What's it like Living in Oakland, CA - Real Estate, Culture and Local Statistics

California was claimed by Spain in 1772, and in 1820, a Presidio soldier named Don Luís Peralta was granted land rights to an area encompassing almost all of the East Bay. Peralta and his sons created their vast Rancho San Antonio and the name they gave to the Oakland region was Encinal, meaning 'oak grove'. Between the Mexican American War and the California gold rush, the area was settled by miners, whalers, loggers, and ranchers. The town of Oakland was officially incorporated on May 4th, 1852.

The next 100 years would see Oakland grow to become one of the nation's major railroad termini and shipping port. The original town, located south of today's San Pablo Avenue intersection, went onto annex further ranchlands and settlements to the north and east. By the time the Great Depression hit the country, Oakland's eminence as a industrial manufacturing center was strongly established. Canneries, bakeries, ship building and automobile building factories were central to the economy. The war years drew thousands of workers to the Kaiser Shipyards - the company that would eventually create Kaiser Permanente HMO.

Oakland Today
Today, Oakland is the 8th largest city in California. Famous for its cultural diversity, this city's population speaks dozens of languages. After World War II, the majority of the industrial centers of commerce closed their doors. Today, Oakland is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, including Kaiser Permanente, Clorox, and Dreyer's. Over the past few decades, Oakland's job market has seen a strong shift toward Information Technology, drawing numerous blue and white collar workers into the downtown and residential districts of Oakland.

Almost a suburb of San Francisco because of its proximity, Oakland boasts much sunnier weather. In point of fact, it was sighted by Rand McNally as having the best weather in the United States, averaging sunshine 73% of all daylight hours. The atmosphere is relaxed and property values are lower than in San Francisco.

Diverse, urban and sophisticated, Oakland offers unique opportunities for both culture and commerce. Its avid sports fans, high powered executives, and international flavor make it an energetic, one-of-a-kind city.

Architectural Styles Prevalent in Oakland Homes
Crocker Highlands is one of the most desirable of Oakland's 50+ neighborhoods. It is a mature, peaceful community with architecturally elegant homes on tree-lined streets. Situated in the foothills just above Grand, Lakeshore, and Piedmont Avenue shops, it is only minutes from scenic Lake Merritt, pictured above. If you are looking for a home in Oakland, you will be able to choose from the following array of architectural styles:

• Contemporary
• Traditional
• Victorian
• Tudor
• Mediterranean
• Craftsman

There are so many appealing neighborhoods in this dynamic city, with something for everyone. View a neighborhood map of Oakland.

Things To Do in Oakland, CA
Jack London Square is one of Oakland's major tourist destinations. It was developed in the 1950's at the south end of Broadway, and offers a tremendous array of opportunities for fine dining, entertainment, shopping, and lodging. Sunday mornings, the farmer's market stretches along the Square, offering fresh produce, fabulous gourmet treats and crafts.

Oakland's Asian-American history began with the first Chinese who arrived in the 1850's. Today, you can attend a Chinese opera, dragon boat races, or the Chinese New Year Parade in Oakland's charming Chinatown.

For scenic beauty, locals head to Lake Merritt - a tidal lagoon surrounded by parklands and residential districts. It offers a 3.5 mile jogging trail. This can also be a nice destination for birdwatching within the city of Oakland, where you are likely to spot Canada geese, pelicans, great egrets, black-crowned night herons, and other water-loving birds. The Lake Merritt Wild Duck Refuge is a National Historic Landmark.

Dining in Oakland is like a trip around the world. There is a different gourmet cuisine for every night of the week. Shopping is made a pleasure by the presence of popular chain stores as well as smaller, independent businesses. And, of course, Oakland picked its own nickname as The Town because it is just minutes away from The City (San Francisco). Few places in the United States offer more opportunities for cosmopolitan culture and entertainment than the Oakland-San Francisco combination.

Things To Do With Kids in Oakland, CA
The nursery-rhyme-themed amusement park for small children, Children's Fairyland has been the favorite destination of Bay Area kids for generations. The rides and amusements are all based on famous fairytale storybook characters, and there are 10 acres of fun for families to explore. Likewise, a trip to the Oakland Zoo is part of every local child's experience of growing up.

The Boys and Girls Club of Oakland has three locations throughout the city, and offers a wide range of activities for youth. Chabot Space and Science Center organizes fascinating field trips, birthday parties, and summer camp sessions for kids with inquiring minds. Take the children to Lake Temescal for a picnic and fun in the playground. Oakland has both public and private school systems. Read more about the Oakland Unified School District.

Places of Worship in Oakland
The cultural richness of Oakland ensures that people of all faiths will find appropriate places of worship, either within Oakland or in one of the neighboring cities.

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4766 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland
• St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Avenue, Oakland
• First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland
• Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Boulevard, Oakland
• Chinese Independent Baptist Church, 280 8th Street, Oakland
• St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1535 16th Avenue, Oakland
• Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit Street, Oakland
• Muhammad Mosque No 26, 5277 Foothill Boulevard, Oakland

The above is just a small selection of the myriad places of worship you will find in Oakland and the surrounding regions.

Buying or Selling a Home in Oakland, California
The diverse styles of housing make Oakland an exceptionally broad real estate market. My family has been doing business in the East Bay for generations, and I will make it my priority to help you find the Oakland home that perfectly matches your needs. If you are selling a home in Oakland, my years of experience as a realtor will enable me to help you realize maximum profits from the sale of your property. Email me or call me today at 510-339-0400, Ext.265 to learn how I can make selling or buying your Oakland home a pleasure.