OK so I'm originally from Salt Lake City and Household incomes average around $162,862 in Oakland. Crime rate is something to consider -Oakland sits at 38.5 per 100K. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Should I be concerned? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Easton Ramirez
bump
40 upvotes
Brielle W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Kaylee M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Levi Campbell
it depends on the neighborhood
27 upvotes
Jose Peterson
yeah no that's not right
25 upvotes
Alice Gomez
yeah no that's not right
23 upvotes
Claire Carter
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Sophia Torres
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Seattle about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Peyton Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Alice Roberts
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
5 upvotes
Roman Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 47, moved here 11 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Fairview and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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