Oakland, CA, known as 'The Bright Side of the Bay,' offers a unique blend of cultural diversity and urban amenities. Located in northern California, Oakland is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like San Francisco and Berkeley enhance its status as a central point in the region. Oakland's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Oakland is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Oakland Museum of California, the historic Paramount Theatre, and the picturesque Lake Merritt. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Redwood Regional Park to the bustling Jack London Square, known for its dining and entertainment options. Oakland's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from soul food to international cuisine.
Annual events such as the Art + Soul Oakland Festival and the Oakland Greek Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Oakland's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Mills College and California College of the Arts contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Oakland is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Fox Theater and the Oakland Ballet are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Oakland provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Oakland’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Athletics (MLB) and the Raiders (NFL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Oakland include healthcare, technology, and education, with significant employers such as Kaiser Permanente and the Oakland Unified School District driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and the BART system, making commuting convenient for residents.
Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Oakland is a big city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 422,575 residents. Oakland has a population density of 7,555 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Oakland identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 22% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Oakland, only 43% of the population is married. An important consideration when living in Oakland is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 33 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Oakland can be a great experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Finding the best places to live in Oakland and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, employment and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 74/100, Oakland is ranked #3,676 in the United States and #152 in California. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Oakland ranks well for education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (B-) Regrettably for Oakland, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F) and cost of living (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Oakland, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Oakland undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Oakland Zoo, Lake Merritt, and Jack London Square.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Oakland market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Oakland real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Oakland. The median home price for Oakland homes is $730,000, which is 78.4% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Oakland, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.1, which is 42.2% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Oakland | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 49.9% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 21.5% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.8% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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