Longtime lurker here, I grew up here but left for a while. Household incomes average around $97,369 in Oakland. It's a a mid-size city city with about 438K people. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thoughts? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Ethan
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
John Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Gabriella B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 58, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Fairview and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
All Countries
