Is the area along Lake Merritt safe? Would love to rent around there... (Oakland: apartment, homes)

[redhotoliveoil]

Hi forum! I'd love to know if the area around Lake Merritt is safe. I'd love to rent an apartment with a view and I'd like to fitness walk on the trail around the lake. But this single female can only consider this if the area is safe. Any thoughts? Is there a specific area or building you'd suggest? Thanks everyone!!!!

[bmw335xi]

You'll be safe during the day, but at night use caution. One of my cousin's friends (big guy) was mugged walking around Lake Merrit (but it was at night).

[jade408]

The Lake Merritt area is generally pretty safe.

You mentioned you wanted to live where the views were: I am assuming you mean a high rise?

Those high rises are on a quiet side of the Lake. There are lots of retirement homes/etc so there aren't many people walking around after dark. I generally think it is way too dark and deserted at night to stroll around by yourself. Heading into Adams Point, Grand Lake and parts of downtown are OK to walk around at night alone (but being aware).

I haven't walked around the area of Cleveland Heights at night, so I have no insight. (This is the area with the balconies facing the lake).

I am not sold on the Ivy Hill? Area of the lake? Basically the side where the Avenues run into the Lake. It seems sketchy.

[mayorhaggar]

Adam's Point (N. of the Lake) and Cleveland Heights (E. of the Lake) are probably the best bets. The area west of the lake is supposed to be better than it was a few years ago but it's still a little seedy feeling. The area SE of the lake is really sketchy once you go a few blocks away from the lake. During the daytime the lake feels safe, there's always tons of people out though there's often some annoying drunk sitting around somewhere. I dunno how it is at night but generally it's not a great idea to hang out in parks after dark in any big city, but it's up to you.

[daepro]

I live in Cleveland Heights very near the lake and run around it every morning. It is a wonderful neighborhood, filled with friendly folks. You will be happy and safe if you move to this community. You can even join us on weekly neighborhood walks called "feet on the street" to help make us feel even safer.

[Lilarn]

Originally Posted by redhotoliveoil

Hi forum! I'd love to know if the area around Lake Merritt is safe. I'd love to rent an apartment with a view and I'd like to fitness walk on the trail around the lake. But this single female can only consider this if the area is safe. Any thoughts? Is there a specific area or building you'd suggest? Thanks everyone!!!!

I wouldn't recommend it to a single female. It's not that safe

[redhotoliveoil]

Thank you everyone! I normally fitness walk in the early morning, around 6:15am. But I would be willing to switch to evening walks after work (around 6pm-ish) if early morning is not safe around the lake.

Now that I've pretty much ruled out renting in SF and have switched my focus to Oakland, I feel like there is so much more to consider. I really appreciate this forum and all of you who help me with all your information.

[ZhugeLiang]

Yes, I live here and it is plenty safe. I can walk around the area alone at night without any worries.

[ZhugeLiang]

Originally Posted by Lilarn

I wouldn't recommend it to a single female. It's not that safe

Compared to what? Irvine?

[OakAve2OakLand]

Originally Posted by daepro

I live in Cleveland Heights very near the lake and run around it every morning. It is a wonderful neighborhood, filled with friendly folks. You will be happy and safe if you move to this community. You can even join us on weekly neighborhood walks called "feet on the street" to help make us feel even safer.

Warning: thread poacher alert! I'll make it quick though, and it's germane to the topic:

Thanks for the info. I too have been very interested in the CH neighborhood...the biggest drawback IMO is that it seems to be further away from the BART stations. How long does it take to walk to BART from a typical Cleveland Heights flat? Which is the closest one: 19th St., or Lake Merritt station? Is there (safe) bike parking at either of those 2 stations? Is it (relatively) safe to walk from CH to the Lake Merritt station? Any thoughts on the safest route at night?

TIA!