Chip Johnson: Oaklanders enjoy life, aren't obsessed with crime (San Francisco: crime rate, house)

[18Montclair]

A first glance, I wondered if Chip Johnson, usually a perennial rain cloud, had hit his head or something? LOL In any event, this column is spot on. We might not obsess with crime, but it is a major issue to lots of people in town and until we can overcome it, will remain a stain on our reputation regardless as to how sophisticated and trendy other parts of the city are. But still, I do appreciate the column.

Oaklanders enjoy life, aren't obsessed with crime - SFGate

[jade408]

I think this quote is pretty telling:

"They all want to move to Oakland because it's affordable and ethnically diverse, and that's very important to them."

I am starting a new job in the mid Peninsula next week. I ran into a neighbor, and we were talking about it. She casually commented and said, "you could move over there it is a nice town." And I told her I didn't really want to move there. And she said, I understand, I love living here. I like that Oakland is mixed and not snooty.

*she is a white woman in her 60s and has been living in my neighborhood for the past ~10 years, after moving from south bay.

[dragontales]

Good article.

[Stephen1110]

It's not surprising. Oakland is the punching bag, the fall guy, among Bay Area cities.

Perhaps the judgments heaped on the city are generational, or class-based, but not everyone in or out of Oakland feels such disdain for the city.

For many reasons, I get this....

She also said there's another side of the city - the violent side - that remains a mystery to her...

Oakland residents are quite concerned about crime, but they are not consumed by it. They weather the difficulties and manage to let the good times roll.

and this is a reality for many Oaklanders

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

And the article ends like this:

"Oakland's critics do have one thing right, though, and it is undeniable: Crime has dogged residents and prevented Oakland from its rightful spot as one of the Bay Area's prime locations and destinations.



Until that changes, the city's high crime rate will continue to hold Oakland's reputation hostage."

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by NoMoreSnowForMe

And the article ends like this:

"Oakland's critics do have one thing right, though, and it is undeniable: Crime has dogged residents and prevented Oakland from its rightful spot as one of the Bay Area's prime locations and destinations.



Until that changes, the city's high crime rate will continue to hold Oakland's reputation hostage."

Yes, but reputation is one thing, reality is another thing.

[Natural510]

One could argue that reputation is what helps maintain its character and not completely pricing out those who make it appealing, like its neighbor across the Bay.

[Stephen1110]

Many of Oakland's residential neighborhoods are swanky and exclusive. Its hillside enclaves resemble forest preserves with unobstructed views of the night sky you will not see in most cities.

Coincidently, after reading this I tuned in to an episode of House Hunters on HGTV and watched a San Francisco couple move to the Oakland Hills, seeking out exactly what Johnson writes in the above quote.

Charles and Jay Look For a Mid-Century Home With a View in the Oakland Hills : House Hunters : Home & Garden Television

[Gentoo]

If I were to move back to the Bay Area, I really only seem to enjoy Oakland. No other city has the combination of diversity, weather and down to earth attitude that Oakland has.

[Caltovegas]

It all comes down to money.