Union City holds the distinction of being home to America's first successful sugar beet factory, established in 1870. Located in the heart of the East Bay, this city of 70,000 residents sits approximately 19 miles south of Oakland, 30 miles from San Francisco, and 20 miles north of San Jose, making it an ideal spot for renters who want convenient access to the entire Bay Area while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life.

Rental options in Union City include boutique apartment communities, townhomes, and single-family homes with average rents ranging from $2,200 for studios to $3,400 for three-bedroom homes. The city's comprehensive transportation network includes the Union City BART station in the heart of the Station District, offering direct routes to San Francisco and Oakland, while Interstate 880 provides quick access to Silicon Valley and the Peninsula. The Station District downtown represents a $100 million investment that blends residential spaces with retail and transit options, creating a walkable community center.

Established neighborhoods like Union City Boulevard, Decoto, and Alvarado-Niles offer diverse housing options near shopping destinations like Union Landing Shopping Center, a 100-acre retail complex housing approximately 70 stores. The city maintains strong connections to its industrial roots while supporting major employers like Kaiser Permanente, Southern Wine & Spirits, and the American Licorice Company, which has operated in Union City since 1971. Residents enjoy year-round outdoor recreation at Seven Hills Park, Union City Sports Center, and the Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, where average temperatures range from the high 50s in winter to the high 70s in summer.