Fremont, California, is the fourth-largest city in the famous “Bay Area” of California that also includes San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland.
When you visit or move to the area, you may find yourself shocked at the cost if you don’t prepare yourself properly.
There’s a hefty price tag with everything that the Bay area has to offer from the food to the housing.
We will cover the top 10 reasons Fremont, California, is so expensive.
Why Is Fremont California So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)
1. Cost Of Living
The cost of living in Fremont is significantly higher than most of the rest of the country.
The cost of living refers to the amount of money you will spend on average items.
A city’s cost of living index is gauged based on a national average of 100.
See the following cost of living indexes for different expenses in Fremont:
- Grocery: 114.4
- Housing: 486.1
- Transportation: 124.5
- Health: 103.5
As you can see, the average cost of a house is about five times as expensive as the rest of the country.
The average cost of a home in Fremont is $1,344,300.
One of the great things about property in Fremont is that there is a lot of space to enjoy in the area.
In fact, the town enjoys more than 90 square miles of space, about twice as much as San Francisco.
The extra space allows homes to have significantly more land, meaning the area is great for people who like large yards and gardens.
Luckily, the cost of healthcare and groceries aren’t unreasonably more expensive than in other parts of the country.
However, you will spend noticeably more on a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk compared to other areas.
Cheapest Fremont Neighborhoods
When looking at real estate in Fremont, it can be wise to know the different neighborhoods and what neighborhoods are (relatively) inexpensive compared to the others.
The least expensive Fremont neighborhoods are:
Blacow
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- Median home: $517,420
- Median income: $98,647
- Unemployment rate: 2.6%
- Crime per 100,000: 1,548
Downtown
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- Median home: $543,600
- Median income: $116,690
- Unemployment rate: 3.6%
- Crime per 100,000: 3,216
Cherry-Guardino
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- Median home: $500,00
- Median income: $112,923
- Unemployment rate: 3.5%
- Crime per 100,000: 2,401
Parkmont
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- Median home: $559,467
- Median income: $105,700
- Unemployment rate: 2.6%
- Crime per 100,000: 1,908
Ardenwood
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- Median home: $573,882
- Median income: $133,125
- Unemployment rate: 3.9%
- Crime per 100,000: 1,467
Glenmoor
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- Median home: $630,488
- Median income: $108,646
- Unemployment rate: 3%
- Crime per 100,000: 2,228
Cabrillo
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- Median home: $589,586
- Median income: $108,661
- Unemployment rate: 2.9%
- Crime per 100,000: 1,083
Centerville
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- Median home: $493,889
- Median income: $91,431
- Unemployment rate: 3.8%
- Crime per 100,000: 2,863
Grimmer
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- Median home: $616,920
- Median income: $102,824
- Unemployment rate: 3.7%
- Crime per 100,000: 1,816
East Industrial
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- Median home: $690,800
- Median income: $140,536
- Unemployment rate: 3.7%
- Crime per 100,000: 1,349
Picking the right neighborhood for you comes down to the numbers, but it also comes down to your personal preferences.
For example, one area may be further than you’d like.
Fremont Rent
Rent in Fremont is more expensive than in most other places around the country as well.
See the following average rent for an apartment in Fremont:
- Studio: $1,544
- 1 bedroom: $1,862
- 2 bedroom: $2,283
- 3 bedroom: $3,018
- 4 bedroom: $3,593
For many people, renting seems the only reasonable option.
Most people will also have to look for a roommate to split the cost of the rent.
2. Weather And Natural Beauty
One of the great things about Fremont is the beautiful weather.
Unlike Southern California, Fremont offers a more temperate climate instead of perpetual sunshine.
While it’s still relatively warm, it’s not especially hot, and you get a sense of all four seasons.
Luckily, the summers don’t get quite as hot as cities in Southern California.
However, they are still warm enough to enjoy the water in the summer.
Winters are mild.
The record low for the area is a brisk 22 degrees, but that’s rare.
The average low in December is in the 50s.
You probably won’t even see snow most years.
The summers tend to be dry.
You may get some additional rain in the winter, but it’s still less precipitation than normal, thanks to the nearby mountains.
Not only are there mountains and rolling hills, but you’ll also find forests, lakes. creeks, valleys, and other beautiful natural phenomena.
A lot of the land in the area is dedicated to natural features and preserving them and the wildlife.
Carbon Emissions Levels
Fremont dedicates a large portion of its land to natural areas, as it’s a huge draw of the area.
However, the growing population and advanced technology create more carbon emissions in the area.
Carbon emissions are toxins in the air that lower the air quality of the area.
It happens in urban areas thanks to the number of resources required to provide proper amenities for the entire population.
