is like by reading this guide. Between business, education and recreation, there are many reasons why Fremont may be the perfect place to call home.
Fremont Climate
The mild year-round temperatures keep locals quite comfortable. With the hottest month in July, averaging 77-degrees, and the coldest month in January, averaging 41-degrees, there is no real need for strong sunscreen or gloves and boots. The fall and spring seasons are also mild, with the climate rising and dropping between 50 and 70-degrees. With absolutely no snow and an average of 14-inches of rainfall a year, residents rarely need an umbrella when leaving the house.
Fremont Neighborhoods
Five distinct districts divide the 87 square-mile area of Fremont, spacing out dozens of developments and the downtown locale. Centerville, with almost 2,000 homes, is noted for its fine neighborhoods. Glenmoor Gardens, a sprawling family-friendly subdivision in the area is a popular place to purchase property among incoming residents. The small town of Niles, with its own library and post office, also welcomes newcomers as it provides a historic and artsy feel with its large number of antique and craft stores.
With two main neighborhoods, the Irvington district is filled with working-class families who share the same love for Fremont. Adults and children alike enjoy the regional quality-of-life in the locale, where three high schools educate area students.
Surrounded by hills, the Mission San Jose, one of the oldest Spanish communities in California, is set apart by beautiful scenery. Many residents who like living among knolls and luscious landscapes have chosen this part of Alameda County to call home.
Lastly, the Warm Springs section of Fremont completes the community by housing hundreds of families. Aside from being a residential community, Warm Springs provides the Pacific Commons, a large retail center that promotes area commerce, making it convenient for locals to both live and shop in the same neighborhood.
Registering Your Car
You have 10 days to obtain a new license once you arrive in Fremont. The California Division of Motor Vehicles states you are officially a resident if you register to vote, pay school tuition or file property taxes. Incoming citizens must provide proof- of- name, address, birth date and a social security card to obtain a Golden State driving permit. Providing the necessary application, passing a vision test and paying a $39 fee are also required. Registering your vehicle and receiving state license plates requires filling out paperwork and proving your vehicle is insured. Vehicle registration fees begin at $46 dollars an additional fee for license plates is required.
Fremont Schools
The Fremont Unified School District is one of the finest in Alameda County. With 29 elementary, 5 junior and 6 high schools, thousands of students spend all 12 years of their education being schooled in the system. The district has three alternative high schools that offer self-paced programs to teenagers who are facing challenges, giving them the same chance for success as other area youth. The Fremont Education Foundation is a collaborative organization that pursues community involvement, bringing together locals of all ages.
Established in 1965, the Ohlone Community College District is one of 112 community colleges in California. The ethnically diverse campus, serving 17,000 students, offers more than 180 degrees and academic programs to area students upon graduation. No matter what the major, more than 700 students graduate annually from the institution with degrees or vocational certificates. The campus is set apart by the Center for Deaf Studies that gives hearing-impaired students an excellent education.
DeVry University in Fremont gives students who want to specialize in select careers a chance to pursue their dreams. Offering courses in business administration, computer information services, engineering technology, network and communications management and much more, students annually attain certificates and degrees from Devry.
Fremont Employment
With a low unemployment rate averaging 5.9%, two points down from the national average of 7.9%, it is not hard to find a career in the community. Fremont Unified School District, top area employer, staffs 3,000 workers and is an excellent place to apply if you are looking for a job in education.
However, healthcare may be more your thing. If so, Washington Hospital employs almost 2,000 residents, making the local facility another top employer. Fremont City employs almost a 1,000 staff members who run the regional government, and Boston Scientific secures jobs for 1,200 employees who mange the medical marketing business.
Area staffing agencies and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce are also excellent ways to find other forms of employment. Getting in touch with the non-profit business organization or making the Mercury News classifieds part of your daily job search is sure to help you land a career in the community that will make you happy while you finance the household.
Living Costs in the City
There is money to be made in Freemont, but there is also money to be lost . CNN Money reports the average cost-of-living in the region is at $105,529. However, with a median home price at $450,000 a high mortgage could counter balance your paycheck.
The 19% higher cost-of-living than the state average and the 56.2% greater cost-of-living than the national average really proves you have to pay to live in the province. Even if you decide to rent a residence in the region rather than purchase property, you are still going to have to come up with some serious cash. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment begins at over $1,200 and a two or three-bedroom unit ranges as high as $3,500 a month.
Fremont Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Fremont, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in California. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Fremont Transportation
Interstates 880, Nimitiz Freeway, and 680, Sinclair Freeway, make travel about town easy for motorists who choose to commute via their own car. However, if you are simply not in the mood to drive, Bay Area Rapid Transport is the best way to get from point A to point B. The heavy-rail public transit and subway system connects the region to the San Francisco Bay area by 44 stations and 609 vehicles. Covering 104 miles total, the transit authority runs lines in Fremont from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and does not offer service on Sunday.
But that is where Altamont Commuter Express comes in. With 10 stations in the surrounding area, the local transportation authority stops in Fremont and provides nightly and Sunday service. Currently undergoing an engineering review, Caltrain transit is planning to provide service to Alameda County, specifically serving Fremont residents. And for ultimate convenience, the local landing strip Mineta San Jose International Airport takes locals in and out of the state and country.
Culture & Contemporary Life
It may not be like New York, but Fremont Central Park is a happening hub of outdoor fun that locals look forward to 365 days a year. Numerous soccer, softball and tennis courts throughout the area keep residents active as do the park's golf course and driving range. Boat launch, rentals and storage at the site take residents from land to sea, opening up all types of water sports to splash around in.
Annual city events in Fremont are attended by area residents who always look forward to having fun at the various affairs. From the Kids'n Kites Festival to the Paterson House Fall Candlelight Tour, there is also something to do in the region. Offering seven gallery visits a year, Olive Hyde Art Gallery is also a popular place locals gather for a good time.
And of course dining and dancing are always enjoyed by residents who like to entertain themselves with fine fare and some time on the dance floor. From the famous Elephant Bar, Massimo's and more, there is always is a place to eat virtually any type of cuisine. And if you are not too stuffed after a seven course meal, Fremont nightclubs and coffee clubs are open to the wee hours of the night. While adults enjoy the area, Fremont caters to the teen society as well. With a Youth Advisory Commission and City Teen Center, children under the age of 18 enjoy culture and the contemporary life in the community.
Fremont Relocation Tips
- Research Alameda County where Fremont residents. Finding out about the larger region the city resides in will give you more or less reasons to relocate.
- Think outside the box and go beyond city and county borders by researching California state. Known for its luxurious landscape and laid back locals, the province may be popular but not necessarily the place for you.
- Once you decided to get out of dodge and make California your home, research area property values. With real estate at a low, now may be the time to purchase residential land or invest in a business property.