Welcome to Centerville
Centerville, once a township in its own right, is a neighborhood located in the central part of Fremont, California. The neighborhood is named after the historic town of Centerville, which was established in 1850 and was one of the earliest settlements in the East Bay.
The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate with bay breeze cooled evenings making gardens flourish and air-conditioning optional. With such great weather, small wonder Centerville was originally a farming community and a stop on the stagecoach route between Oakland and San Jose. In the late 1800s, the railroad arrived, and Centerville became a major transportation hub for the region. In 1956 five individual townships – Centerville as well as Mission San Jose, Niles, Irvington, and Warm Springs – incorporated to form The City of Fremont.
Today, Centerville is primarily a residential neighborhood, with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, apartments and commercial opportunities. The neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, with some buildings dating back to the 19th century.
The Centerville Community Center, located in the heart of the neighborhood, provides recreational opportunities for residents, including tennis courts and a community garden. The community center is also home to the Centerville History Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the neighborhood and the surrounding area.
Centerville is located near several major transportation corridors, including I-880 and the Dumbarton Bridge, which provide easy access to other parts of the Bay Area. The neighborhood is also home to a number of schools, including Centerville Junior High School, which serves students in seventh and eighth grade and Washington High School.
In recent years, Centerville has become increasingly diverse, with a large population of immigrants recruited for tech jobs from countries such as India and China to name a few. The neighborhood is also home to a variety of restaurants and shops that reflect its diverse population.
The neighborhood is located equidistant to two major shopping centers just a short ride north or south on 880. Pacific Commons Shopping Center, built on 840 acres of the former Fremont Dragstrip/Baylands Raceway Park. And Union Landing built on acreage where the iconic Union City Drive-In Movie Theater once stood. Anthony Marinelli, Broker of The Marinelli Real Estate team remembers bringing the kids already dressed in their pajamas to the venue many times. Pacific Common and Union Landing both offer a variety of retail, restaurants, movie theaters and big box stores.
An even shorter distance away are the smaller but formidable Fremont Hub and Newpark Mall. The Fremont Hub, a walkable plaza with many shops and cafes, supermarkets and discount clothing stores. Not to mention, close to Ciné Lounge Fremont 7 Cinemas. Newpark Mall boasts 55 stores, 11 restaurants and an AMC 12 screen movie theater.
Overall, Centerville is a unique neighborhood with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Its mix of historic architecture, recreational opportunities, and convenient location make it a popular destination for future residents and visitors alike. With neighborhoods like this, it's no wonder Fremont was voted the happiest city in America in a report from WalletHub in 2023 and for several years running. Fremont Real Estate - a solid investment. Centerville homes - always desirable.
Schools
- Elementary: Patterson, Brier
- Junior High: Centerville, Thornton
- High School: Washington, American