I Get that Oakland is NOT the safest but does that change if... (Alameda: loft, condos)

[loren1983]

You were to live right on the water on the outskirts? I ask as we may be moving to work for a major company there and I'd really like a short commute for a change. In past situations (like living in Miami) we found that if we lived directly on the water in a nicer building/highrise that it was not at all the same as living in Miami proper. WOuld you say that holds true for Oakland as well or not? Or should we totally write it off and deal with a commute. Being on the water is key for us.

Thanks SO much.

Loren

[dragontales]

Which body of water are you referring to?

[DocGoldstein]

Depends. The water area near the Coliseum is industrial, run down, and just overall gritty.

The water area near Jack London Square is touristy and relatively safe.

So it depends, like dragontales is implying.

[sav858]

Your best bet would probably be Alameda, just across from Oakland and a very short commute. It's safe and on the water. Lake Merritt is another option but that's a pretty small body of water.

[Natural510]

It changes depending on the neighborhood, like any other city. Write it off completely, if you prefer suburbia.

[bigdumbgod]

If you go up to the hills, you'll find nice neighborhoods, and have a great view of the Bay and the cities. Not far from the water, either.

[Gentoo]

As BDG said, you're never too far from the water in Oakland. The thing with being right by the water is the majority of Oakland's "waterfront" areas are industrial although there has been some gentrification in spots. The majority of the shoreline in Oakland is part of a narrow strip of water erroneously referred to as an estuary here (it's really a sound). The majority of what's near the open bay is part of the airport or the port.

Beyond that, there are neighborhoods in Oakland one should avoid. However there are many wonderful and beautiful neighborhoods as well. I live in Maxwell Park which is beautiful and very neighborly. We are right next to Laurel which just had a music festival and now has banners announcing the street fair next month. You will hear a lot about Rockridge which has a lot of cool shops and boutiques but also nice quiet streets.

[mayorhaggar]

Other than the Jack London Square area I can't really think of any areas of Oakland that are on the bay and that are pretty nice and not industrial or seedy. There are some new loft condos south of the Fruitvale BART station which seem nice but the area around Fruitvale can be dicey. Alameda is right over the bridge from downtown Oakland and is definitely really nice, I'd mainly look at it as a place to live.

[DocGoldstein]

I think Alameda is a good suggestion. There are even watersport options.

[loren1983]

Thanks again, you guys rock as always. I considered Alameda but am concerned about getting annoyed with not having easy access to grocery stores, Target, regular everyday needs since its a bit isolated. To us, "water" is key...and by water I mean a good view and access to some type of beach for walking. Doesn't have to be full ocean even though it would be nice, but I am guessing that that would mean a much longer commute for me and I don't want that again. I looked at the Allegra/o and the Landing on Jack London Sq but they sounded a little sketchy--ie, lots of students, noise, etc. I can handle some degree of noise as I live right next to an Amtrak/Metra track right now but our current apts are pretty good with interior insulation noise control. You just get the "window noise" and don't hear your neighbors at all, which we love. Also, some of the apts on the water in Alameda look a tad run down. We don't want to pay over 3k for a 2bd a month and have a big dog, but would like a place with some ammenities and not 70s. I also looked at Emeryville and parts of Berkely but was surprised at how few apts there seem to be on the coastline opposite SF. I figured with access to waterfront it would be full of apt options. And, I have to do all this remotely (which I've done before) so its important I do the right thing upfront. Have a great holiday All.

LC