Living in Elmhurst, San Leandro, California

Additionally, A walkable East Bay neighborhood blending affordability, accessible transit, and strong schools within San Leandro's vibrant urban landscape.

About Elmhurst in San Leandro

Elmhurst is a walkable, family-oriented neighborhood in San Leandro that delivers genuine affordability paired with solid educational options and convenient local amenities. With a Walk Score of 79, the community supports daily errands on foot and provides meaningful access to public transit, making car-lite living feasible for many residents. The median home price of $506k sits substantially below San Leandro's citywide median of $773k, while the neighborhood maintains a 32.9 percent presence of families with children and a median household income of $54k that reflects working professionals and growing families.

Boundary note: Elmhurst is bounded by 88th Avenue to the south, International Boulevard to the north, and encompasses the surrounding residential blocks that define this distinct East Oakland-adjacent community within San Leandro proper.

Real Estate Market in Elmhurst

Elmhurst at a glance
Median home price$506k
Year over year changeNot provided
Price per sq ftNot provided
Median rent$1,606
Typical days on marketNot provided
Buyer competitionModerate
Walk Score79
Transit Score55
Bike Score57

Elmhurst offers one of the more accessible entry points into the San Leandro market, with median home values at $506k and median rents at $1,606 per month. The neighborhood sits in moderate competition territory, attracting first-time buyers and investors seeking value-conscious opportunities in a walkable setting.

$506k
Not provided YoY
Median Price
Not provided
Price / Sq Ft
$1,606
Median Rent
Not provided
Days on Market
Moderate buyer competition
Offer Strategy

Buyers in Elmhurst should expect steady demand from owner-occupants and small investors alike. Properties that emphasize walkability, proximity to transit, or updated interiors typically move faster; lean into those strengths in your offer narrative. Pre-approval and proof of funds carry extra weight in this price range.

Who Thrives in Elmhurst

E
First-time Buyers
Excellent fit

The $506k median price and strong Walk Score make Elmhurst an ideal entry point for first-timers seeking walkable urban living without Bay Area premium pricing.

S
Families
Strong fit

Additionally, with 32.9 percent households containing children, nearby schools like Elmhurst Community Prep and New Highland Academy, and family-scaled neighborhoods, families find genuine community here.

G
Investors
Good fit

Additionally, the $1,606 median rent and $506k median price create reasonable rental yields; neighborhood stability and transit access appeal to buy-and-hold investors.

G
Remote Workers
Good fit

Additionally, strong Walk Score and access to local cafes like Corner's Cafe and Madagascar Trading Post support remote work flexibility; moderate transit ties San Francisco and Oakland job centers within reasonable commute windows.

F
Retirees
Fair fit

Additionally, walkability and local services are strong, but higher car reliance among residents and distance from major senior-specific amenities make alternative San Leandro neighborhoods more specialized for this group.

Property Types in Elmhurst

Single Family Homes
65%
$450k to $650k

Additionally, core of the neighborhood; older Craftsman and post-war construction dominates; many have updated systems and solid bones.

Duplexes & Small Multifamily
25%
$400k to $550k

Popular with owner-occupants who rent one unit; good rental income potential for savvy investors.

Condos & Townhomes
10%
$380k to $500k

Limited but growing inventory; attractive to first-time buyers avoiding maintenance overhead.

Living in Elmhurst, San Leandro

Daily life in Elmhurst unfolds on walkable streets anchored by neighborhood anchors like FoodMaxx and Super Mercado Mi Tierra, where residents handle groceries and household needs without a car trip. Corner's Cafe and Savanna Cafe serve as informal gathering spots, while Elmhurst Park, Verdese Carter Park, and smaller green spaces give families and kids reliable outdoor recreation. The neighborhood pulses with multicultural energy from its Latin American and East African communities, reflected in restaurants like El Asadero Taqueria and La Lonchera, creating an authentic, lived-in character that appeals to people seeking genuine community over polished homogeneity.

