Thinking about moving to Oakland with your family? As one of the best suburbs of San Francisco, Oaktown has gorgeous outdoor spaces and diverse neighborhoods with good schools and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet residential community or easy access to Oakland family activities, the city has options for a variety of lifestyles. Check out these five best neighborhoods for families in Oakland!
| Neighborhood | Glenview | Montclair | Lakeshore | Rockridge | Temescal |
| Median Home Price | $1,720,070 | $2,455,083 | $1,893,600 | $2,570,660 | $1,668,923 |
| Median Rent Price | $2,890 | $3,878 | $2,996 | $3,369 | $3,178 |
| Median Household Income | $194,546 | $316,202 | $253,006 | $285,925 | $124,982 |
| Safer than % of City | 76% | 96% | 61% | 63% | 60% |
| High School Graduation Rate | 95% | 97% | 97% | 98% | 94% |
Glenview
- Home Price: $1,720,070 median purchase price; $2,890 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Oakland neighborhoods
Glenview is a quiet, walkable Oakland neighborhood lined with Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and California-style homes, offering families a residential atmosphere within about 15 minutes of Downtown Oakland. Families with children can take advantage of nearby schools like Glenview Elementary School, The Renaissance International School, and Edna Brewer Middle School. Events like the Ice Cream Social from Glenview Neighbors give residents a chance to gather and connect, while parks and recreation areas—preserved in part by community groups like Friends of Sausal Creek and Friends of Dimond Park—provide an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Glenview offers a convenient, laid-back setting with easy access to city-center perks, including job opportunities at the Wilma Chan Highland Hospital campus just south of the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Glenview
Take the kids swimming at Lions Pool in Dimond Park, or enjoy the park’s open space for a family afternoon outdoors. Hike or bike along Dimond Canyon Bridgeview Trail to explore the area’s natural scenery. Sign the kids up for karate, youth sports, or day camps at the nearby Manzanita Recreation Center. Hone your children’s creativity with an art class or camp at One Big Love Art Camp. Enjoy a brunch with international flair by ordering the Biro Biro, Brazurrito, or Panqueca de Acai from Paulista Brazilian Cafe. Stop by for a casual lunch or brunch of the Bistro Tofu Scrambler, Crepes Suzette, or the California Florentine—with an expansive selection of teas—at Blackberry Bistro. Enjoy Duck Mole Verde, Fish Tacos, Summer Corn Tamales, and other Mexican-inspired cuisines from Bombera. Or grab some fries and a specialty burger like the Barefoot in the Park, The Duke, or the vegetarian Manassa Mauler at Park Burger.
Montclair
- Home Price: $2,455,083 median purchase price; $3,878 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 96% of Oakland neighborhoods
If you’re wondering where to live with kids in Oakland, Montclair is a serene neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and mix of Mid-Century Modern, ranch-style, and Craftsman bungalow homes. Families have access to schools like Montclair Elementary and Open Minds Early School, while Montera Middle School and Joaquin Miller Elementary School are also close by. With proximity to nature via Montclair Park and the nearby Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, residents can enjoy both urban-forest vibes and the pedestrian-friendly shopping area of Montclair Village along Mountain Blvd. And if you need to commute for work, Highway 13 provides a convenient connection to other parts of Oakland and the wider Bay Area!
Things to Do in Montclair
Take a relaxing stroll or bike ride along the Montclair Railroad Trail for an easy way to get outdoors and explore. Spend an afternoon browsing the shelves at the welcoming independent bookstore, The Book Tree. Pick up fresh produce, local goods, and prepared foods at the Montclair Village Farmers Market, held year-round on Sundays. Browse for bedtime stories, pick up aclassic, or enjoy family-friendly programming like Baby Bounce or Toddler Storytime at Oakland Public Library’s Montclair Branch. Stop in for classic and creative egg dishes like Ed’s Welsh Scramble, Chilaquiles, or Corned Beef Hash at Montclair Egg Shop. Savor delicious Thai food in Oakland when you order dishes like Hat Yai Fried Chicken, Pumpkin Curry, and Kang Kua Prawns from Daughter Thai Kitchen. Tuck into a succulent Chinese meal with the Firecracker Wontons, BBQ Pork Buns, or Dragon & Phoenix at 5 Spiced Kitchen. Or reserve an indoor or patio table to enjoy an upscale Italian dinner with the Eggplant Parmesan, House Made Spaghettini, or Smoked Chicken Fettuccini from Italian Colors.
