The 10 Best Places to Live in Oakland, CA

Oakland is a port city that is the largest city on the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Due to the city’s size, the neighborhoods of this city are diverse, and each has different features. Some neighborhoods are considered more desirable places than others to live, and some communities will appeal more to some demographics than others. Here are the 10 best places to live in Oakland, CA, and an overview of what makes each neighborhood an appealing place to live.

10. Crocker Highlands

Crocker Highlands is a neighborhood that is bordered by several other desirable areas, including Piedmont and Grand Lake. The properties available in this area are predominantly single-family homes, and the neighborhood is currently home to 2,400 people. It is a relatively affluent area, and many people living in this community earn more than double the national average salary. Although employment opportunities are limited within the neighborhood due to its residential nature, there are many jobs in various sectors in the surrounding neighborhoods.

9. Panoramic Hill

Panoramic Hill is a neighborhood that sits between Oakland and Berkeley. It will appeal to those who want to live close enough to the city to benefit from the amenities, transport links, and leisure options but want to avoid living an urban lifestyle. The neighborhood is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the hills of Orchard lane, a redwood preserve, and the scenic corridor of the Panoramic Way. Crime rates in Panoramic Hill are significantly lower than elsewhere in California, so it is considered a safe place to live.

8. Fairview Park

One of the safest places to live in Oakland is Fairview Park, says Atlas Oakland. However, the low crime rates are not the only reason to consider living in this neighborhood. There are employment opportunities across a diverse range of sectors, and there is a high level of job security. Furthermore, the green spaces for which Fairview Park is known means that the neighborhood has aesthetic appeal and ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

7. Grand Lake

Grand Lake sits on the northwest corner of Lake Merritt, so there are many outdoor activities that the neighbors can enjoy, both on the water and in the surrounding area. Not only is Grand Lake one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Oakland, but it is also one of the safest. The community’s popularity has grown in recent years, but this has not impacted significantly on the property prices. There is also plenty for the residents to enjoy, as a large investment in the area means that there are now many shops and restaurants.

6. Downtown Oakland

Extra Space lists Downtown Oakland as one of the best places to live in the city for those who prefer to live in the thick of the action. The area has undergone serious renovation and rejuvenation in recent years, and it now houses some of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, so it offers the residents a fantastic lifestyle.

5. Lake Merritt

The affordability of Lake Merritt is something that attracts both young professionals and families. Compared to many other neighborhoods in Oakland, both renting and buying are comparably cheap, which means it is the perfect option for those who want to live close to San Francisco without paying a premium. Lake Merritt sits along four miles of its namesake lake, so there is a beautiful setting and plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor pursuits. The neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its historic architecture, although many of the older buildings are now converted into modern shops and restaurants.

4. Temescal

An up-and-coming area that has increased in popularity and has seen hikes in the value of properties is Temescal. An appealing feature of Temescal is the arts scene, so it is ideal for people who enjoy an artistic vibe. It is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Oakland, and it has plenty of coffee shops and trendy restaurants. In the past, Temescal was a separate town, and it has retained its unique identity even though it is now part of the city. Commuting from Temescal to the Bay Area is easy from the MacArthur BART station in the neighborhood.

3. Montclair

Thanks to the high-ranking schools, Montclair is a neighborhood that attracts many families. However, there are features that will appeal to many demographics, including the surrounding forests and a shopping village called Montclair Village. Although homes in this area can cost upwards of $800,000, there are housing options to suit various budgets and tastes, including cottages, modern houses, period properties, apartments, and townhomes.

2. Piedmont

Piedmont’s desirability is reflected in the median home price, which is more than $1.6 million. It is a quiet residential area that neighbors with Rockridge. Piedmont is popular with affluent families, as it is a safe place to live with five parks and playgrounds and outstanding schools. Although the neighborhood does not have many shops and restaurants, there are plenty in neighboring Rockridge, so the residents do not have far to go. It is also a great place to establish a new career, as there are opportunities in multiple industries.

1. Rockridge

According to Clever, the best place to live in Oakland, CA, is Rockridge. It is popular with young professionals as it has many employment opportunities nearby, and there is a BART station, so there is an easy community to the Bay Area. The entertainment options, shops, and restaurants will also appeal to millennials. On the other hand, it is also a fantastic place to live for families, as there are excellent primary schools and daycare facilities in the area, and there are many family-oriented activities and outdoor spaces. However, living in such a desirable area comes at a price, and the median home price is close to $1.7 million.