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Jonathan Garcia
qa
Is public transit usable in Oakland?
The median home value here is around $297,300, which seems about average. Am I wrong here?
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Zoe W.
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Henry P.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much competitive but now it's tough.
31 upvotes
atlheart2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a project manager who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
true_nevaeh8
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Abigail M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 8 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Victoria W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is excellent in most areas.
19 upvotes
Adeline Brown
I've lived in North for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Elizabeth K.
great question, following
15 upvotes
Peyton Ramos
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Austin it's surprisingly good.
14 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
wish I knew this sooner
14 upvotes
Theodore Morales
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are excellent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Fairview for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are excellent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Logan Lopez
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
4 upvotes
Declan W.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The safety is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
1 upvotes