San Pablo Ave, Alvarado

I've heard quite a few things about Richmond, none of them pleasant, and I must say that this was about what I expected. This main drag, directly off of I-80, has the potential to impress given its accessibility off this well-traveled freeway. However, even the Safeway and Bank of America, completely adjacent to one another, couldn't dispel the town of its run-down reputation. Most of the neighboring stores are not as well-known and appear far more run-down. The service and clientele seemed to match the overall feel. I didn't feel unsafe, but this just felt like a dingy, gross town that I didn't need to spend more time in than absolutely necessary.

To make matters worse, the freeway on-ramp is especially tough to interpret and navigate. But on the plus side, there are some really cute houses nearby that I am sure rent for next to nothing.