In Fremont, it’s especially important to keep the air clean to maintain the clean air of the natural parks.
The government puts programs in place to reduce carbon emissions in the air.
Currently, there’s a plan in place to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030.
They call the plan the Climate Action Plan (CAP).
In order to contribute to the efforts, new house construction must adhere to strict emissions regulations, which may cost more to complete.
3. Parks And Nature Preserves
Thanks to the amazing weather and natural features, you will find several different parks and nature preserves to enjoy.
Visit the popular Ardenwood Historic Farm that gives visitors a peek at how farm life was a couple of hundred years ago.
You will get the opportunity to tour a traditional farmhouse, called the Patterson House.
You’ll also see different farm animals and a working blacksmith shop.
Some of the other places to visit include:
Coyote Hills Regional Park
At Coyote Hills Regional Park, you can take advantage of the beautiful hiking trails, biking trails, and picnic areas. There’s also a beautiful nectar garden designed to attract the beautiful birds and butterflies in the area. You can also camp in the area in tents or RVs. There’s a golf course, too.
Mission Peak Regional Preserve
Mission Peak Regional Preserve houses the stunning Mission Peak. If you have the stamina, you can attempt to hike the three miles to the mountain’s summit. Goats roam around the base of the mountain, but they dwindle in numbers the higher you climb. If you don’t want to attempt the hike, you can enjoy the immense 3,000+ acres of land where you can play at the different parks, hike trails, and even go horseback riding.
Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge
The massive 30,000-acre Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge offers plenty of space for the 340 plant species and 280 bird species. The refuge promotes the natural environment these species call home, but you can also enjoy the area yourself. You can go fishing, hiking, biking, and even learn more about the land of the area.
Fremont Central Park and Lake Elizabeth
The most popular park in the city, Fremont Central Park offers stunning views of Mission Peak and Lake Elizabeth. The park has a two-mile walking path, a dog park, soccer fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a performance pavilion. You’ll also have the ability to rent boats and other aquatic vehicles and tools that you can enjoy on Lake Elizabeth.
California Nursery Historical Park
Enjoy a stroll through the rose garden at the California Nursery Historical Park and learn more about the people involved in the development and preservation of the California area. There are also plenty of historic buildings to explore, including a ladies’ changing room and garden store.
4. Business Opportunities
You can find a good job in Fremont.
The largest employer in Fremont is the tech juggernaut, Tesla.
Their largest manufacturing plant, where a majority of their products are made, is located in Fremont, and they employ 13,000 people at this location.
The other major employers include:
- Fremont Unified School District: 3,000
- Lam Research: 2,500
- Washington Hospital: 2,200
- Kaiser Permanente: 1,700
- Synnex: 1,250
- Western Digital: 1,000
The number of jobs in the area continues to grow significantly.
Not only do these major employers continue to hire new people, but they also require more and more support front third-party services.
If you don’t find the right job within the Fremont city limits, you can also find a job in nearby Silicon Valley or San Francisco (only about 25 to 30 minutes away).
5. Educational Opportunities
Children have great educational opportunities at all of the public schools in the area.
After high school, students can choose to venture out to a four-year college or take classes at Ohlone Community College before furthering their education.
The California School for the Deaf is located in Fremont.
It’s a large establishment known for having especially nice facilities, including dormitories for boarding students.
Students can study a wide range of subjects, including the arts.
Writer and artist Louise Stern and actress Shoshanna Stern both graduated from the California School for the Deaf.
6. History
The first development in Fremont started in 1797 when Spanish Father Lasuén built the Mission San José.
A mission refers to a religious group with the mission of passing the message of the Lord to native populations.
Rumor has it that the members of the mission had to take on a grizzly bear during their first day in the area.
The town grew exponentially at the time of the California Gold Rush.
The California Gold Rush occurred when some miners found gold in California before it was highly populated.
When people heard about the gold in the area, families traveled West to try their luck at striking gold.
While most families didn’t find the gold they wanted, they did find the land beautiful and stayed anyway.
Despite a healthy population, the town only became officially incorporated in 1956.
That makes Fremont a young 66 years old.
The White Witch Of Niles Canyon
What historic city doesn’t have a scary myth?
In Fremont, you’ll hear whispers of the White Witch of Niles Canyon.
The story goes that ever since 1938, a young woman in white walks along the side of West Niles Canyon Road every year on February 26th.
Many theories try to explain the origin of the white witch.
Some say she was killed in a carriage accident.
Some say she was a runaway who got lost.
Others say she was a murdered actress.
Whatever you do, don’t pick up the girl or you may find yourself with an experience that will leave you haunted for the rest of your life.