79/100
Walk Score
Very Walkable
55/100
Transit Score
Good Transit
57/100
Bike Score
Bikeable
🍽 Restaurants & Dining
  • El Asadero Taqueria · 5 min walk
  • Apt. C · 5 min walk
  • Cille's Market & Liquor Store · 5 min walk
  • La Lonchera · 5 min walk
  • Reina's restaurant · 5 min walk
☕ Coffee Shops
  • Corner's Cafe · 17 min walk
  • Madagascar Trading Post · 34 min walk
  • Savanna Café · 36 min walk
  • Island Café · 37 min walk
  • Safari Café · 39 min walk
🌳 Parks & Green Space
  • 88th Avenue Mini Park · 3 min walk
  • Eula Brinson Mini Park · 6 min walk
  • Verdese Carter Park · 14 min walk
  • Holly Mini Park · 14 min walk
  • Elmhurst Park · 16 min walk
🛒 Grocery & Essentials
  • Super Mercado Mi Tierra · 10 min walk
  • Super Mercado Mi Tierra · 10 min walk
  • Lopez Panaderia and Deli · 12 min walk
  • Panaderia El Pueblo #1 · 20 min walk
  • FoodMaxx · 29 min walk
🏋 Fitness
  • Youth UpRising · 16 min walk
  • Planet Fitness · 34 min walk
🎬 Entertainment
  • Bat Exhibit · 33 min walk
  • Pot Belly Pig · 34 min walk
  • Guinea Hog · 34 min walk
  • Alligators · 34 min walk
  • Lemurs · 34 min walk

Annual events: East Oakland community festivals, local school celebrations, holiday parades in San Leandro

Schools Near Elmhurst, San Leandro

Additionally, education is a clear strength for Elmhurst families. Nearby options include Elmhurst Community Prep (a middle school with strong community ties), New Highland Academy (elementary, six-minute proximity), and Aspire Monarch Academy, which draw families into the neighborhood and keep them invested long-term.

Elementary Schools

4.5/10
Aspire Monarch Academy
Elementary · KG–5
17-minute walk

School Score 44.5 with 47% math and 42% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.5/10
Aspire College Academy
Elementary · KG–5
17-minute walk

School Score 24.5 with 27% math and 22% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
1.7/10
East Oakland Pride Elementary
Elementary · KG–5
15-minute walk

School Score 17 with 12% math and 22% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
1.2/10
New Highland Academy
Elementary · KG–5
10-minute walk

School Score 12 with 12% math and 12% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Middle Schools

1.2/10
Alliance Academy
Middle School · 6–8
13-minute walk

School Score 12.5 with 7% math and 18% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
1.1/10
Elmhurst Community Prep
Middle School · 6–8
14-minute walk

School Score 11 with 8% math and 14% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

High Schools

3.0/10
Lps Oakland R & D Campus
High School · 9–12
19-minute walk

School Score 29.5 with 12% math and 47% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.7/10
Coliseum College Prep Academy
High School · 6–12
35-minute walk

School Score 27 with 18% math and 36% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
2.4/10
Lodestar: A Lighthouse Community Charter Public
High School · KG–12
33-minute walk

School Score 23.5 with 19% math and 28% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026
1.7/10
Bay Area Technology
High School · 6–12
35-minute walk

School Score 17 with 12% math and 22% reading proficiency

Proximitii 2026

Private Schools Nearby

  • Ile Omode (PK-8) — 3-minute walk
  • Bishop O Dowd High School (9-12) — 22-minute walk
  • Spectrum Center (1-12) — 40-minute walk

Feeder pattern: Elementary feeders like New Highland Academy and East Oakland Pride Elementary traditionally advance to Alliance Academy and Elmhurst Community Prep before routing to public high schools including Lps Oakland R & D Campus and Coliseum College Prep Academy.

