5 Best Neighborhoods in Oakland for Families

Oakland is a major city in the U.S. state of California. It is the county seat of Alameda County and the Oakland metropolitan area’s largest city. Oakland is a charter city of California, meaning that it has a city charter that lists Oakland’s rights, powers, and responsibilities as a city. A mayor and a city council govern the city. The current mayor is Libby Schaaf. Oakland is home to four professional sports teams: the Oakland Raiders (NFL), the Oakland Athletics (MLBA), the Golden State Warriors (NBA), and the San Francisco Rush (AFL). Oakland is also home to several colleges and universities, including Mills College, California College of the Arts, Laney College, and Samford University. Oakland is a popular tourist destination due to its many attractions, including the Oakland Zoo, Oakland Museum of California, and Lake Merritt. The city is also home to a growing arts and culture scene, with numerous art galleries, performance venues, and festivals. Oakland is a diverse and vibrant city with something to offer everyone.

If you are planning to move to Oakland, California, with your family, you will want to choose a neighborhood that is best suited for your needs. Oakland is a large city with many different neighborhoods, each with its unique character.

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Let’s look at some of the best Oakland neighborhoods for families.

1. Cleveland Heights

Cleveland Heights is a neighborhood located in Oakland, California. The neighborhood is situated on a hill overlooking the city of Oakland and San Francisco Bay. Cleveland Heights is a diverse community with a mix of residential and commercial properties. There are several parks and green spaces in the neighborhood and a variety of shops and restaurants. The community is also home to several schools, including Cleveland Elementary School and Cleveland High School. Cleveland Heights is an active community with many events and activities throughout the year.

Top-Rated Schools

• Cleveland Elementary School
• Bayhill High School

Things to Do In Cleveland

• On the Lake Merritt Trail, the exercise by walking, jogging, or cycling along the water.
• Attend a cooking session, join your children in an after-school program, or browse through books at Oakland’s Lakeview Branch of the Public Library.
• Investigate the playground, attend community events, or work on your basketball skills at FM Smith Recreation Center.
• Grand Lake Kitchen serves delicious French Toast for breakfast and bubbly beverages by the bottle.
• At the down-to-earth Rooz Cafe, you may wake up with an Americano and a Hummus Bagel Sandwich.
• Leaning Tower serves unique pizzas like the Pear Special Pizza or Detroit Style Pepperoni.
• Order a round of drinks at Baggy’s By the Lake, where the on-tap brews, homey atmosphere, and pleasant regulars provide a genuine dive bar experience.

• Median Home Price: $552,700
• Median Rent: $1,312
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault- 132.4
  • Murder – 12.3
  • Robbery – 32.4
  • Burglary – 223.4
  • Theft – 1,456.2
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 142.5

Also See: Largest Cities in California to Move to

2. Temescal

Temescal is a neighborhood in Oakland, California. It is located in the northwestern part of the city, near the Berkeley border. Temescal is known for its diverse population and eclectic mix of businesses. The neighborhood is home to many independently-owned shops and restaurants and several art galleries and performance venues. Temescal is also home to a large community garden, which provides fresh produce to residents and helps to beautify the neighborhood. In recent years, Temescal has become one of the most desirable places in the Bay Area, thanks to its vibrant culture and convenient location.

Top-Rated Schools

• Park Day School
• Emerson Elementary School

Things to Do In Temescal

• Swimming lessons or a swim for your children at Temescal Pool are excellent options. Take a ceramics course or learn how to paint at Studio One Arts Center.
• 1-2-3-4-GO! Records is a local record store where you can find obscure vinyl. On rare occasions, 1-2-3-4-GO! also holds in-store concerts.
• Temescal Brewing Company is fun and laid-back, with brews like the Temescal Hazy IPA or Cat Nap Blonde Ale to sip on in a comfortable atmosphere.
• At Clove & Hoof, order a Classic Cuban with Fried Brussel Sprouts for dinner.
• You may mix and match your favorite sushi rolls at Kansai, from Dragon Rolls to the house specialty Kansai Roll.
• Homeroom Mac + Cheese is a restaurant that specializes in revamping the classic macaroni meal with several options, including the Pizza Mac.
• At Arthur Mac’s Tap & Snack, enjoy a plate of Buffalo Hot Wings in the neighborhood beer garden.

