Living in Fremont, CA

*"The happiest cities combine economic security with kind communities and conditions that are conducive to low depression rates and high life satisfaction.” *
- Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst

Fremont’s perfect for folks who want to be close to Silicon Valley without living in the thick of it, offering great schools, safe neighborhoods, cultural diversity, fab restaurants, and a solid cost of living. Plus, with beautiful spots like Mission Peak for exploring the great outdoors, it’s a mix of work, play, and chill that’s hard to beat. It's not a coincidence that Fremont keeps winning Wallet Hub's title of happiest cities in America.

Where Is Fremont?

Strategically located in the southeastern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in Alameda County, Fremont is southeast of San Francisco and just north of San Jose. It's situated at the base of the East Bay hills and is part of the Silicon Valley region. Here's how far it is from other nearby cities:

• Menlo Park: About 14 miles west, Menlo Park is home to Facebook's headquarters.
• Redwood City: Roughly 20 miles west, Redwood City boasts a revitalized downtown area with theaters, restaurants, and shops.
• Milpitas:Just 12 miles south, Milpitas is a hotspot for shopping enthusiasts, courtesy of the Great Mall, the largest indoor mall in Northern California.
• San Francisco: Approximately 38 miles northwest of Fremont, the city offers endless cultural landmarks, dining, and entertainment.
• San Jose: About 18 miles south, San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, known for its tech scene, museums, and lively downtown.

How Large Is It?

The city covers about 78.3 square miles of land and roughly 10 square miles of water, for a total area near 88–90 square miles. As of the most recent estimates, Fremont’s population is around 228,000–230,000 people, making it one of the larger cities in the Bay Area.

Why Is Fremont a Great Place to Live?

• A Top Zoom Town: Many remote workers are choosing to move out of major cities (like San Francisco) to opt for quieter, more affordable living in towns like Fremont that previously would have been too far from the office.
• Healthy Economy As the closest East Bay city to Silicon Valley, numerous tech companies have found a home here. This includes Tesla's main factory, a significant employment hub, as well as Lam Research and Kaiser Permanente. Nearby giants like Facebook (Meta), Google, Apple, and Seagate Technology making Fremont a prime spot for careers in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing.
• Superb Schools:The Fremont Unified School District oversees a vast number of schools recognized for their academic excellence. The city’s commitment to education is a major reason why families decide to move here.
• Solid Transportation: Fremont's transport infrastructure is commendable. The city connects to the larger Bay Area through two BART stations, and its road networks make commutes hassle-free, especially with the I-680 and I-880 freeways nearby.
• Beautiful Natural Areas: Fremont Central Park, spanning over 450 acres, houses Lake Elizabeth, a popular spot for boating and picnics. The Mission Peak Regional Preserve attracts hundreds of visitors each weekend to climb the popular (yet demanding) 3-plus-mile hike to the scenic Mission Peak overlook, plus lots of other nearby trails and natural areas.
• Safety & Peace of Mind: - Fremont's also considered one of the Bay Area's safest cities, thanks to its low crime rates, strong community involvement, and an active, involved police presence.
• A Fantastic Foodie Scene: Find a mouthwatering melting pot of flavors, offering everything from authentic Indian and Chinese cuisine to trendy vegan spots and classic American diners, boosted by the city's rich cultural diversity.
• Diverse & Highly Educated: Enjoy living in one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the Bay Area. 93.5% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma, and 65.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Major Points for Happiness Enjoy the perfect mix—safe neighborhoods, great parks, scenic surroundings, delicious eats, a chill vibe, tons of diversity, and just enough work-life balance to keep everyone smiling.

What's the Commute Like?

Fremont’s advantageous location puts it within practical commuting distance of several major job centers: most residents do not rely on a single downtown for work. Many people work in Fremont or nearby East Bay cities, while others commute south into Silicon Valley, including Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Palo Alto, or north toward San Jose and, less often, San Francisco. Because it sits between the South Bay and the East Bay, Fremont works well for tech and manufacturing workers whose offices, clients, or campuses are spread across different parts of the region.

By car
* Fremont offers fast access to I-880, I-680, and SR-84, making it easy to reach Silicon Valley, the Tri-Valley, and much of the East Bay without crossing a bridge.
* Many residents drive because it’s the most flexible way to reach dispersed office campuses and business parks across the South Bay and East Bay.
* The Asher offers easy connetion to 680 and 880, as well as secure parking for residents

By BART
* Fremont is a major BART endpoint, with direct service into Oakland and San Francisco, making rail a practical option for commuters heading north.
* It’s especially appealing for anyone working in downtown SF, Oakland, or near BART-connected job centers who wants a predictable, traffic-free commute.
* The Asher is an easy 10-minute walk to BART

What Major Employers Are In Fremont?

