Hayward
Heart of the Bay
Incorporated in 1876, the City of Hayward is named after Colonel William Hayward, one of the first American settlers in 1853. He later built the popular way stop, Hayward’s Hotel.
Until World War I, Hayward was the center of extensive agricultural activity. Agricultural crops changed from field crops to row crops to orchards. Between 1885 and 1945 Hayward became the fruit capital of the Bay Area.
Central to major freeways, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and the expansion of the Hayward Executive Airport established Hayward as a transportation hub.
California State University, East Bay and Chabot College are located in Hayward, provided world-class educational and cultural experiences for students and residents alike. The Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) created the Japanese Garden and expanded recreational opportunities in a multitude of parks and activity centers.
Since 2008, a vibrant art scene in Hayward is evidenced by the many large murals that adorn buildings and walls around the city.
Hayward’s mild climate, access to transportation, labor pool, community facilities, and services have led to rapid industrial growth. With a population of 150,000, Hayward is the sixth largest city in the Bay Area.
