Opinions on buying a home in the West End of Alameda (Santa Clara: apartment, crime rates)

[leapfelt]

I love the city of Alameda, and would like to settle there with my family (son soon to enter Kindergarten). We have been looking for a house for a few months. Unfortunately, the areas where I would most like to live - the East End, Bay Farm Island, and Gold Coast are so far too expensive for us. Most of what we could afford are tiny two bed/1bath places with almost no yard (and even that is pushing it price-wise).

We prefer to not live in a townhouse or apartment. We have owned our own home for ten years, and I think it would be hard to go back to that lifestyle for us.

We can afford a few places in the West End. I have heard Paden elementary school is fairly good (I have looked at Greatschools.com, API scores, parents comments on a few different sites). I would love to your hear opinions on living in the West End. More specifically:

-What do you think of Paden Elementary school, especially compared to the other schools that are well thought of there (Edison, Bay Farm, Franklin, etc.).
-Is the West End safe, especially at night? Is it truly an "up and coming neighborhood?"
-What do you think of the Webster street shopping area? I know it is supposed to have gone through some revitalization, but is it still moving in a positive direction?
-What is the community like? Is there cohesion among the neighborhoods, especially among families (which I see somewhat in the east end, with families walking around town together/kids playing basketball together in the driveways, etc.)
-Anything else we should consider before committing to buying a place in that area?
-I see a place at the end of Santa Clara Ave. and on Haight - anyone know about these specific streets?

Thanks in advance for any input!!

-leapfelt

[sonarrat]

"Up and coming" is normally a realtor euphemism for a sketchy neighborhood.. I'd be careful about using that term. I have zero personal experience with Alameda so I couldn't really tell you either way.

[leapfelt]

Originally Posted by sonarrat

"Up and coming" is normally a realtor euphemism for a sketchy neighborhood.. I'd be careful about using that term. I have zero personal experience with Alameda so I couldn't really tell you either way.

Actually, no realtor has used the term "up and coming" with me. It is the impression I have from learnng more about the area, and reading local blogs.

[boybrady]

The west end is certainly not as nice as the east end. That being said the housing stock is still pretty solid, the crime rates relatively low, and the overall feel pretty decent. Is it as nice as the Grand to Bay Farm Island part? No. The west end Naval base is going to be redeveloped (eventually, current plan or no current plan).

If I had the money and planned on staying in California I would probably buy in Alameda. I probably couldn't afford the East end so I would probably buy in the west end, not because it is "up and coming" but because I like the island. The schools are decent, the commutes short, the amenities plentiful, and the atmosphere amazing.