Coronado - Richmond, CA

The original inhabitants of Richmond were the Ohlone Native Americans, hunter-gatherers who constructed shell mounds along the water's edge. Spanish explorers passed through the East Bay during the late 18th century, but European developments didn't take off until California started giving land grants to soldiers after the Spanish-American War. A Santa Fe railroad terminus was constructed in 1899, and in 1900 the first overland train from Chicago arrived, bringing industrial development and an increase in population. In the early years of the 20th century, multiple companies relocated to Richmond, including Kaiser Shipyards, the biggest producer of naval ships during WWII.

Today, tech companies, particularly biotechnology firms, are beginning to fill the gaps left by lost manufacturing jobs. The Richmond Museum and famous naval ship SS Red Oak Victory showcase WWII and previous historical eras. Check out the Third of July annual event for fireworks and live music on the waterfront.

Restaurants generally lie just north of the neighborhood along Macdonald Avenue. Options consist of Chinese cuisine, Mexican restaurants and small local eateries. Enjoy some local flavors at Snapper's Seafood on Ohio Avenue, which serves up decadent seafood and fish in a storied local setting. The low-key ambiance allows the scrumptious food to speak for itself. Try the house snapper sandwich, deep-fried and crusted with cornmeal, accompanied by generous steak fries and a homemade tartar sauce. Bring your hungry family and satisfy their cravings with a family portion of catfish or fillet of sole.

Fans of Italian cuisine should check out Botto Bistro, featuring Tuscany specialties and more. Check out the pizza list, which features almost 20 varieties and build-your-own options as well. Not for the faint of heart, the supercazzola pizza features Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, pepper, onions and jalapenos on a flatbread crust made from Naples flour. If you prefer something different, savor Botto's homemade meatballs with polpette, a pasta dish with home-style meatballs and marinara sauce.

Watering holes and nightlife in general are scant in the neighborhood, but when you want to have a night out in the area, you can head on down to the end of West Cutting Boulevard to the Up & Under Pub and Grill, a neighborhood pub with a rugby theme, as well as Four2Nine Wine Bar, which serves up dozens of vintage bottles.

Common ways to get around the neighborhood include driving and public transit. Hailing a taxi can be difficult, but several private companies provide pick-ups in the area. Uber coverage allows for ride shares in Coronado.

Public parking is available and free of charge, and easy access to Interstate 580 provides commuting to Oakland, San Francisco and more. Public buses take riders to downtown Richmond and other neighborhoods.

Bike commuting is possible here, and bike lanes on some streets make for a safer experience. Quieter residential streets can be used when in doubt. It's only a moderately walkable area, though, so not all destinations are accessible on foot.

Public park access isn't too impressive, but a few neighborhood parks provide recreation opportunities and sports fields. Parks cost nothing to enter and allow dogs on leashes.

The highlight of the area is Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, located in the heart of Coronado. The park features a playground, large fields, soccer, softball, basketball and tennis courts, and a community center with clubs, teams and after school programs for neighborhood kids. The kid-friendly Boorman Park can be found nearby, featuring a great open field for pickup football games as well as multiple basketball hoops.

Historic Marina Park sits just south of Coronado, providing remarkable bay views, running and biking opportunities, sun tanning and much more. Marina Park is a great place for a nice long dog walk along the waterfront.

Celebrate Richmond's historic heritage at the Homefront Festival. Held at Rosie the Riveter National Memorial Park every October, the event features live music performances and craft and food vendors.

Cost of living in Coronado remains comparable with the city average, but lower than the overall California average. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs $1250. A bus ticket to downtown Richmond costs $2.10. The typical price of a beer at a local pub costs between $3 and $5. Gas costs in Richmond are approximately 23 percent higher than the national average.

Shopping options remain limited in Coronado and Richmond in general, but a few small boutiques stock unique items, such as clothing and art supplies. Stores can be found concentrated along Macdonald Avenue and along 23rd Street.

Crafters, hobbyists and fabric artists in need of wholesale supplies should check out Crystal Palace Yarns, which features a great selection of fine yarns, needles and other crafting equipment. Consult the owner for quilting advice and local crochet, knitting and quilting resources in the East Bay area. Moms, dads and grandparents love Jubilee Boutique, a children's boutique featuring ethically made clothing, gifts and more. Check out the extensive collection of new and used clothes for great deals on lovingly worn items. Come and trade in your child's gently used items, and put the proceeds toward a fun fair-trade toy or locally printed book. Collectors of Asian art fawn over Guillermina, an antique store featuring incredible art pieces, furniture and more from Japan, China and elsewhere. Owner Guillermina Emy LaFever has been travelling the world for over 35 years, hand-selecting goods ranging from Japanese jewelry to Indian statues. Stop in for incredible prices on antique and hard-to-find objects and art. Nearby Point Richmond Market and Santa Fe Market offer typical grocery items and produce in addition to specialty Mediterranean items and more.