Portobello Condos for Sale | Embarcadero West, Jack London Square
Portobello is Oakland's only resort-style waterfront condominium community — and the first residential development ever built in Jack London Square. Spread across six buildings at 1–7 Embarcadero West directly on the Oakland Estuary, the 200-unit community combines a marina, swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, and sauna with estuary views, the SF Bay Trail at the front door, and walking distance to the Oakland Ferry Terminal. For buyers seeking waterfront condo living in Oakland at a price point well below comparable San Francisco product — and with amenities that most Oakland buildings simply cannot match — Portobello stands alone.
Search Portobello Condominium Listings
Community Overview
Portobello occupies approximately 10 acres along the Oakland Estuary at Embarcadero West, between the Ferry Terminal and the Brooklyn Basin development to the east. The community's six low-rise buildings are connected by open-air breezeways with vintage wood plank decking — a design that gives Portobello a relaxed, resort-like character distinctly different from the high-rise condo buildings that define much of Oakland's waterfront. Front doors open off the breezeways, and estuary-facing units on upper floors have unobstructed water views toward Brooklyn Basin and beyond.
The 200 residences are predominantly 1- and 2-bedroom units, many with private patios or balconies. Three penthouse units sit at the top of the community. Ground-level parking garages are incorporated into each building, and elevators provide access to all floors. Shared laundry facilities are available on-site. Night-time security patrols the grounds.
Amenities
Portobello's amenity package is unlike any other Oakland condo community. The marina is the headline feature — Oakland's only resident marina within a condo development, offering a direct connection to the Estuary and the Bay for boating residents. The swimming pool, hot tub, saunas, and tennis courts complete an outdoor amenity set that reflects the community's original resort design concept. A fitness center, clubhouse/meeting room, and professional landscaping round out the package. The SF Bay Trail runs directly in front of the property, giving residents immediate access to miles of waterfront walking and biking along the Estuary.
Pricing & Market
Portobello is one of Oakland's most affordable waterfront condo options, with recent sale prices ranging from approximately $200,000 to $260,000 at a median price per square foot of around $420. The combination of lower pricing, waterfront location, and resort amenities makes Portobello a compelling value — particularly for first-time buyers, investors, or buyers who prioritize lifestyle and location over interior finishes.
Units vary in condition: some have been fully updated with contemporary kitchens and finishes, while others present renovation opportunities at a lower entry price. The building's open-air breezeway design and estuary-facing orientation are permanent assets that transcend any individual unit's finish level. Buyers comparing Portobello to other Jack London Square condo options will find it offers the most direct waterfront positioning and the most extensive outdoor amenities at the lowest price point in the submarket.
Location & Transit
Portobello's Embarcadero West address places it at the waterfront heart of Jack London Square, steps from the Oakland Ferry Terminal with direct service to San Francisco's Ferry Building (approximately 30 minutes). Lake Merritt BART is approximately 0.4 miles away — making Portobello one of the most transit-accessible waterfront addresses in the East Bay. The Amtrak station is directly across the street, providing service south to San Jose and north toward Sacramento. I-880 is blocks away, connecting residents to the Bay Bridge, South Bay freeways, and the broader East Bay highway network.
Jack London Square's waterfront restaurants, bars, Sunday farmers' market, and year-round events are all within easy walking distance. Downtown Oakland and Chinatown are a short walk or bike ride to the north.
Why Buy at Portobello
Portobello occupies a category by itself in Oakland real estate: a waterfront community with a marina, resort amenities, and direct Ferry access — at pricing that starts well under $300,000. No other Oakland condo development combines estuary frontage, a resident marina, pool and tennis courts, and walking distance to BART and the Ferry Terminal at this price point. For buyers who have been priced out of San Francisco waterfront living or who simply want more waterfront lifestyle per dollar, Portobello is the answer.
The community's low-rise breezeway design, wood plank decking, and mature landscaping create a neighborhood feel within the complex that taller glass-and-steel buildings cannot replicate. Long-term residents who have watched Jack London Square evolve over the decades consistently cite the sense of community and the estuary connection as what keeps them here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Portobello located?
Portobello is located at 1–7 Embarcadero West in Oakland's Jack London Square district, directly on the Oakland Estuary. The Oakland Ferry Terminal is steps away; Lake Merritt BART is approximately 0.4 miles to the north; and Amtrak is directly across the street.
How many units are in Portobello?
Portobello contains 200 condominiums across six low-rise buildings, including three penthouse units. Most residences are 1- and 2-bedroom layouts, many with private patios or balconies and estuary views.
Does Portobello really have a marina?
Yes. Portobello includes a marina as part of the community, making it Oakland's only residential condo development with on-site marina access. The community also includes a swimming pool, hot tub, saunas, tennis courts, fitness center, and clubhouse.
What is the price range for Portobello condos?
Recent sales have ranged from approximately $200,000 to $260,000, with a median price per square foot of around $420. Portobello is among the most affordably priced waterfront condo communities in the Bay Area. Contact Bruce for current active listings and recent sale comparables.
What is the commute like from Portobello to San Francisco?
The Oakland Ferry Terminal is steps from Portobello's front door, with direct service to San Francisco's Ferry Building in approximately 30 minutes. Lake Merritt BART is approximately 0.4 miles away for BART access. By car, I-880 provides immediate Bay Bridge access.
How does Portobello compare to other Jack London Square condo buildings?
Portobello offers the most direct waterfront positioning and the most extensive outdoor amenities — marina, pool, tennis courts — of any building in the Jack London Square condo market, at the lowest price point. Buildings like The Ellington offer luxury high-rise amenities at a higher price. Portobello's appeal is resort lifestyle and waterfront character at an accessible entry price.
Work With Bruce Wagg
Bruce Wagg has represented buyers and sellers at Portobello and across the Jack London Square waterfront market for years. With 200 units and consistent turnover, Portobello sees more transaction activity than most Oakland waterfront buildings — and Bruce knows which orientations, floors, and floor plans offer the best value at any given time.
Call Bruce at (669) 202-8888 or use the contact form below to explore current Portobello listings.