7. Museums
Naturally, immigrants weren’t the only ones who walked the land first. In fact, Woolly Mammoths were known to have walked the area.
You can even see the fossils at the West Gordon Fossil Hall.
Fossils were discovered in two significant excavations.
One occurred when construction workers came across fossils on a job.
The other occurred when young boys started dogging for natural treasures in the 1940s.
At the West Gordon Fossil Hall, you will also find the following fossils:
- Sabertooth cats
- Giant cave bears
- Dire wolves
- Camels
- Western horses
- Sloths
The museum targets children interested in science and history, and it makes a great place for school trips, family trips, and birthday parties.
For children more interested in the railway, you can visit the Niles Canyon Railway to go on a train ride and even rent a caboose.
The railroad was a large part of the growth and economy of the area.
Not only will the museum open your eyes to the importance of the railroad as well as its continued relevance.
Finally, for older children and adults who appreciate the Golden Age of cinema, you can visit the silent film theater and museum to learn more about where Charlie Chaplin himself worked and even take in a classic film.
The Tramp is just one of the five Charlie Chaplin movies filmed in the city.
Chaplin wasn’t necessarily known for loving the town of Fremont, but it has come a long way since its origins.
8. Proximity To Other Popular California Cities
Most people don’t want to live in a location secluded from the rest of the world.
It’s nice to live in an area that has a lot of other nearby hotspots for both professional and recreational purposes.
Here is the distance from Fremont to other cities in California and Nevada:
- San Jose, CA: 16 miles
- Oakland, CA: 24 miles
- San Francisco, CA: 28 miles
- Stockton, CA: 48 miles
- Sacramento, CA: 76 miles
- Reno, NV: 181 miles
- Bakersfield, CA: 222 miles
There’s adequate transportation from Fremont to many of the locales mentioned above at a very reasonable rate (in some cases, only a couple of dollars) using the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train system that travels to all popular locations in the Bay Area.
You can easily travel every day to work to San Jose or San Francisco, or you can visit San Francisco for the day to enjoy the sites with the kids.
It’s nice to be so close to the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Alcatraz Prison, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
9. Things To Do
There’s plenty to do in Fremont for everyone, including great shopping and restaurants.
It’s a great place for kids as well as friends.
Shopping
Most people will say that downtown Fremont has the best shopping options in the area.
It has unique shopping options filled with local designers who bring influences from all over the world.
Some of the most popular stores in Fremont include:
- Desi Fashion
- Dhoom Indian Fashion Clothing and Bridal
- Black Cat Hats
- Nisa’s Fashion
- Alice Plus
- Romantic Outlet
- Maya’s Fashion
You’ll also find all of your favorite stores that you expect to see in popular shopping malls, such as Express and Anthropologie.
Restaurants
Near the water, you will find a lot of delectable seafood dining options at relatively reasonable prices for seafood.
In the Pacific Common Shopping Center, you will find the Market Boiler where you can get plenty of seafood appetizers and entrees with non-seafood possibilities available as well.
If you want breakfast, go to Country Way.
If you want something hearty with some great drink specials, stop by Jack’s Restaurant and Bar.
You’ll also find high-end pizza options at Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace.
10. Suburban And Multicultural Vibe
Suburban Environment
Most people want a great place for their families to live, and Fremont offers that comfortable suburban environment.
It’s a great place for people to raise a family.
The area is close to the urban environment of San Francisco.
However, even San Francisco is a safe urban environment.
To add to the feel of the happy home, Fremont actually topped the list of the happiest cities in America in 2018.
One of the reasons that Fremont received the label of the happiest city in America is the low divorce rate as less than 6% of the population is divorced.
Multicultural Vibe
Fremont offers a comforting environment for a wide range of cultures.
Fremont has one of the largest Afghan populations in the entire country.
In fact, Khaled Hosseini, the author of the popular book, The Kite Runner, lives in Fremont.
Fremont also offers a large Asian population.
In fact, just under 60% of the population is Asian.
Many Asian families move to the area so that they can find a like-minded population to raise their children around.
Over 35% of the population speaks an Asian or Pacific language as a second language, meaning a lot of households keep Asian traditions inside the household.
Conclusion
Fremont, California, is a beautiful place to live with plenty of nearby business and educational opportunities.
There’s plenty to do, whether you like to shop and eat or enjoy the natural features of the area.
However, you’ll learn that it’s extremely expensive.
The cost of living is high, especially the price of houses.
If you do decide to move to Fremont, you can always look for homes in nearby places that don’t cost quite as much.
However, you don’t want to live too far away from the action.
Talk to your real estate agent or your rental agent to learn more about your options.
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