What are the top zip codes in Oakland, CA, for new apartments?

The past decade in Oakland has been defined by a significant construction cycle, resulting in the completion of more than 12,800 new apartments spanning seven distinct areas. Understanding where these developments are concentrated can help apartment hunters find the ideal balance of urban energy, commuter convenience, and neighborhood character as they navigate this evolving market.

Where should you start your apartment search in Oakland?

Living in Oakland offers a culturally rich urban lifestyle with a distinct identity rooted in arts, music, and community diversity. The cost of living in Oakland is about 4% lower than the California state average and 35% higher than the national average, offering a comparatively more attainable alternative to San Francisco while maintaining easy access to the broader Bay Area economy and culture.

Here’s what you need to know about the neighborhoods where apartments are being built.

5,487 new apartments put zip code 94612 at the top of the construction list

Zip code 94612 added 5,487 new apartments, making it Oakland’s most active area for new residential development. The area covers downtown and the scenic perimeter of Lake Merritt, including the Uptown arts district and Chinatown.

Transit options are the city’s best, featuring the 19th Street and Lake Merritt BART stations, extensive AC Transit bus routes, and protected bike lanes on Telegraph Avenue. Major employers within walking or short commuting distance include Kaiser Permanente, Clorox, City of Oakland government offices, and various downtown law firms and tech startups.

Zip code 94607 added 2,294 new apartments

Zip code 94607 gained 2,294 new apartments, reflecting continued growth in West Oakland and the Jack London Square waterfront. This area balances a historic cultural heritage with modern redevelopments of former industrial corridors.

The neighborhood is exceptionally well-served by the West Oakland BART station, providing sub-10-minute access to San Francisco, as well as the Route 15 trolley nearby. Nearby job centers include the Port of Oakland, Old City offices, and downtown finance and professional services firms just a short transit ride away.

1,865 new apartments expand housing options in zip code 94606

Zip code 94606 added 1,865 new apartments, increasing rental options in historically underserved areas east of Lake Merritt. The zip code includes the vibrant Fruitvale district and offers access to major green spaces and cultural institutions.

Transit access centers on the Fruitvale BART station and AC Transit routes along the International Boulevard commercial spine. Center City jobs are 10–15 minutes away, while major employers reachable in roughly 15–20 minutes include Highland Hospital and various healthcare and education facilities throughout the East Bay.

Zip code 94609 delivers 1,383 new apartments

Zip code 94609 added 1,383 new apartments, placing renters in the heart of the trendy Temescal and North Oakland neighborhoods. This area is known for its walkable commercial districts and close proximity to major employment hubs. The area benefits from access to the MacArthur BART station, multiple AC Transit bus routes, and bike-friendly streets.

Nearby employment opportunities include the UC Berkeley campus, downtown Oakland offices, and the medical facilities clustered in North Oakland, allowing many residents to commute via bike or short transit trips.

999 new apartments grow zip code 94611’s inventory

Zip code 94611 added 999 new apartments, reinforcing its position as an established residential hub near Piedmont and the North Oakland hills. The area surrounds the Piedmont Avenue commercial district and offers a more residential feel with hillside views.

While the topography makes many parts of this zip code car-dependent, residents rely on AC Transit buses and nearby BART stations for broader regional access. Employment opportunities surround the area, with concentrations of corporate offices in downtown Oakland and Berkeley-based employers reachable within 15–20 minutes.

Top 5 zip codes for new apartments in Oakland, CA

* Total new apartments completed between 2015 and 2025.

Source:
RentCafe.com analysis of Yardi data as of July 2025

Oakland’s rental market remains resilient as steady institutional demand and spillover from San Francisco continue to drive multifamily performance across the city. Development has concentrated in submarkets offering strong transit access, walkability, and lifestyle amenities, supporting long-term renter interest in urban neighborhoods like downtown and West Oakland.

While new supply has entered the pipeline, consistent demand from the healthcare, education, and tech sectors has kept the market balanced. Ongoing economic diversification continues to reinforce Oakland’s position as one of the Bay Area’s most stable and dynamic rental markets.

Methodology

RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.

This study uses data from 2015–2025, with the ‘past decade’ referring to this period.