San Lorenzo

About San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is a small city located in the northern part of the Californian coastline, at the head of San Francisco Bay. Part of the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area, San Lorenzo lies roughly 12 miles from Oakland and 24 miles from San Francisco.

Though it covers less than 3square miles, San Lorenzo offers plenty of amenities to enjoy. You can take advantage of the mild Bay Area climate at the city's many outdoor spaces, including Arroyo Swim Center, Meek Park and McConaghy Park Tennis Courts.

The History of San Lorenzo

The area where San Lorenzo now sits became the grazing lands of Mission San Jose in 1797, home to a small scattering of Spanish settlers and missionaries. In 1821, Mexico took possession of the land when it declared its independence from Spain and distributed it among politicians and soldiers. The local population grew during the gold rush, as people discovered more value in the area's farmlands than in gold prospecting.

The area became known as Squattersville, named after the large numbers of gold rush squatters who made their homes along the banks of the San Lorenzo Creek. In 1853, local residents decided to name the area San Lorenzo after the creek. The area began to flourish as an agricultural town, particularly in the production of fruit and flowers. During the 1940s, construction began on several planned communities in the area, intended for the new residents who would be working in the war industries of the East Bay. The population continued to grow through the mid-to-late 20th century, becoming increasingly diverse with the passing decades.

Things to Do in San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is a city of outdoor enthusiasts, and it offers plenty of spaces to experience the local wildlife. Anthony Chabot Regional Park is over 3,000 acres of wild land, with several hiking trails for both advanced and beginning hikers. There are also camping grounds and trails for horseback riding. Lake Chabot Regional Park is immediately adjacent, anchored by a 315-acre reservoir that offers boating, swimming and fishing. There's also a network of hiking trails and a small cafe on-site.

San Lorenzo is just a short drive from the California coast, so you can easily take a day trip to the beach during the warmer months. Plus, San Francisco is less than an hour away, so big-city amenities are never out of reach.

San Lorenzo Schools

The San Lorenzo Unified School District is a small school district based in San Lorenzo, managing the public schools in San Lorenzo and the neighboring communities of Hayward and San Leandro. There are also several private schools in San Lorenzo, most of them offering faith-based programs.

Resources for Moving to San Lorenzo

Here's some helpful information for planning your move to San Lorenzo:

• Utilities: Pacific Gas and Electric provides all energy services to San Lorenzo. Water is managed by the local utilities district.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash, recyclables and green waste are all collected curbside on a weekly basis.
• Transportation: AC Transit facilitates a network of public bus routes throughout San Lorenzo.

San Lorenzo Housing

Although the median home price in San Lorenzo is significantly higher than both state and national averages, it's actually considered very affordable for the Bay Area. As the city becomes more popular with people who commute into San Francisco for work, prices are on the rise.