5 Things I Love About Living in Fremont That Have Nothing to Do With Real Estate

Yes, I’m a Realtor, so I spend a lot of time talking about homes, neighborhoods, interest rates, and what’s happening in our local real estate market.

But today I thought I’d talk about something different.

I live and work in Fremont, and there are so many things I enjoy about this community that have absolutely nothing to do with buying or selling a house.

So, in no particular order, here are five things I love about Fremont.

Table of Contents

1. A Little Bit of History in Niles
2. Lake Elizabeth and Central Park
3. You Can Eat Your Way Around the World
4. Our Farmers Markets and Community Events
5. The Outdoors Are Right in Our Backyard
6. One More Thing I Love About Fremont

1. A Little Bit of History in Niles

If you haven’t spent an afternoon wandering around Niles lately, put it on your list.

Niles is one of those places that doesn’t feel like the rest of Silicon Valley. You can stroll around the historic downtown, browse the shops, grab something to eat, visit the farmers market on a Saturday, or simply enjoy the small-town atmosphere.

And here’s a fun piece of Fremont trivia: Niles has a genuine connection to the early days of Hollywood.

The Essanay Film Manufacturing Company operated a studio in Niles in the early 1900s, and Charlie Chaplin made films here. Today, the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum keeps that history alive.

There’s also Fremont’s railroad history, the Niles Depot Museum, and the nearby California Nursery Historical Park.

It is one of my favorite examples of how Fremont can surprise you. We live in the middle of Silicon Valley, yet you can drive a few minutes and suddenly feel like you’ve stepped into another era.

2. Lake Elizabeth and Central Park

Sometimes you don’t need an elaborate weekend plan.

A walk around Lake Elizabeth can be enough.

Central Park is one of those places that works for almost everyone. You see people walking, jogging, having picnics, bringing their kids to the playground, exercising, meeting friends, and simply sitting and enjoying the view.

And, of course, there are the ducks and geese. Lots and lots of geese.

One of the things I appreciate most is that we have this large open space right in the middle of Fremont. When life gets busy, it’s nice to have somewhere close by where you can get outside without having to make an entire day of it.

3. You Can Eat Your Way Around the World

This may be one of Fremont’s most underrated qualities.

The diversity of our community means we have an incredible variety of food.

Indian, Afghan, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Mediterranean, American and so much more—you could probably make it a personal challenge to try a different type of cuisine every week and stay busy for quite a while.

More than 98 languages are spoken in Fremont homes, and I think our restaurants are one of the most enjoyable ways to experience that diversity.

You don’t necessarily need to drive to San Francisco or San Jose for an interesting meal. Sometimes the adventure is only a few minutes from home.

And discovering a little family-owned restaurant you’ve driven past 100 times but never tried? That’s part of the fun.

4. Our Farmers Markets and Community Events

I love communities where there are reasons to get out of the house and run into your neighbors.

Fremont has farmers markets in Niles and Irvington, along with a market at Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center. Depending on the time of year, you’ll also find community festivals, concerts, outdoor activities and special events happening around town.

The farmers markets are especially fun because they’re not just about buying produce. They’re an excuse to slow down, walk around, discover something new and support local farmers and vendors.

I think these smaller community experiences are part of what makes a city actually feel like home.

5. The Outdoors Are Right in Our Backyard

You don’t have to go very far to find a beautiful view around Fremont.

We have Mission Peak overlooking the city, the Alameda Creek Regional Trail, Niles Canyon and plenty of parks and walking areas.

And no, I am not saying you have to hike to the top of Mission Peak at sunrise to qualify as a Fremont resident!

Sometimes a leisurely walk is perfectly acceptable.

That’s one of the things I like about living here. Whether you’re a serious hiker, someone who likes to bike, or someone who just wants a pleasant place to take a walk, there are plenty of choices nearby.

One More Thing I Love About Fremont

It’s the variety.

Fremont isn’t just one type of community.

The city was created when five townships—Centerville, Niles, Irvington, Warm Springs and Mission San Jose—came together in 1956. Those areas still have their own personalities today.

We have historic neighborhoods and newer neighborhoods. Busy commercial areas and quiet residential streets. Technology and manufacturing companies alongside places that remind us of Fremont’s agricultural and railroad past.

And we have people from all over the world who now call Fremont home.

That’s what makes it interesting.

I may spend my working days thinking about Fremont in terms of houses and neighborhoods, but a community is much more than its real estate.

It’s where we walk, eat, meet our friends, discover new places and create our everyday routines.

And after all these years, I still think there are things in Fremont left for me to discover.

Now I Want to Hear From You

What’s one thing YOU love about living in Fremont?

A favorite restaurant? A hidden walking trail? A neighborhood coffee shop? Somewhere you’ve been going for years that the rest of us should know about?

Send me your favorite.

And don’t say the weather—we already know we’re spoiled!

Who knows—maybe I’ll make your suggestion the subject of my next Fremont blog.

Selma Michael, Realtor
Your Fremont Real Estate Resource

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