Beyond well-known names like Tesla and Lam Research, Fremont is home to many smaller and mid-sized tech and industrial companies focused on hardware, semiconductors, data infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. You’ll also find firms working in electronics, testing and certification, software, robotics, and related fields, along with the suppliers that support them. Some well-known names include:

• Tesla (Fremont Factory) – Large auto manufacturing and tech operations in South Fremont
  
• Lam Research – Semiconductor equipment designer and manufacturer headquartered in Fremont
  
• TD SYNNEX – Major IT distribution and technology services company with a significant presence in Fremont
  
• Western Digital – Data storage and hardware technology company with facilities in the city
  
• Seagate Technology – Data storage company with operations in Fremont
  
• Fremont Bank – Regional banking institution headquartered in Fremont
  
• Neuralink – Neurotechnology company headquartered in Fremont
  
• Antec – Electronics and computer hardware company based in Fremont
  
• Corsair – PC hardware and gaming components company with a presence in the area
  
• AlertEnterprise – Enterprise security and workforce identity technology
  
• Avalanche Technology – Advanced memory and semiconductor technology
  
• Royole Corporation – Flexible electronics and display technology
  
• Softjourn – Software and technology services company

What's the Food Scene Like?

Across Mowry Avenue, Fremont Boulevard, and in neighborhoods like Warm Springs and Irvington, the local dining scene is shaped by a deep mix of South Asian, Chinese, Afghan, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian kitchens, along with long-standing bakeries and casual spots that serve the same customers week after week. The result is a city where day-to-day dining is genuinely varied, with a wide range of restaurants and dining options woven into everyday life.

Is it Safe?

Fremont is widely regarded as a safe and stable place to live: most concerns centered around typical property issues like car break-ins rather than personal safety. Many residents choose Fremont for its calm, residential feel and strong sense of day-to-day livability. The Asher's gated community adds an extra layer of privacy and security for residents.

How Affordable Is It?

Fremont is still a premium Bay Area market, but compared to much of Silicon Valley and the Peninsula, your housing budget tends to go further here. Renters often get more space, newer construction, and a broader set of amenities for the same spend. At communities like The Asher, that translates into a more complete living experience, with modern residences and on-site amenities that would could cost more in other neighboring cities. Everyday expenses like dining, groceries, and routine services also tend to be less inflated than in places like Palo Alto, Mountain View, or much of San Francisco.

Who Lives Here? Who is Fremont Best for?

Fremont suits families, dual or high-income professionals, and anyone who wants easy access to jobs across the Bay Area without living in a dense urban core. Its strong job mix in tech, manufacturing, healthcare, and education means many residents work locally or commute into Silicon Valley, the East Bay, or the Peninsula. It also appeals to people who appreciate diverse cultural and dining options that reflect the city’s large international population.

What Are Fremont's Core Neighborhoods?

Fremont’s vibe is suburban and distributed rather than centered on one dense urban core. Niles and Irvington come closest to what many people think of as a downtown experience,

• Mission San Jose – Historic area near the foothills with highly regarded schools and larger homes
• Centerville – Centrally located, diverse, and more established residential area
• Niles – Historic district with a small-town main street, antique shops, and cultural attractions
• Irvington – Traditional neighborhood with local shops, restaurants, and community amenities
• Warm Springs – Rapidly growing area with new housing, tech campuses, and a BART station
• Cherry-Guardino – Central residential area near parks and downtown; location of The Asher (1031 Walnut Ave)
• Glenmoor – Quiet, family-oriented neighborhood with schools and parks nearby
• Ardenwood – North Fremont area near tech campuses and the Dumbarton Bridge
• Blacow – Established residential area with convenient access to shopping and schools
• Sundale – Neighborhood near downtown Fremont and BART with a mix of housing types
• Brookvale – Suburban area near Pacific Commons and Warm Springs

What's ItReally Like?

Fremont consistently ranks near the top of national “happiest city” lists because it works so well for daily life: strong public schools, a large base of well-paid professional jobs, safety, and a lot of parks and open space. It's not an entertainment or nightlife destination, but it is stable, orderly, and efficient to live in. Residents like that errands are easy, neighborhoods are calm, and commutes can go in several directions across the Bay Area without crossing a bridge.

Find Your Happy Place

The first luxury residential community of its kind in Fremont, CA, The Asher is a haven for area families and professionals. From captivating common areas and close to 100,000 sq. ft. of outdoor amenity space, to light-filled residences with huge windows, high ceilings, and private decks, modern new apartments at The Asher offer serene spaces to engage, retreat, and relax. Contact us or stop by in person to learn more about move-in specials, availability, and more.