Oakland, CA


38 Reviews



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Oakland, CA

About Oakland, CA

Oakland, California is the vibrant city at the heart of the Bay Area. With its beautiful parks and nature preserves, lively nightlife scene, and booming arts and music scene, there’s something for everyone in this diverse and thriving city. Visitors can explore historical landmarks like Jack London Square or take a stroll through Chinatown. The city also offers plenty of outdoor activities including kayaking on Lake Merritt or hiking through Redwood Regional Park. With its bustling atmosphere, great cultural attractions and countless outdoor experiences to choose from, Oakland is sure to make any visit an unforgettable one! Regional center - Northern California coast at the head of San Francisco Bay.

Location Details

Zip Codes: 94601, 94605, 94611, 94606, 94603, 94621, 94610, 94602, 94608, 94607, 15 total
Cost of Living: 95.5% higher
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: 155 ft above sea level
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Dig Deeper on Oakland

The San Francisco, CA metro area sits in Northern California, right along the coast. This place has a long story, starting with Native American tribes, then Spanish colonization in the late 18th century, and becoming part of the United States in 1848. It really grew during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s when people from all over came looking for gold.

San Francisco is known for its cool layout with lots of hills and it's right by the Pacific Ocean. This means you get beautiful views, especially from places like the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Island. The weather here is pretty mild all year round, but it can get quite foggy.

The area's economy is booming, thanks to technology, finance, tourism, and healthcare. Big tech companies and startups call this place home, making it a center for new ideas and jobs. However, because so many people want to live and work here, the cost of living is high, especially when it comes to finding a place to live.

When it comes to politics, people in San Francisco usually support liberal and progressive candidates. The area is known for being forward-thinking and supports a lot of social and environmental causes.

Life in San Francisco is full of things to do. There are lots of museums, theaters, and galleries for arts and culture fans. Food lovers have tons of restaurants to try, and if you like being outside, there are parks and the bay to explore. The city has a lot of different neighborhoods, each with its own feel and community.

For those thinking about moving here, it's important to know that living in San Francisco can be expensive. Housing prices are some of the highest in the country, and everyday costs like food and transport add up quickly. The city can get really crowded, which means traffic jams and trying hard to find parking. But, many people find the lively community and the chance to be part of a bustling city worth it.

In summary, San Francisco has an interesting history, great geography by the ocean, a strong economy driven by tech, and a community that cares about progressive values. Living here means enjoying a mix of cultural activities and natural beauty, but it also means dealing with high living costs and busy city life.

Oakland Cost of Living
$$$$

Year round climate, attractive setting, and arts & culture make Oakland a great place to live.

$819,500
+58.7% higher than avg
$85,628
+19.4% higher than avg
$2,185 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+47.5% higher than avg
Oakland Crime
81.2 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Oakland, California
$156,960
for a family
$72,800
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Oakland
   Year round climate
Soft economy
   Attractive setting
Crowding
   Arts & culture
Extreme living costs
Reviews for Oakland
    See all (38)

I move to Oakland 20yrs ago with high hopes, loved the geography of the city, the diversity is outstanding, and the charm of the older homes is wonderful. When I  More

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Over 3 years ago

Fun place to visit. Little rough is some areas- a lot to do  More

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I moved to Oakland because of its racial diversity in the early eighties although I've seen some ups and downs in this visually beautiful city, it has never been as bad  More

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