Alameda is an island situated near the Eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay. Eurosettled in the 1800's, we have a fine collection of Victorian homes dating from that period, along with many beautiful houses from architectural styles popular in the intervening century. The island has its own, very tranquil vibe, feeling more like a small town than like a vibrant community just twenty minutes from downtown San Francisco. We are well known for our peaceful parks, bayside beaches and promenades, and lovely neighborhoods; for the variety and quality of our robust restaurant scene; for our plentiful marinas, sailboats and powerboats; and for our splendidly mild Mediterranean climate. A final point of local pride is the peaceful coexistence of our very diverse population: Alamedans include relatively recent immigrant communities hailing from every corner of the world, living alongside families here for centuries and - in some cases - for millenia - all at home and getting along on the Isle.