• Median Home Price: $600,733
• Median Rent: $1,289
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault- 138.4
  • Murder – 16.4
  • Robbery – 38.5
  • Burglary – 229.6
  • Theft – 1,420.5
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 149.6

3. Bushrod

Bushrod is a neighborhood located in North Oakland, California. College Avenue bounds the neighborhood to the south, MacArthur Boulevard to the north, Bushrod Park to the east, and Grove Street to the west. Bushrod is adjacent to the campuses of both UC Berkeley and Mills College. The neighborhood is named after Colonel Bushrod Rustin, who served in the Mexican-American War and was one of Oakland’s first settlers. Bushrod Park is a centerpiece of the neighborhood and contains numerous recreation facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a basketball court. The Bushrod branch of the Oakland Public Library is also located within the park. The neighborhood’s commercial district is centered on MacArthur Boulevard and features a variety of shops and restaurants. Bushrod is also home to several churches and schools, including Oakland Technical High School.

Top-Rated Schools

• Sankofa United Elementary School
• Peralta Elementary School

Things to Do In Bushrod

• Bushrod Park is located at the edge of town and has courts, a basketball court, and Pickleball courts where you may practice your tennis swing or play pickleball.
• The Bushrod Park Community Garden encourages gardeners to get involved in the community. Support your neighborhood by contributing to the Bushrod Park Community Garden’s produce gardens.
• At the long-standing European Books & Media, you may discover books and audiobooks worldwide.
• At White Horse Bar, a gay-friendly institution in Oakland, you may dance the night away.
• Start the day with a cup of espresso and a delectable pastry from the delightful Earthly Coffee.
• Nick’s Pizza serves up a slice of Spinach & Mushroom Pizza, cooked “Oakland-style.”
• Authentic Ethiopian cuisine like a Bilen Plate or Shrimp Tibs prepared with care at Shewat is a must-do.

• Median Home Price: $612,055
• Median Rent: $1,270
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault- 312.5
  • Murder – 19.2
  • Robbery – 255.4
  • Burglary – 236.3
  • Theft – 1,501.1
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 1,024.3

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4. Redwood Heights

Redwood Heights is a neighborhood located in Oakland, California. The neighborhood is east of Redwood Regional Park and west of Skyline Boulevard. Redwood Heights offers residents a suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. In Redwood Heights, there are a variety of parks and green spaces nearby for residents to enjoy. Redwood Heights offers residents a suburban feel, and most residents own their homes. Redwood Heights is home to several businesses for shopping and dining, including Safeway, CVS Pharmacy, and McDonald’s. Redwood Heights is a great place to live for those who want to be close to Oakland. It is a safe and family-friendly neighborhood that provides residents with easy access to amenities and nature.

Top-Rated Schools

• Redwood Heights Elementary School
• Edna Brewer Middle School
• Oakland Technical High School
• Skyline High School

Things to Do In Redwood Heights

• Take a course or workshop at Anasa Yoga to establish yourself and strengthen your community bond.
• Learn to fly fish or improve your skills at the practice pond in George E. McCrea Memorial Park’s Oakland Casting Club.
• Introduce your youngsters to the performing arts by enrolling them in dance, music, theatre lessons, and other Kids ‘N Dance programs.
• Visit the RBA Creative collaborative art space and learn how to participate in a gallery show or produce your work.
• At Phnom Penh House, you can snack on Lemongrass Pork Ribs, Curry Tofu, and other genuine South Asian dishes.
• Prepare to be amazed by the flavors of Poblano Mambo and a slice of Funghi Deluxe, which you can get from the Fist of Flour Pizza Company food truck.
• At Everett & Jones BBQ, you can dance the night away while listening to live music and stuffing your face with finger-licking barbecue.
• Get your fish on at Fountain Garden, where Chinese dishes like Prawns with Curry Sauce or Sweet & Sour Rock Cod Fillet are certain to please.

