Oakland is scaring me! (San Francisco, Alameda: where to stay, crime, house)

[snarkeyly]

So many people shot. I'm new to the area and it seems like several people are randomly killed each week. I don't know where to go and feel safe and where to stay away from.

Suggestions?

Thanks

[Haaziq]

From what natives tell me, about 80% of Oakland's killings are drug related, so when you take that off, you basically are left with the same amount of crime as most big cities. One person from Oakland also told me before that he felt safer in Oakland than San Francisco. Most of San Francisco's crime is committed against random people and tourists, whereas many of Oakland's murders are committed by people who know the victims.

[MissDaisy]

Originally Posted by Haaziq

From what natives tell me, about 80% of Oakland's killings are drug related, so when you take that off, you basically are left with the same amount of crime as most big cities. One person from Oakland also told me before that he felt safer in Oakland than San Francisco. Most of San Francisco's crime is committed against random people and tourists, whereas many of Oakland's murders are committed by people who know the victims.

That gives me much warmer and fuzzier feelings.....

just an observation....some of us from north of there have noticed that if the Oakland Raiders lose, the fans set their stuff on fire...if the Oakland Raiders win, the fans set their stuff on fire....

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by snarkeyly

So many people shot. I'm new to the area and it seems like several people are randomly killed each week. I don't know where to go and feel safe and where to stay away from.

Suggestions?

Thanks

Yep -- here's a link to the Oakalnd Crime map operated by the police CrimeView Community Incident Map

You can access what's going on and see where it's going on.

Also you need to be aware of your surroundings. Park in lighted areas, don't walk alone. Maybe take a self defense class so you don't feel as vulnerable. Learn what it takes to stay safe.

We've lived in Oakland for 23 years. 20 at our house in East Oakland flats. We've never seen or heard anything close by. We've heard gun shots, and we do know shootings rarely occur a few blocks away. But in the summer when it's warmer, we have no problem sitting in our living room with the front door open as we watch TV.

[18Montclair]

I swear the city of Oakland needs its own subforum.....simply for debunking myths and telling people what its really like. So funny the strange things that people say about Oakland-but dont worry folks, we're here to educate.

[MaggieZ]

I think Oakland has been villified so much, crime is in every city; the more people, the higher the crime rate. Percentage-wise it's probably the same as anywhere.
If you keep out of the not so favoured areas at night, you'll be fine. You can get mugged or hurt anywhere on earth. I don't think Oakland is such a bad place.

[krudmonk]

Stop reading the Chronicle.

[Alisande]

I just try to avoid Oakland. Do not get off any exit going into Oakland and hope your car doesn't breakdown.

[City Boy]

Originally Posted by Alisande

I just try to avoid Oakland. Do not get off any exit going into Oakland and hope your car doesn't breakdown.

I agree Oakland is like Bagdad but 10 times worse!! All 400 thousand residents are killers!!!! You better have a bullet proof Hum-vee to ride through here or you will be shot.

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by Alisande

I just try to avoid Oakland. Do not get off any exit going into Oakland and hope your car doesn't breakdown.

How would people get to Piedmont or Alameda if they couldn't exit the Freeway