Oakland

This hip and entrepreneurial city is a hub of business and culture.

Welcome to Oakland

Vibrant city with many businesses and entertainment options

Oakland is a vibrant city on the east side of the San Francisco Bay with plenty of diversity in both its neighborhoods and population. This hip and entrepreneurial city is a hub of business and culture. Oakland contains around 50 neighborhoods with a huge variety of housing styles. Old Oakland features elegant Victorian architecture while other Downtown Oakland areas contain funky Art Deco towers and stylish contemporary high-rises. Upscale hillside and bayfront neighborhoods offer grand homes with stunning views. Other housing options include everything from classic bungalows and turn-of-the-century properties to masterpiece contemporary custom builds.

What to Love

  • Huge variety of housing styles 
  • Eclectic entertainment options
  • Diverse economy 
  • Sports stadiums and cultural venues

People & Lifestyle 

Oakland has a thriving economy with diverse businesses involved in many different industries. A port city with a large shipbuilding industry, Oakland also has hundreds of manufacturing businesses along with many firms involved in sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology. The city has a scenic bayfront and two large lake parks. From fine dining to hip nightlife spots, Oakland is packed with things to see and do.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping 

Oakland’s eclectic neighborhoods offer an almost endless array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. College Avenue in the relaxed Rockridge neighborhood features many independent local businesses. Rockridge Market Hall is your go-to for groceries. Inside, discover a curated selection of vendors with fresh seafood at Hapuku Fish Shop, organic fruit and veggies at Market Hall Produce, grass-fed non-GMO meats at Marin Sun Farms Butcher Shop, delicious bread and pastries at Market Hall Bakery, a great selection of European labels at Paul Marcus Wines, and gourmet meals at Market Hall Foods. At the corner of Market Hall, Oliveto is a chic Northern Italian dining destination with a rotating seasonal menu specializing in handcrafted pasta, housemade olive oils, and house-cured and spit-roasted meats. Other businesses along College Avenue include vintage stores, specialty shops, and international eateries. Zachary’s Chicago Pizza’s mouthwatering stuffed and thin-crust pies have been a College Avenue staple since 1983. Ramen Shop offers creative takes on traditional Japanese noodle bowls from three alumni of the famous Chez Panisse Restaurant in nearby Berkeley. Oakland’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States. Founded in the 1850s, this bustling district features a huge variety of restaurants and shops offering cuisine and imported items from China and other Asian countries. Just south of Chinatown on Fourth Avenue, Chop Bar is a rustic gastropub serving classic American comfort eats alongside draft beer and wine. Other standout Oakland eateries include Zagat-rated French-Californian fusion brasserie The Wolf on Piedmont Avenue.

Things to Do

Oakland is a vibrant city with lots to see and do. Grand Lake Farmers Market runs each Saturday with stalls selling fresh local produce, specialty foodstuffs, and handicrafts. Oakland Museum of California has a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits exploring art, history, and science. Popular outdoor recreation areas include picturesque parks surrounding Lake Merritt and Lake Temescal. Both parks feature scenic walking trails while Lake Temescal also has a beach and swimming area. Close to Lake Merritt, Children’s Fairyland is a popular attraction that was one of the main inspirations behind Disneyland. Fairyland first opened in the 1950s and has attractions including themed fairy tale areas, rides, and the United States’ oldest continuously operating puppet theater. Oakland Coliseum is the home ballpark of MBA’s Oakland Athletics and the former home of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. Oakland Coliseum also serves as a concert venue that has seen performances from legendary acts such as Metallica, U2, and Green Day. Right next to Oakland Coliseum, Oakland Arena was the long-time home of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and has hosted more Grateful Dead concerts than any other venue. The venue also hosts concerts from top touring acts, including past performers like Elvis Presley, Marvin Gaye, and Nirvana. Other events at Oakland Arena include WWE wrestling matches and Indoor Football League’s Oakland Panthers games. Jack London Square is a waterfront entertainment district featuring the San Francisco Bay ferry dock, shops, restaurants, and hotels. The square also has numerous historic landmarks, including the cabin where namesake author Jack London once lived in. Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon has stood on Jack London Square since the 1880s. The saloon’s name refers to its early status as the first and last port of call for sailors docking in Oakland. Oakland Zoo is a popular attraction that’s home to hundreds of animals, including baboons, camels, chimpanzees, elephants, hyenas, lions, and meerkats.

Schools 

Oakland is served by the Oakland Unified School District.

  • Emerson Elementary, Public, K-5
  • Montclair Elementary, Public, K-5
  • Peralta Elementary, Public, K-5
  • Thornhill Elementary, Public, K-5
  • Hillcrest Elementary, Public, K-8

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