Lakeshore
- Home Price: $1,893,600 median purchase price; $2,996 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Oakland neighborhoods
Lakeshore is a vibrant, walkable neighborhood stocked with historic Spanish, Tudor, and Italianate-style homes. One of the best neighborhoods for families in Oakland, Lakeshore is centered around the Lakeshore Avenue Business District, where families can find independent boutiques, local shops, restaurants, and exercise studios. The neighborhood is also part of Oakland’s LGBTQ Cultural District, known for its inclusive atmosphere and community-focused businesses and organizations like the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center and the Queer Arts Center. Area families especially appreciate that Oakland schools like Lakeview Elementary School, Wildwood Elementary School, and AIMS College Prep High School surround the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Lakeshore
Explore the shoreline, go boating, or take the kids to see puppet shows and family attractions in Oakland like the Flecto Carousel and the Old Lady in the Shoe at Children’s Fairyland at Lake Merritt—located just south of Lakeshore. Catch a movie at the Grand Lake Theatre, a historic theatre just minutes from Lakeshore. Stay active and practice your serve on the courts at Davie Tennis Stadium. Beat the heat on the splash pad, wander the garden, or pick up fresh produce and goods from the farmers market at Splash Pad Park, around a ten-minute drive away. Grab delicious Mexican food in Oakland with the Carne Asada Tacos, Chile Relleno, or Camaron Burrito Bowl at Rico Rico Taco—or go around the corner to try delicious plant-based fare at Rico Rico Vegano! Enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes like the Fish & Chips, Black Cod, or Oysters with Champagne Mignonette paired with an extensive wine list at Sirene. Try warm, fresh-baked pastries like the Corn Cherry Scone, Blueberry Muffin, or Monkey Bread at Arizmendi Lakeshore, one of the best bakeries in Oakland. Or reserve a table for a date-night dinner of the Handmade Gnocchi, Mole-Rubbed Pork Chop, or Bardo Burger at Bardo Lounge & Supper Club.
Rockridge
- Home Price: $2,570,660 median purchase price; $3,369 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Oakland neighborhoods
Rockridge is a walkable, family-friendly Oakland neighborhood that blends quiet, tree-lined residential streets with the buzzing College Avenue commercial district. The neighborhood’s housing includes early-20th-century Craftsman bungalows, cottages, and Tudors, as well as condos and apartments. Families can enroll their children in Chabot Elementary and Claremont Middle School. With parks and playgrounds, local shops, and other amenities within walking distance, Rockridge has a relaxed, close-knit feel while remaining connected to the rest of Oakland via its BART station. Families can also explore local bookstores like Pegasus Books while strolling College Avenue, and enjoy community events in the area like author talks, candle-making experiences, yoga classes, and more!
Things to Do in Rockridge
Go for a peaceful walk along Temescal Creek and explore the trails, greenery, and play areas at Frog Park. Browse books for the whole family or take part in programming like adult needlework classes, chess club for kids and teens, and story time for toddlers (and dogs!) at Oakland Public Library’s Rockridge Branch. Hit the green for a few rounds of golf with a lakeside view when you become a member at Claremont Country Club. Bring the family out to practice their serve at the Chabot Tennis Courts. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast of the Strawberry Croissant French Toast, Mexican Omelet, or Marionberry Ricotta Special at Rockridge Cafe. Enjoy wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas like the Montanara or Vesuvio, as well as authentic southern Italian dishes like the Squid Ink Tonnarelli at A16 Rockridge. For upscale vegan food in Oakland, try dishes like the Satay Glazed Tempeh, Early Girl Tomato & Melon Gazpacho, or Coriander & Arborio Crusted Oyster Mushrooms at Millennium. Or settle in for a family lunch with dishes like the Pan Roasted Chicken Thigh, Tavern Burger, or Roasted Pork Loin Sandwich at Wood Tavern.
Temescal
- Home Price: $1,668,923 median purchase price; $3,178 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Oakland neighborhoods
Families looking for the best neighborhoods for kids in Oakland that also have an eclectic, community-oriented feel should consider Temescal! The area is characterized by its charming mix of Craftsman and California bungalows, Victorian flats, and Edwardian cottages. Families can explore local businesses and eateries along Temescal Alley, an historic pedestrian alley lined with independent shops and boutiques. Residents can also find local goods and fresh produce from the Temescal Farmers Market on Sundays. Schools in the area—like Emerson Elementary School, Oakland Technical High School, and Oakland International High School—provide solid education for families with students. And with BART access at the nearby MacArthur Station, plus convenient connections to Highway 24, living in Temescal keeps you well-connected to the rest of the Bay Area.
Things to Do in Temescal
Challenge the family to a board game or browse the selection for one to take home at It’s Your Move Games, a neighborhood game shop and community gathering place. Explore independent shops and galleries like Artelar Studio and Womb House Books in Temescal Alley. Cool off during warm summer days by taking a dip at the Temescal Pool. Browse unusual plants and botanical curiosities at Crimson Horticultural Rarities.
Enjoy filling soul food in an upscale environment with dishes like Tomato Purloo, Jidori Chicken, or Chicken Liver & Waffle at Burdell. Dig into creative takes on macaroni and cheese like the Chicken Pot Pie Mac, Kogi Short Rib Mac, or the Truffle Mac at Homeroom. Grab a slice of pizza with varieties like Artie’s Margherita, Cluck Norris, or Garden of Eat’n pizzas while you play classic arcade games at Arthur Mac’s. Or take a lunch break while exploring Temescal Alley and grab a Carne Asada Taco, Cubano sandwich, or Pescado Frito plate at Cholita Linda.
***
Moving to Oakland? Extra Space Storage has affordable storage solutions at facilities throughout the Bay Area. Find self storage near you!
The team at Extra Space Storage understands that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
