Gold Coast, Alameda | What I Thought Would Be Hard To Get Used To
One of the things that I thought would be the hardest part about moving to the Gold Coast, in the center of Alameda, is driving through the tube to get into Oakland. But I can tell you, it turned out to be really not that bad. So for today’s video, I’m going to talk about that and a few other things that I thought would be a really big deal about moving to the center part of the island, but aren’t. Let’s go!
Number 1 – The Webster Tube
If you’re thinking about moving to this part of the island, you probably want to see some of my other videos about this part of the island. In those videos, I talked about this tube and how it can get backed up with traffic. I thought I was going to need to change my commute times because I had to deal with a bunch of traffic. Because of all that, I thought it would be a hard transition to time my routes getting on and off the island.
However, now that I’ve lived here for a couple of months, what I can tell you is the tube is really not the bottle neck I thought it would be. Frankly, when there’s not a ton of traffic, it’s actually a pretty convenient way to get into downtown Oakland.
Admittedly, during COVID, less people have been commuting to an office and I don’t generally try to leave the island during “normal rush hour.” So, when we get back to “normal” this one might change. But being the first one on my list for now, the tube = not a big deal.
Number 2 – Lack of Big Parks
The second thing that I thought was going to be a really big deal but isn’t is the lack of a big park.
I did a video on the East End about Lincoln Park. That place was awesome. It was huge and has tons of room for people to play sports or run the dogs. Aside from Lincoln Park, Krusi Park was also not too much farther away. There was just a ton of nearby parks. But moving here, the only park close by is Franklin Park.
Franklin Park, I have to tell you, is probably one of the smaller parks that I go to, regularly. However, despite it being small, it’s also easily one of the most beautiful. You’ve got this huge Redwood Grove behind me with little trails that meander through. You’ve also got a playground, basketball court, swimming pool, and baseball field. Also, for me, Franklin Park is walking distance from my house. I’m literally two blocks away so I often bring my dog here.
Additionally, if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see on my stories that I post a lot of content from this park. And it has become one of my new favorite places to go hang out, read a book, walk the dog, and socialize. So even though it might feel like there’s not as many parks here in the Gold Coast as the East End, this place still has a lot to offer.
Number 3 – The Location
The third and final thing that I was worried about moving here was actually the location.
Let’s be honest, the Gold Coast is awesome. Once you’re in here, it’s a beautiful neighborhood. There are tons of gorgeous homes and very quiet streets. However, it’s also pretty locked in the center of the island. It can get hard to walk anywhere. It is not that easy to get to or get off the island, or go to the Oakland airport (whenever we start flying again). Frankly, I was really dreading it. But now? I have to say I’m over it.
Even though it takes a few extra minutes to get off the island coming from its center, it’s still not the end of the world. I have to say once you’re here, it’s worth the extra couple of minutes.
Now, I just told you three things that I absolutely thought were going to be a big deal about living in this part of the island, but aren’t. Now I’m going to do another video coming shortly on the things that actually are kind of a big deal and something you definitely need to consider if you’re going to move to this part of Alameda. So make sure you comment and subscribe to my YouTube channel, because you’re not gonna want to miss the content I’m bringing out every single Friday. See you on the next one!
I hope my blog about what I thought would be hard to get used to moving to the Gold Coast of Alameda has helped you.
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