Apartments for Rent in Oakland, CA
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Living in Oakland, CA

Oakland is one of the hottest housing markets in the country, because of its desirable location and overall livability. It’s still cheaper than San Francisco or Berkeley. You can find some of the world’s best restaurants in the area and there’s a booming cultural scene.

However, its current renaissance has not impacted all residents or areas equally. There is a high level of violent crime, amongst the highest in the U.S. Commuting to San Francisco can be a drag in the car and expensive via BART. Still many people are willing to forgo these negatives and are helping to revitalize the area.

Oakland has regularly been voted the most ethnically diverse area in the entire United States, with around 34% Caucasian, 25% black or African American, and 18% Asian. Its residents speak 125 languages. Oakland, CA also has the largest number of artists per capita, even more than New York, and has a tradition of political and sexual progressiveness.

Oakland, CA employment & economy

Jobs in Oakland are plentiful in many sectors. Oakland has the fifth busiest port in the U.S. There are also a lot of government and health care workers, with the Oakland Unified School District and Kaiser Permanente being amongst the area’s top employers. Tech is hot too, as Uber has bought the Sears Building in Downtown Oakland with plans to open offices. Oakland is becoming a tourist destination in its own right, so hospitality and service industries are also booming.

Education in Oakland, CA

Education is of primary importance to Oakland residents, as more than a third of its residents have bachelor’s degrees. Sadly, the Oakland Unified School District has many underperforming schools, predominantly in its poorer neighborhoods. More affluent residents send their kids to private schools in Oakland like The College Preparatory School and Head-Royce School.

There are several community colleges in Oakland, including Laney College and Merritt College. Samuel Merritt University’s nursing program is well regarded in the East Bay and many of its graduates staff area hospitals.