Union City is one of the East Bay Tri-Cities (along with Fremont and Newark). Incorporated in 1959 from the historic communities of Alvarado and Decoto, it still retains a warm, small-town feel while enjoying some of the Bay Area’s best transportation access and everyday conveniences. In recent years, it has become one of the top choices for Silicon Valley tech professionals, young families, and new immigrants looking for an affordable, family-friendly base with easy access to the entire region.
HISTORY
The origins of Union City date back to the mid-19th century communities of Alvarado and Decoto. The city was officially incorporated in 1959 and quickly became an important East Bay hub. In 1971, the American Licorice Company relocated its West Coast factory from San Francisco to Union City. Today, the city is home to numerous industrial, logistics, and technology companies while preserving its historic buildings and community heritage.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Union City sits at the heart of the East Bay, bordered by Fremont to the north, Hayward to the south, San Francisco Bay to the west, and the coastal hills to the east. Interstate 880 runs north-south through the city, Highway 84 and the Dumbarton Bridge provide direct access across the bay to the Peninsula, and the Union City BART station serves as a major transit hub. Commutes to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, or the airports are exceptionally convenient—most residents reach Meta, Google, Apple, and other tech giants in just 20–35 minutes.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of 2025, Union City has a population of approximately 73,402 with a median household income of about $142,000 (top 10% nationally). Asians make up 43.3% of residents (largest groups: Filipino, followed by Indian and Chinese), Hispanic/Latino ~25%, and White ~18%. The community is diverse and welcoming; it feels quiet during the workday as many residents commute to Silicon Valley, but comes alive with family energy in the evenings and on weekends.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Union City Historical Museum – Preserving the city’s history and artifacts from early residents
Sugar Mill Landing Park & San Francisco Bay Area Flight 93 Memorial – A nationally recognized 9/11 tribute
Union City Sports Center – A modern 37,000 sq ft recreational facility
Alvarado commercial district – One-stop shopping at Walmart, Target, 99 Ranch Market, Yung Hing Supermarket, and more
East Bay regional parks and bayfront trails – Popular weekend spots for walking and cycling
Annual multicultural festivals, Filipino celebrations, and Chinese community events
SCHOOL RATINGS
Union City is served by the New Haven Unified School District, which powers all its campuses with solar energy and emphasizes environmental and technology education:
Elementary Schools – Several rated GreatSchools 7–9/10, with standout performers including Kitayama Elementary and Pioneer Elementary
Middle Schools – Cesar Chavez Middle School and Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School
High School – James Logan High School (top 15% in California, Niche A rating, nationally recognized for debate, performing arts, and athletics)
Community College – Ohlone College (Fremont campus just 5 minutes away)
HOUSING MARKET
In 2025, median single-family home prices in Union City range from approximately $1.25M–$1.55M, with townhomes/condos at $850K–$1.1M. Prices rose a modest 3–5% over the past 12 months, inventory remains tight, and homes typically sell in just 18 days. Compared to Peninsula entry prices that routinely exceed $2M, Union City remains one of the Bay Area’s highest value-for-money Silicon Valley commuting locations—especially popular with young tech families and Chinese-American investors.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re an early-career tech professional, a growing family seeking excellent schools on a realistic budget, or an investor looking for strong appreciation potential, Union City delivers the perfect mix of a 30-minute Silicon Valley commute, mature multicultural neighborhoods, affordable pricing, and small-town safety. It has become one of the hottest real estate markets in the East Bay today. Welcome to Union City—your launchpad for a thriving career and a true place to call home.
DW Homes warmly invites you to discover the high-value Bay Area lifestyle that Union City has to offer.
