What BestPlaces Users Say about Oakland
Background information: Oakland, California is a bustling city located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for its vibrant art and music scene, diverse population, and proximity to major cities like San Francisco and Berkeley, Oakland has become a popular place to live. However, the city has also faced challenges with crime and rising housing costs, leading to mixed opinions from those who call it home.
Some users on BestPlaces.net have shared their experiences and thoughts on living in Oakland. Overall, the reviews paint a picture of a city with both positive and negative aspects.
One user, Amanda D, praises the city for its cultural diversity and community spirit, saying, "Oakland is a beautifully diverse and vibrant city, filled with people from all walks of life. The community here is strong and supportive, and I feel like I truly belong." However, she also mentions the high cost of living and the presence of crime, stating, "The downside is that housing prices are skyrocketing and there is a fair amount of crime in certain areas."
Another user, Mark S, shares a similar sentiment, stating, "Oakland has a rich history and culture, and I love being a part of it. However, the cost of living is becoming unmanageable, and I worry about the safety of my family." He also mentions the city's ongoing struggles with gentrification and displacement.
On the other hand, Jessica B shares a more positive experience, saying, "I've lived in Oakland my whole life and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and there's always something fun to do." She also mentions the city's thriving food scene and natural beauty.
Lastly, John M offers a mixed perspective, stating, "I've had a love-hate relationship with Oakland. On one hand, the cultural diversity and sense of community are amazing. But on the other hand, the crime and high cost of living can be overwhelming at times." He advises those considering moving to Oakland to thoroughly research the different neighborhoods and their safety levels.
Overall, while many users appreciate Oakland for its diversity and culture, there are also concerns about affordability and safety. It is important for individuals to do thorough research and consider their priorities before deciding to live in this city.
based on 38 ReviewsGet to know Oakland with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Oakland
I Simply Love Oakland - 3/13/2010
I lived in San Francisco; yet, I spent more time in the Oakland parks and museums than I did in the same of my own city. If I was in CA, today, I'd see Oakland first, headed for Lake Merritt. Another favorite area was East Oakland [Fruitvale] I was at home there,
not in most of SF. During recessions, crime always increases; the current rate of crime is not forever. Just stay alert and don't look lost; yes, one can be a tourist, but you don't have to look like a tourist. If Juarez, Mexico had as much to offer as Oakland, I'd still be living
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Dining and Culture in the East Bay - 10/5/2009
One does not have to venture over the Bay Bridge to "the City"(San Francisco) for a night out. Oakland has more than it's fair share of first class restaurants (Oliveto, Bay Wolf, Wood Tavern, A Cote, Ozumo) and nightlife (Yoshi's, Fox Theater). Add to this a myriad of BBQ/Soul Food and international fare, gourmet markets, Chinatown and several weekly farmer's markets year round and you have a world class dining
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Vibrant and diverse population - 4/16/2009
Been in the Bay Area the past 30 years but never knew Oakland. Then 2 years ago a housing opportunity too good to pass up made Oakland my new home. I discovered an incredibly vibrant and diverse population, - creative, active and activist, down-to-earth, native Oaklanders & newcomers from everywhere. although Oakland does have its problems w/ serious crimes, the balanced perspective should include the wonderful people here and unbeatable climate - even by California
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It all depends on what part of Oakland you live in - 6/3/2008
It gets so mad when people say Oakland is a bad place to live! It all depends on what part of Oakland you live in. East Oakland is really what you hear of all the time when you hear about drugs, crime, etc. Most of the crime that goes on in Oakland is in East Oakland. I’m from Oakland (North Oakland, close to the Berkeley boarder line). Now not evening all of East Oakland is bad. Once you get to certain areas in East Oakland you will realize that it is bad. For example E.14th Street (International Blvd) is bad from the beginning from lake merit on up till you hit the city of San Leandro. One good part of east Oakland is the Laurel district. It's a very diverse area. Nice hardly too much crime in that area. As if you live in 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and part of the 100’s Avenues. Believe it or not that where most of Oakland’s crime occurs.
But let me say I would love to live here it just to live in a good area in Oakland you would have to pay more for the price of a home.
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OAKLAND IS TOO NOISY! Bad schools, high crime, dru - 6/2/2008
and the people who grow up in the environment of the flats, and believe me, there are many, many, many inconsiderate, noisy people that infiltrate and destroy the beautiful and peaceful environments of the good areas--not only with crime, but with NOISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you live in one of those low quality, substandard houses, and you have bad schools, high crime, drug dealing, and overburdened police, you will also have a lot of NOISE! AND IT WILL BE IN YOUR HOUSE ALL DAY. YOU CANNOT ESCAPE FROM THE NOISE! AND OCCASIONALLY YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO CONCENTRATE BECAUSE OF THE SMALL PEOPLE WITH REALLY BIG AMPLIFIED STEREOS! TOO MUCH BOOM! BOOM! A SPOILED AND INCONSIDERATE UNDERCLASS THAT SPENDS ITS MONEY ON NUISANCES SUCH AS AMPLIFIERS, BASKET BALL COURTS, ILLEGAL, NOISY MOTORIZED SCOOTERS, GUNS, FIREWORKS, ETC...IT SUCKS HERE. I FEEL LIKE I LIVE IN A PRISON.
Last I heard the local governments were sending recent parolees to Oakland, and the police department
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OAKLAND IS TOO NOISY! Bad schools, high crime, dru - 6/2/2008
and the people who grow up in the environment of the flats, and believe me, there are many, many, many inconsiderate, noisy people that infiltrate and destroy the beautiful and peaceful environments of the good areas--not only with crime, but with NOISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last I heard the local governments were sending recent parolees to Oakland, and the police department has been discussing hiring cops with criminal records...It doesn't bode well for the NOISY future. We are not free in
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Oakland- Bay Area - 2/11/2008
it's great to love here for the experience. rent is terrible and there is no way I will be able to even buy a house. No wonder it is such a transient population, who could raise a family
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Diverse! - 2/10/2008
Oakland is home to a very diverse natural and cultural experience. With its proximity to SF, the San Francisco Bay, Pacific Ocean, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra's while be nestled in the diverse East Bay hills, every outdoor recreation opportunity is available to you with a 10 minute to 3 hour (snow) drive. Common activities include kayaking, sailing, surfing, mountain biking, trail running, hiking, swimming, skiing, camping, and so on.
Oakland is also very diverse culturally. One can find cuisine and art from almost anywhere in the world in your local neighborhood. In addition, the proximity to SF makes world-class museums a 10 minute train ride
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