Oakland is a big city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 412,040 residents. Oakland has a population density of 7,372 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Oakland identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 22% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Oakland, California. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Oakland and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the California and national averages.
With a livability score of 69/100, Oakland is ranked #7,186 in the United States and #251 in California. For each of the livability categories, we see that Oakland ranks very well for employment (B+). On a more negative note, Oakland does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Conveniently located amenities and interesting attractions are a great way to continuously enjoy Oakland on a regular basis. Knowing that there are an abundance of amenities and things to do can ensure that you always have access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Oakland: Oakland Zoo, Lake Merritt, and Jack London Square.
The Oakland unemployment rate (0.33%) has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth.
Assuming that Oakland meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Oakland. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Oakland are simply unattainable. The median home price for Oakland homes is $500,500, which is 22.3% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Oakland, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.7, which is 35.9% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Oakland | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 49.9% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 21.5% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 2.3% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.6% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.8% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
| Walk | Bike | Compact | Car | S.U.V. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | |||||
| Duration | |||||
| Cost/Month |
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