Updated June 23, 2026

It is easy to look at a citywide Oakland housing headline and assume the entire market is moving in one direction. That is also a good way to misunderstand Oakland real estate completely.

Oakland is not one housing market. It is a collection of very different micro-markets, each with its own buyer pool, housing stock, price range, commute pattern, school considerations, architecture, safety perception, and neighborhood identity. A condo near Lake Merritt is not competing with a Craftsman in Glenview. A Rockridge bungalow is not being judged the same way as a fixer in a less walkable pocket. A Piedmont-adjacent home with strong curb appeal is not the same conversation as a downtown unit with high HOA dues and financing…

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This spectacular image is the representation of the completion of Oakland's Brooklyn's Basin that will be located on the city's waterfront next to Jack London Square.

Bringing new life and excitement to the city, the development will include the following:

a. Thirteen Buildings of Residential Housing -both high and low rise-for a total of 3100 units. 

b. Sixty to seventy percent of these units will be homes for sale, and be a mix of condominiums, live work loft spaces, townhouses, and luxury condos.  

c. Thirty of the sites 65 acres will provide a mix of retail shops and restaurants that will be combined with delightful public parks and walkways for both residents and visitors to enjoy.  To add to the waterside charm, there will be 200…

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Whether you have lived in Oakland or neaby Piedmont, there is a very good chance that you have not discovered all that Oakland has to offer you, and any family and friends that may be in town.  There is a wealth of things to do, no matter what your age.

The website VISIT OAKLAND is a source of amazing information about the city. The site is devoted to subjects like "Things to Do", "Places to Stay", "Where to Meet".  From there, you can decide which direction you want to travel.  As an example, it offers "101 Things To Do--Building Your Own Oakland Bucket List".  This is where the site really shines, because it highlights things you might not even know existed.  How about a learning to fly on a trapeeze at a circus school, or horseback riding in…

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 Oakland's historic Joaquin Miller Park located in the Woodminster area of Oakland, is a delightful place to hike, bicycle, picnic, or just enjoy the dramatic views of the San Francisco Bay area from it's hillside heights.  Most long term residents know that it is also the location of an amazing waterfall cascade that was built in 1941 as a waterfall feature of the 2000 seat Woodminster Amphitheater that is located directly above the falls.  Designed by Howard Gilkey, it was dedicated to California writers, one of who, Joaquin Miller, lived right in the Park area. 

As with any outdoor structure in a park, it needs attention and maintenance, and that is just what is planned for Saturday, August 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on site.  The…

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Actually, the question should be "Why not choose Oakland?". As a city, it's central location on the coast makes an ideal departure site for nearby San Francisco or busy San Jose.  It is short distance from scenic coastal towns like Monterey or Mendocino, or the nearby wine country of Napa and Sonoma counties.  
Looking for your own personal scenic views?

  feb_2009_044_400The hills above Oakland gives you a panoramic view in every direction. Enjoy water sports? The Oakland estuary offers everything from small kayaks to sailboat racing on weeknights, to the bright white Coast Guard cutters making ready for long offshore trips.
Enjoy mountain views?  The Claremont and Montclair neighborhoods have streets lined with ecalyptus, pine, manzanita and fir trees, causing you…

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Both the Oakland Zoo and The Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate have scheduled special events for Dad this weekend.  The Oakland Zoo has set aside the day to encourage family fun by declaring this Sunday,"Father's Day at the Zoo".  Dad will be allowed a free train ride through the zoo, and together the family can move through the site that houses more than 660 native and exotic animals, a wildlife theater, an African Savannah and Tropical Rain Forrest area, food, rides, and of course, the popular Children's Zoo, which is a favorite for everyone.  Make plans to attend this Sunday, June 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. The zoo is located off Highway 580 at 9777 Golf Links Road.  Here is a map of the zoo to help you plan your many activities for…

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While the Chabot Space and Science Center always has exciting things for nearby Oakland and Piedmont residents, these next few weeks promise more excitement as the Center prepares for the projected arrival of Comet ISON which is expected to trek around our sun in the near future. No matter what their age, children can be involved in learning about world of science and space.  Events include:

1. TYKE EXPLORER PROGRAM-Designed for 3-5 year olds, these Tuesday night presentations involve lessons from instructors, self-guided learning and hands on experimentation.  Advance registration is required, and this month's theme is "Flying Through Space".  There are three program presentation times scheduled each Tuesday to meet the needs of the little ones. …

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Every year, the delightfully titled "Boo at the Zoo" event attracts Oakland families to join in all kinds of Halloween fun centered around the zoo animals and the many scheduled Halloween themed events planned for zoo visitors-big and small.  

  Scheduled for BOTH Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the event promises a wealth of activities designed to  maximize contact, and provide information for the children about the animals.  An example is the Wildlife Theater Animal Encounter at 11:30 a.m., and 12:15 p.m.. In between these times is the Costume parade at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. with the Zoo's mascot Roosevelt joining in. All children 2-14 in costume will receive a free ride ticket. 

There are…

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While many Montclair homeowners travel to San Francisco by car and BART today, they had another option just under a century ago--The Sacramento Northern Railway (SNR).  Beginning in 1928, the SNR provided service for both passengers and freight, going from San Francisco through Emeryville and Oakland, and then through Montclair, and on into Contra Costa County. Montclair residents can conduct their own mystery tour throughout the area to locate the actual path of the train through the village.  Clues are still visible in some areas.  The first clue is what is called "Shore Line Pocket Part" at Thornhill and Moraga.  To get there, the line passed by Lake Temescal, came along what is now Highway 13, and crossed the impressive trestle built at that…

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Families in the Redwood Heights neighborhood can look forward to fun tomorrow night at the Redwood Heights Recreation Center. This Friday, September 13th (weather permitting), the center will be offering a Movie in the Park designed to appeal to all ages.  The movie is held in the park area next to the center, and is free of charge.  Previous movies have included "Spy Kids", "The Princess Bride", Brave, "The Lorax", and many more.  This week they are showing the very popular "Back To The Future".

Nearby Montclair and Oakmore homeowners are encouraged to join in as well.  The advice from the Recreation Center is to plan to dress warmly, bring your own food and lawn chairs, or, if you want to get into the movie mood, popcorn will be available for…

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