• Median Home Price: $630,583
• Median Rent: $1,289
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault- 315.4
  • Murder – 22.1
  • Robbery – 198.3
  • Burglary – 221.5
  • Theft – 1,432.4
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 1,253.5

See Also: Best Neighborhoods In Oakland For Singles And Young Professionals

5. Grand Lake

Grand Lake is a neighborhood in Oakland, California, named for the nearby Grand Lake. It sits at one of the lake’s western edges. It is considered Oakland’s largest body of water and one of the state’s largest natural lakes. Today, Grand Lake is a thriving community with a diverse population. The area is home to numerous businesses, including small shops and restaurants, and hosts annual events, such as the Grand Lake Farmers’ Market and the Oakland Dragon Boat Races. Grand Lake is home to many restaurants, cafes, shops, and a farmers’ market that takes place every Saturday. The neighborhood is also home to Oakland’s Chinatown, one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States. Grand Lake is a vibrant community with something to offer everyone.

Top-Rated Schools

• Grand Lake Montessori
• Glenview Elementary School

Things to Do In Grand Lake

• Take a stroll through the Morcom Rose Garden, which has a variety of rare roses in bloom from May to October.
• Left Coast Power Yoga offers a wide range of yoga classes for all ages and fitness levels.
• Spend a fun day at the Farmer’s Market, where you may purchase fresh fruits and veggies while your kids relax in the water features at Oakland’s popular Splash Pad Park.
• If you don’t feel like eating, go for a stroll around the beautiful Mandana Plaza.
• At Heart & Dagger Saloon, unwind and enjoy great cocktails in a cool yet comfortable environment.
• Ladyfingers Bakery serves delectable sweets, including Carrot Cake, Cheesecake, and other desserts.
• The Star On Grand’s classic Chicago-style Pepperoni Pizza is worth a try.
• At Grand Oaks Restaurant & Sports Lounge, you can get a Ribeye Steak cooked to your liking and Fish & Chips.
• Bobb’s Fine Food, on the other hand, has a limited menu of sandwiches. If you’re in a hurry and crave something salty, stop by Rico Rico—one of Oakland’s finest Mexican restaurants—for Tacos Al pastor or Chile Relleno.

• Median Home Price: $630,583
• Median Rent: $1,289
• Crime Rate: (Calculated annually per 100,000 residents)
  • Assault- 321.1
  • Murder – 25.5
  • Robbery – 176.4
  • Burglary – 232.4
  • Theft – 1,339.2
  • Motor Vehicle Theft – 1,314.2

Conclusion

Oakland is a great place to live for families. It has a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique atmosphere and amenities. Oakland is also home to many top-rated schools and a variety of things to do. When it comes to choosing the perfect Oakland neighborhood for your family, it is important to consider your budget and your family’s needs and preferences. With so many great Oakland neighborhoods to choose from, you will find the perfect one for your family.

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Also see: 8 Most Expensive States to Live in | Top National Movers in the USA

FAQs

What are the best Oakland neighborhoods for families? 

Some of the best Oakland neighborhoods for families include Grand Lake, Glenview, and Dimond. These Oakland neighborhoods offer a variety of amenities, top-rated schools, and things to do.

What is the cost of living in Oakland? 

The cost of living in Oakland is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. It is 49% higher than the national average. However, Oakland is still cheaper than many other cities in California.

What are the top-rated schools in Oakland? 

Some of the top-rated schools in Oakland include Grand Lake Montessori, Glenview Elementary School, and Oakland Technical High School.

How can I find an Oakland neighborhood that fits my budget? 

When searching for Oakland neighborhoods, it is important to consider your budget. Oakland has a variety of neighborhoods with different price points. You can narrow down your search and find the perfect Oakland neighborhood for your family by considering your budget.

What are some things to do in Oakland with kids? 

There are many things to do in Oakland with kids, such as visiting the Oakland Zoo, taking a walk through the Morcom Rose Garden, or swimming at one of Oakland’s many beaches. Oakland is a great place for families and offers a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained.