Haight Avenue, West End Alameda CA

I reviewed this neighborhood a while back: http://www.streetadvisor.com/west-end-alameda-alameda-county-california

In my opinion, the schools are a little on the average side--not great, not terrible. There are some dingy areas on the western end. Crime is not as bad as Oakland (then again few places are as bad as parts of Oakland, especially since they cut those 80 cops from the force at the height of the recession), but it is not non-existent.

I would say that it is overall a so-so place for the requirements you are considering. I would personally be okay living there with my son but I prefer the southern end of Alameda. A lot of course depends on how much you are have available to send on rent. Hope that helps.