Union City Amenities

For nearly half a century, Union City has spelled “the good life” for residents of this Northern California city. The city boasts recreational opportunities for all ages, including the new Union City Sports Center, many parks, and an elite entertainment complex. At just over 70,000 citizens, Union City has been described as an oasis from the hustle and bustle of its big city neighbors, yet pulsing with life. There is no shortage of things to do.

Union Landing is the city’s highest profile retail entertainment center. The center encompasses over 100 acres of quality shopping, entertainment and dining establishments. Union Landing also boasts Century 25 Union City, a 25-screen movie theater complex that has become one of the top-grossing multiplexes in the country.

Even more excitement is on the way, as anticipation builds for the 2007 grand opening of iFly SF Bay, the Bay Area’s first and only indoor sky diving venue, where everyone can experience the thrill of free fall in a safe environment.

With nearly 50 businesses, Union Landing is the hottest entertainment spot in town and is what retailers call a “power center". It draws people from an area far beyond Union City itself. That’s good for the City’s budget because residents of other cities are contributing to Union City in the form of sales tax revenue, as noted in a report by Munroe Consulting Inc. for the Economic Development Alliance for Business.

The center is home to a number of major retail chains such as Best Buy, Borders, Lowe’s and Linens-N-Things. Specialty stores abound as well, including Radio Shack, Michaels, Office Max, and many others. “Our Union Landing location continues to be 100 percent occupied,” says property manager Donna Liverpool, whose space includes many popular restaurants “Retail tenants are renewing. They are all exercising options to extend their leases. I think businesses really like the environment here.”

Hungry people will find many options in Union City, with chain restaurants like T.G.I. Friday’s, Tony Roma’s, Chevys, and Chili’s all conveniently located at Union Landing. More adventurous diners will find numerous restaurants featuring Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, and Korean food, among many others. And no restaurant haven would be complete without stores such as Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Baskin-Robbins, and In-N-Out Burger.

After a day of work in Union City, there are numerous places for business travelers to stay. The Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Extended Stay America hotels and other fine lodging are conveniently located next to Interstate-880.

For those who love to stay active, Union City’s Leisure Services Department maintains an array of activities and venues for every lifestyle. From community centers to swimming pools to ball fields, from dog parks to skate parks – and more – the city has the necessary resources to fuel a vigorous, fun-filled lifestyle. Organized classes and activities for all age groups, from children to seniors, are also available. For fitness buffs, the City’s brand new sports center offers state-of-the-art workout equipment, exercise classes, basketball courts, and even sports massage therapy.

The Old Alvarado Farmers Market is a popular stop for residents and visitors, and it offers year-round fresh produce.  In the summer, a weekly concert series draws people for food and fun. Paddy’s Coffee House, also located in the Old Alvarado area, is the city’s de facto grass-roots arts center and showcases the work of local artists, musicians, and performers.

Whether you take advantage of the great local flavor or the nearby metropolitan culture in San Francisco or San Jose, Union City is tailor-made for a terrific time!