Oakland, California is a fast-growing city quickly gaining popularity for being the sister city to San Francisco, just east of San Francisco Bay. It is often desired for its warmer weather and affordable housing, as it is not quite as crowded and bustling as its neighbor. Oakland is attracting many young professionals with its growing tech and startup community, as well as its lively city life. The Bay Area Rapid Transit system offers public transportation that connects the entire bay area, making travel throughout the city and across the bay extremely easy.
Oakland is also a great city for families, as it is home to some of the best schools in the nation. Additionally, there is a plethora of natural spaces and scenery inside and surrounding the city, such as the Redwood Regional Park, accessible via BART, and Lake Merritt, located near downtown Oakland. These parks are great for hiking, jogging, kayaking, and also provide environmental preservation.
Utopia Management offers full property management services in the entire Oakland and Emeryville area. If you’re considering moving or investing in property in Oakland, here are the top 5 neighborhoods based on safety, amenities, and proximity to jobs and popular locations:
- Piedmont
Piedmont is a beautiful neighborhood located north of downtown Oakland. As one of the more high-end neighborhoods in the city, the median house value in Piedmont is $2,601,954, and the median monthly rent is $3,229. 73% of residents in this area are renters, and the median household income is $212,222.
The schools in Piedmont are rated above average, making it suitable for families with school-aged children. The area is a diverse and urban environment, and is rated safer than 59% of Oakland neighborhoods. There are many playgrounds and outdoor spaces to enjoy, including Mosswood Park and Oak Glen Park. The night life and in Piedmont is vibrant and amenities are abundant, with plenty of nearby restaurants, gyms, a movie theater, and even an outdoor hot tub.
- Montclair
Montclair is the perfect family-friendly neighborhood, known for its high education rating. It is home to some of the highest rated schools in Oakland, such as Montclair Elementary, Joaquin Miller Elementary, and Thorn Hill Elementary. It is also one of the safest rated neighborhoods in the city. The nearby shopping district, Montclair Village, has many shops and eateries to offer. Montclair is a heavily forested area with lots of greenery, making for beautiful neighborhoods and private residential homes.
The median house value in Montclair is $1,586,590 and the median monthly rent is $2,100. The median household income is $189,531.
- Rockridge
Lying just north of Piedmont, Rockridge is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Oakland. The median home value is $1,228,141 and the median monthly rent is $2,097. 56% of residents own their property, while only 44% rent. Rockridge boasts many highly rated schools as well, including Berkeley high school. There is plenty of shopping and local eats such as coffee shops, marketplaces, breweries, and restaurants.
- Temescal
Temescal sits directly west of Piedmont and south of Rockridge. Only 24% of residents in this neighborhood are owners; the median household income is $89,374. The median monthly rent is $1,745 and median home value is $957,279. Temescal is one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals. It is rated safer than 72% of Oakland neighborhoods, and boasts a strong art scene and hipster community. The Temescal Art Center offers performances of all kinds as well as free workshops. Check out all the local coffee shops, restaurants, and unique shops that Temescal has to offer.
- Fairview Park
Last on the list is Fairview Park, well known for its open spaces and greenery, making it a beautiful and quiet neighborhood. The median home value in Fairview Park is $974,983 and median rent is $1,745; 62% of residents are renters and the median household income is $115,923. Fairview Park is also popular for its bustling night life, but it is also a great neighborhood for families as it is in close proximity to many highly rated schools.
Get Oakland California Property Management
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