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Union City is a city in Alameda County, in California's East Bay, situated along the Interstate 880 corridor roughly 19 miles south of Oakland and 30 miles southeast of San Francisco. With a population of 70,143 at the 2020 census, it forms the Tri-Cities area with neighboring Fremont and Newark, bounded by Hayward to the north. The city's modern identity began in 1959, when the communities of Alvarado, Decoto, and New Haven incorporated together as Union City. Alvarado had earlier served as the original county seat of Alameda County, and the site of its first courthouse remains a California Historical Landmark. Railroad lines and industrial corridors historically divided the east and west sides of the city, a pattern that still shapes its neighborhoods. Union City's greatest asset is its transportation access. The Union City BART station, served by the Orange and Green lines, sits near the Decoto area behind James Logan High School and connects residents directly to San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. That rail link, combined with Interstate 880, makes the city a practical home base for commuters across the Bay Area. The community is notably diverse and family-oriented, with a dense-suburban feel, a strong restaurant and coffee-shop scene, and an extensive parks system, including Union Landing's shopping and entertainment district. Public education is provided by the New Haven Unified School District, anchored by James Logan High School. For people seeking East Bay convenience, BART access, and a diverse, well-established community with more attainable housing than neighboring Fremont, Union City offers a compelling balance of suburban living and regional connectivity.

Population 70,143

County Alameda

Active Listings 86

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Union City, California in?

Union City is in Alameda County, in California's East Bay. The city lies roughly 19 miles south of Oakland and about 30 miles southeast of San Francisco, forming the Tri-Cities area with Fremont and Newark.

What is the Tri-Cities area of the East Bay?

The Tri-Cities refers to Union City, Newark, and Fremont, three adjacent communities in southern Alameda County. The three cities share geography, employers, and regional amenities along the East Bay's Interstate 880 corridor.

What is the history of Union City, California?

Union City was incorporated in 1959 by combining the communities of Alvarado, Decoto, and New Haven. Alvarado had earlier served as the original county seat of Alameda County, and the site of the first county courthouse there is a California Historical Landmark.

What school district serves Union City, California?

Union City is served by the New Haven Unified School District, which also covers parts of southern Hayward. James Logan High School is the district's flagship high school, and the district's schools are generally well regarded.

What is the population of Union City, California?

Union City had a population of 70,143 at the 2020 census. The city has a dense suburban feel and is known for its diversity, with many families and young professionals among its residents.

City Guide

About Union City

Real Estate & Housing

Union City's housing stock is predominantly single-family, ranging from mid-century ranch-style homes in its established neighborhoods to newer townhomes and attached housing near the BART station and commercial corridors. The city's dense-suburban pattern mixes older subdivisions with apartments and condominiums, and most residents own their homes. Its location between Fremont and Hayward and its BART access make it a practical choice for commuters, with housing options spanning smaller starter homes, family houses, and transit-oriented units. The historic Alvarado and Decoto areas add older residential character to the city's fabric.

Neighborhoods

Union City's neighborhoods trace back to the three communities — Alvarado, Decoto, and New Haven — that merged into the city in 1959. Alvarado, the historic original county seat, retains an older residential core, while Decoto sits near the BART station and James Logan High School. Railroad lines and industrial corridors historically divided the east and west sides of town, and newer subdivisions and transit-oriented development have since filled in around them. The result is a varied streetscape of established ranch-home neighborhoods, newer townhomes, and a few remaining rural pockets near the hills.

Lifestyle in Union City

Union City offers a dense-suburban, family-oriented East Bay lifestyle with uncommon transit access. The community is notably diverse, reflected in its restaurants, markets, and cultural events, and it attracts both families and young professionals seeking Bay Area proximity at a more accessible scale. BART puts San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose within easy reach, while local life centers on schools, parks, and the shopping and dining at Union Landing. Residents value the balance of suburban neighborhoods, strong community programs, and the convenience of living along the Bay Area's core transit corridor.

Schools & Education

Union City is served by the New Haven Unified School District, which also covers portions of southern Hayward. The district operates elementary, middle, and high schools across the city, with James Logan High School as its best-known campus, notable for its size and strong academic and athletic programs. The district's schools are generally well regarded and are a key consideration for families. For higher education, Ohlone College in Fremont, California State University East Bay in Hayward, and the broader Bay Area's universities are all within commuting distance.

Getting Around

Union City BART station, served by the Orange and Green lines, is the city's transportation centerpiece, offering direct rail service to San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. The station sits near Decoto Road and James Logan High School and anchors the city's transit-oriented growth. Interstate 880 runs along the city's western edge, providing highway access to Fremont, Oakland, and the wider Bay Area, while AC Transit and Union City Transit provide local and regional bus connections. For air travel, Oakland and San Jose international airports are each within roughly 30 minutes.

Parks & Recreation

Union City's parks and recreation network is a point of local pride, with neighborhood parks, sports fields, and community centers run by an award-winning recreation services department. Union Landing Park and other green spaces offer playgrounds and open areas, while the nearby Dry Creek Pioneer and Coyote Hills regional parks provide hiking, bay views, and wildlife habitat minutes away. Union Landing itself serves as a shopping and entertainment anchor, including indoor skydiving at iFly. BART access also puts San Francisco's and Oakland's larger cultural and recreational amenities within a short train ride.

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