Moving to Oakland? San Francisco may be the trendy Bay Area destination, but nearby Oakland provides many of the same amenities at a more affordable price. If you’re thinking about living in Oakland, check out these five best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals!
Downtown
Photo via @901jeffersonoakland
- Home Price: $360,280 median home price; $880 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 23% of Oakland neighborhoods
Want to live in a thriving area of the Bay Area? Downtown Oakland may be the best place for you! Eclectic Downtown is a diverse Bay Area neighborhood that has completely transformed in recent years—as empty storefronts and buildings have undergone renovation to become retail stores, art galleries, and some of the best places to eat in Oakland. Located in the heart of the city, Downtown is one of the most walkable neighborhoods and offers short commute times for residents traveling to and from work. From the entertainment-driven Uptown to the vibrant retail community in Old Oakland, this Bay Area neighborhood is the perfect place for young professionals to meet new people and explore different career opportunities!
Things to Do in Downtown
Catch concerts featuring popular artists like Nelly, FKA twigs, and Little Big Town at Fox Theater. Unleash your inner gamer and check out over 5,300 video games at the Museum of Art & Digital Entertainment. Join a hockey league or leisurely skate around the rink at Oakland Ice Center. Let loose on the dance floor while listening to bluegrass, country, or rock music at Lake Merritt Amphitheater. Get ready for the day with a Vanilla Latte and Avocado Toast from Awaken Cafe & Roasting. Satisfy your appetite with a Pork Belly Burrito or Southwest Taco from Belly. Chow down on seafood dishes like Crispy Fried Oysters, Kung Pao Shrimp, or Thai Style Sauteed Clams at Peony Seafood Restaurant. Or find your new favorite cocktails by ordering the Moon Man Comedy or Desert Island Matador at Drexl.
Grand Lake
Photo via @briancheekhomes
- Home Price: $285,940 median home price; $1,329 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 84% of Oakland neighborhoods
Perched on the northwest corner of Lake Merritt, Grand Lake is a top destination for singles and young professionals moving to the Bay Area. This neighborhood wasn’t always an Oakland hot spot, but after the city invested in the Clean Lake Initiative—which cleaned up Lake Merritt and the surrounding area by the Oakland Public Works department—Grand Lake became a trendy area for shops and restaurants with popular districts like Grand Avenue and Lakeshore Avenue, as well as a growing residential community. Despite these local upgrades, Grand Lake has maintained a reasonable cost of living—even lower than most of the city.
Things to Do in Grand Lake
See the latest blockbusters at the historic Grand Lake Theatre. Stroll through the Bonsai Garden or view Lakeside Art Projects across Lake Merritt. Pick up fresh produce or check out the local arts and crafts at the Grand Lake Farmers Market. Visit a community staple to find rare books, famous literary works, and novels from local authors at Walden Pond Books. Enjoy karaoke and dueling pianos with stiff drinks at The Alley Piano Bar & Restaurant, the Bay Area’s oldest piano bar. Munch on baked goods like Square Focaccia Bread or a Corn Cherry Scone at Arizmendi Bakery. Take a seat at the sushi bar for a Spicy Tuna Roll or Chicken Teriyaki at Mijori Japanese Restaurant. Head out to The Star on Grand and enjoy dishes like Meatball Deep Dish Pizza with specialty cocktails like the Grand Cooler. Or challenge friends to a game of pool or pinball with a cold pint at Heart & Dagger Saloon.
Piedmont Avenue
Photo via @piedmontrealtorgirl
- Home Price: $515,600 median home price; $1,389 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 57% of Oakland neighborhoods
Want to live in an Oakland area that combines suburban living with a bustling business district? Take a look into Piedmont Avenue! While much of this Oakland neighborhood consists of historic architecture like Victorian and American Foursquare homes on quiet streets—things come alive on the namesake Piedmont Ave, which runs right through the heart of the neighborhood. There, you’ll find a grocery store, historic theater, coffee shops, and some of Oakland’s best restaurants. The calm, community atmosphere not only makes Piedmont Avenue one of the best neighborhoods in the Bay Area for young professionals—but also a top Oakland neighborhood for those looking to start families.
