Castro Valley
Castro Valley is one of the largest unincorporated areas in California with a population exceeding 61,000. It’s neighbored by Dublin, along with Pleasanton, Hayward, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo. A BART Station and the 580 now serve Castro Valley, as it becomes a booming community. Castro Valley Boulevard was even part of the first transcontinental highway system.
The region is named after Don Guillermo Castro, a rancher and soldier within the Mexican Army. It grew from being a rural site for chicken ranches to a hub for working families. As the Bay Area and Silicon Valley have grown, Castro Valley has become a popular location to settle down. In fact, only 5% of the area is used commercially.
Most of Castro Valley is served by the Castro Valley Unified School District with a few zones handled by Hayward and San Lorenzo Unified School Districts. The schools have diverse populations. The main high school, Castro Valley High School, has over 3,000 students, plus another 6,000 students in other schools. Education is important for the area, as the first public school is designated a California Historical Landmark.
Beyond the history and schools, Castro Valley has the Harry Rowell Rodeo Ranch where rodeos are held regularly. There’s also the Adobe Art Gallery where programs to promote the arts are run by the parks and recreation department. Lastly, Castro Village serves as the commercial center for the region.
Castro Valley is a regional area that serves as a family hub for Alameda County.