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Hayward LGBTQ City Guide

Hayward, California, is a part of the San Francisco Bay Area.  Hayward is close enough to the larger city of San Francisco to provide quick and easy access to all that the big city has to offer, while still retaining a smaller-town, friendly vibe. It is a city with plenty of natural beauty, lots of opportunities, and much to see and do. Even better, it is a city with a smaller, yet thriving LGBT community where all can feel welcome and at home. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Hayward, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!

A Look at Hayward's History

Hayward was named for William Hayward. He came to the area in 1851 seeking gold and was disappointed not to find any, but liked the area and decided to stay, opening a general store there in 1852. The store eventually became a popular stop on the road between Oakland and San Jose at the time, and as more and more people came through the area, the city grew. The more it grew, the more diverse it became, and today it is one of the most diverse cities in the greater Bay Area. It is truly a friendly and welcoming spot where all can find their place and feel at home.

A Few Fun Facts About Hayward

  • One of the first gay proms in the United States was held in Hayward.
  • Figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are both from Hayward.
  • According to census figures, Hayward is one of the most diverse cities in all of California.

Read more fun facts about Hayward here.

Hayward’s LGBTQ Community                                         

Hayward is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:

PFLAG Oakland/East Bay

PFLAG Oakland/East Bay is the Hayward area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.

What's the Weather Like in Hayward?

Those who live in Hayward can expect warm and dry summers, and slightly cool winters, with fairly mild temperatures year-round. Over the year, the temperature usually ranges from 42°F to 76°F. There is a minimal amount of rain, about 18 inches per year in fact, and no snow. Almost any time is a good time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors in Hayward!

Can’t-Miss Events in Hayward

San Francisco Pride

Located just a very short drive from Hayward, the San Francisco Pride celebration is well worth the trip. San Francisco Pride is one of the largest pride events in the entire country. It draws thousands and thousands of people each year, and its energy is unmatched. It is certainly one celebration that Salinas residents won’t want to miss. The celebration offers parties, parades, family-friendly activities, and more. It promises plenty of fun for all, and it’s a great way to celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the Hayward area!

Hayward Apple Festival

The Hayward Apple Festival is a fun, annual festival that celebrates Hayward's agricultural heritage as an important producer of apples – but even more importantly, it's just fun! Visitors can enjoy plenty of treats, fun, and family-friendly activities each year.

The Best Neighborhoods in Hayward

If you’re thinking of making a move to Hayward, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Hayward is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home.  It is always advised to contact a Hayward gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Hayward is around

$859,000.

Arts and Entertainment

Mural Art Program

The Mural Art Program is a unique Hayward program designed to show off the talent of local artists and beautify the city at the same time. It originally began with the intent of cleaning up graffiti on city streets, and took on a life of its own, now covering many city blocks. The outdoor art is stunning, and those interested can take tours to learn more about the art, or simply enjoy it as they stroll down the streets on a beautiful Hayward day.

Douglas Morrison Theatre

The Douglas Morrison Theatre is a popular and long-standing local theater in the Hayward area. With a variety of excellent performances throughout the year, its mission is to inspire, involve,  and educate visitors and residents alike. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show (or several) for yourself!

Parks and Recreation

Hayward Japanese Gardens

For those seeking a beautiful natural sanctuary in the midst of a bustling city, you won’t want to miss the chance to explore Hayward’s Japanese Gardens. They are the first gardens in the Bay Area to be designed strictly according to Japanese tradition, and they are certainly a unique and beautiful oasis in the heart of the city.

Garin Regional Park

Garin Regional Park is a park in the heart of Hayward that offers plenty of beautiful green space to relax and many opportunities for outdoor fun. Rising 500 meters high, this beautiful hilly park offers stunning views of the greater Bay Area. In addition to enjoying many recreational activities at the park, visitors can also enjoy the city’s yearly Apple Festival here. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful day in Hayward. 

Hayward Nightlife

World Famous Turf Club

If you’re looking for a fun night out in Hayward, you’ll definitely want to put The World Famous Turf Club on your list.  This longstanding and very popular venue offers strong drinks, live music, a welcoming and spacious patio area, and friendly crowds.

 Contact a Hayward Gay Realtor Today

If you're ready to make a move to Hayward, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Hayward, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Hayward gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!

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