Things to Do in Piedmont Avenue
Start your day with a run or get in a pick-up game of basketball at the 4-acre Mosswood Park. Help your furry friend get some exercise with a walk through Oak Glen Park. Settle in for new releases, as well as independent, foreign, and avant-garde screenings at Piedmont Theatre. Pamper yourself with a day of relaxation in an outdoor hot tub at Piedmont Springs. Get in the best shape of your life by joining an Ultimate Ride class at Ride Oakland. Make date night special with French Onion Soup or Spanish Octopus from The Wolf. Grab some Spicy Tuna Rolls and Wakame Rolls at Geta Japanese Restaurant. Cap off your meal with desserts like a Banana Special or the Saddleback Brownie from Fentons Creamery. Or transport yourself to Hawaii with an Undertow cocktail alongside the tiki torches and bamboo walls at Kona Club.
Rockridge
Photo via @stephenswan
- Home Price: $1,010,625 median home price; $1,591 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of Oakland neighborhoods
Rockridge may be one of Oakland’s more expensive neighborhoods, but the top-notch amenities are worth it! This area is particularly popular among singles and young professionals looking to buy a home in Oakland, as the neighborhood offers cozy bungalows on beautiful, tree-lined streets, creating a quaint atmosphere. And while much of the neighborhood is residential, Rockridge’s main strip, College Avenue, and western border is lined with restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and boutiques—giving residents plenty to do within the area! But when locals need to get to other parts of the Bay Area, however, a convenient BART train station is waiting to whisk them away.
Things to Do in Rockridge
Stock up on baked goods, quality meats and cheeses, and fresh produce in a European-style marketplace at Rockridge Market Hall. Play tennis, go for a dip in the pool, or try to lower your handicap at Claremont Country Club. Add to your jewelry collection with bracelets, earrings, and necklaces from Pavé Fine Jewelry. Hit up the field to practice your baseball swing at Chabot Field. Order Pork and Shrimp Dumplings or Veggie Meyer Lemon Shoyu Ramen at Ramen Shop. Savor Italian classics such as Gnocchi alla Bolognese crafted by a native of Northern Italy at Belotti Ristorante e Bottega. Sip on hand-crafted cocktails such as the Rock Me Gingerly and Spring Dove, or try one of the 25 local beers at The Golden Squirrel. Or snack on free popcorn and enjoy a Honey Bear cocktail in a classic dive bar setting at The Graduate.
Temescal
Photo via @cilantrosue
- Home Price: $600,733 median home price; $1,289 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of Oakland neighborhoods
With its hipster vibe, Temescal has become one of Oakland’s best neighborhoods for singles and young professionals because of its thriving arts, nightlife, and food scene. As for its housing, residents can find a variety of styles that range from charming bungalows to high-rise apartments. Telegraph Avenue, a street teeming with coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants, sets a modern feel for the neighborhood and gives locals fun places to hang out. In addition, Temescal is home to several schools, parks, and family-friendly activities, making it a great place to settle down long term. There’s even a convenient MacArthur BART station for getting around the Bay Area!
Things to Do in Temescal
Learn the art of a folk dance during free workshops at the Temescal Art Center. Take advantage of the balmy Oakland weather with a dip in the Temescal Pool. Choose from over 600 games for your crew’s next game night at It’s Your Move. Find trendy women’s clothing and accessories at Ali Golden. Sample the best bites this Oakland neighborhood’s restaurants have to offer at Taste of Temescal. Thrill the office by bringing in a box of Apple Fritters and French Crullers from Golden Gate Donuts. Try amped-up mac & cheese dishes like the Truffle Mac and Garlicky Bacon Mac from Homeroom. Spend an afternoon on the sunny patio with crafts beers like Blackberry Blush or Temescal Especial from Temescal Brewing. Or challenge your friends to shuffleboard at the historic Kingfish Pub and Cafe.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