Source: Proximitii 2026

Commute from Elmhurst

Additionally, elmhurst benefits from both car and transit options, with 73.6 percent of residents driving to work. The neighborhood sits on AC Transit lines running along 90th Avenue and International Boulevard, offering direct routes to Downtown Oakland and connectivity to BART stations within 10 to 15 minutes by car.

Downtown San Leandro
Drive: 8 to 12 minTransit: 12 to 18 min
Downtown Oakland & Jack London Square
Drive: 15 to 20 minTransit: 25 to 35 min
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Drive: 12 to 18 minTransit: 25 to 40 min
San Francisco (via Bay Bridge)
Drive: 35 to 45 minTransit: 50 to 75 min via BART

Additionally, transit Score of 55 reflects good local bus coverage; AC Transit stops at 90th Avenue and Walnut Street, 90th Avenue and Birch Street provide reliable service for commuters and daily errands.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elmhurst

What is the average home price in Elmhurst, San Leandro?

The median home value in Elmhurst stands at $506,419, making it substantially more affordable than San Leandro's citywide median of $772,700. Single-family homes typically range from $450k to $650k depending on condition, lot size, and recent updates. The price advantage reflects the neighborhood's proximity to Oakland and its multicultural character, creating genuine value for buyers seeking walkability and community without premium pricing.

Is Elmhurst a good place to live?

Yes, Elmhurst delivers solid livability for specific buyer profiles. Additionally, with a Walk Score of 79, the neighborhood supports car-lite daily life; transit access connects residents to broader East Bay employment and services. Moreover, strong schools like Elmhurst Community Prep and New Highland Academy anchor family stability. The trade-off is that the median household income of $54k reflects working-class roots, meaning some blocks show economic diversity and occasional maintenance delays in infrastructure. Buyers valuing authentic community and walkability over uniformity find Elmhurst rewarding.

What schools serve Elmhurst families?

Elmhurst Community Prep (a middle school serving grades 6-8) sits within the neighborhood and maintains strong community engagement. New Highland Academy, just six minutes away, serves elementary grades K-5. Elementary feeders also include East Oakland Pride Elementary and Aspire Monarch Academy. High school students typically transition to Lps Oakland R & D Campus, Coliseum College Prep Academy, or Lodestar: A Lighthouse Community Charter Public, all within reasonable proximity. Private options like Ile Omode (PK-8) also serve families in the area.

Is Elmhurst safe?

Elmhurst reflects typical East Bay urban safety patterns, with some blocks enjoying genuine community stability and others experiencing higher property-crime rates tied to Oakland's broader challenges. Additionally, the 20.4 percent poverty rate and younger median age of 32 suggest mixed socioeconomic conditions. Moreover, families and buyers should conduct street-level research, speak with current residents, and review police dispatch records for specific blocks. Many residents stay long-term, indicating perceived safety within chosen areas; your individual block and immediate surroundings matter greatly.

Who is Elmhurst best suited for?

Elmhurst suits first-time buyers seeking affordability and walkability, families drawn to school options and community diversity, and investors targeting rental yields in a stable neighborhood. Remote workers appreciate the Walk Score and proximity to cafes like Corner's Cafe and Madagascar Trading Post. The neighborhood is less ideal for retirees seeking quieter, car-independent living or professionals unwilling to accept working-class urban character as a trade-off for value.

What are the main amenities and walkability features in Elmhurst?

Elmhurst's Walk Score of 79 reflects genuine walkability: grocery shopping at FoodMaxx and Super Mercado Mi Tierra, eating at El Asadero Taqueria and Reina's restaurant, and gathering at cafes like Savanna Cafe all happen on foot or short bike rides. Additionally, parks including Elmhurst Park, Verdese Carter Park, and Eula Brinson Mini Park provide family recreation. Moreover, planet Fitness and Youth UpRising offer fitness options. Transit stops along 90th Avenue connect to broader East Bay services. The neighborhood anchors daily life without constant car use.

Where this Elmhurst data comes from

Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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