Buying a house in East Oakland (Fairfield, San Leandro: broker, construction, live)

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by nowhereman427

I have seen it get worse and worse from the 80's to current. (traffic)
But at the same time I notice wherever I go I always must wait in line. Too many people where did they all come from?

It has to get worse since the projection is to build, build and build some more with infill and higher density.

Just drove in from Fremont on Mission and the traffic was nearly stopped/bumper to bumper Niles Canyon out Sunol way... no traffic to speak of from Sunol to Niles and very heavy on Mission all the way to Castro Valley.

[likealady]

Originally Posted by nowhereman427

But at the same time I notice wherever I go I always must wait in line. Too many people where did they all come from?

Yes, I am so sick of having to be on a "waitlist" for everything. Local events sell out super fast. Festivals in the city are always crowded. I don't think I'll ever get a chance to camp in Yosemite.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by likealady

Yes, I am so sick of having to be on a "waitlist" for everything. Local events sell out super fast. Festivals in the city are always crowded. I don't think I'll ever get a chance to camp in Yosemite.

Go to Yosemite and you will have more problems with people than with the bears.
Try to find a parking space when you go to those local events or I dare you ride public transportation as you won't get a seat.
You will end up like a packed sardine going and getting to your destination.

I gave up a long time ago. On weekends I stay in and don't go anywhere because I can't get anywhere because of all the traffic gridlock and lines.
They say we have so many events but its no good if you can't get to those events or it's too crowded or sold out. Enjoyment factor is ruined because too many fish in the tank.

The only way to get around is do things in off hours (anytime not during the commute hours) Even then it is still bad because of the overpopulation.

I get my gasoline at 4:00 AM. You wouldn't think that there would be a line or other people out that early but there are out there. It has got to be so ridicioulious in this respect.

It's getting worse and worse and price gouging is going on for everything because people have become so greedy so they raise their prices knowing they will get those prices.

Lately I have had problems of getting medical/dental appointments since doctors are booked up to full capacity.

Just like with food when you have too many people the resources dry up fast. In other words many times I have gone to restaurants only for them to be sold out because they are out of that dish (food). Sold out.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by Ultrarunner

It has to get worse since the projection is to build, build and build some more with infill and higher density.

Just drove in from Fremont on Mission and the traffic was nearly stopped/bumper to bumper Niles Canyon out Sunol way... no traffic to speak of from Sunol to Niles and very heavy on Mission all the way to Castro Valley.

So true ....welcome to the club.

[Oakformonday]

What does any of this have to do with buying a house in East Oakland. I presume the OP has moved on. LOL

[Ultrarunner]

I believe in living close to work...

Living in East Oakland has my "Commute" under 10 minutes... where as many of my co-workers spend hours in their cars to and from work.

The odd thing is they all at one time lived very close to work and it was their choice to move to Tracy, Mountain House, Livermore, Brentwood, Fairfield, etc...

The desire to own a never before lived in brand new home superseded having a short commute... within 2 to 3 years max they could no longer do it...

The wild card is should there be any trouble on the freeway... they end up late or very late and stressed arriving.

Geographically... Oakland really has a lot to offer for many that commute

[CityGuy88]

As an East Oakland native, part of me really wants to help the OP out and point him to some good neighborhoods/"hidden gems" in this section of the city. But, the other part of me hesitates to encourage him to move to the Bay Area when our traffic has gotten terrible, it's nearly impossible to get anywhere, and the region as a whole has gotten unbearably more crowded, not to mention East Oakland is among the last places working class people can even think about affording to live. I respect tech industry folks, but can't support them moving in when their presence usually means a relatively affordable area becomes completely unaffordable. Sorry, but the last thing we need here is more people.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by CityGuy88

As an East Oakland native, part of me really wants to help the OP out and point him to some good neighborhoods/"hidden gems" in this section of the city. But, the other part of me hesitates to encourage him to move to the Bay Area when our traffic has gotten terrible, it's nearly impossible to get anywhere, and the region as a whole has gotten unbearably more crowded, not to mention East Oakland is among the last places working class people can even think about affording to live. I respect tech industry folks, but can't support them moving in when their presence usually means a relatively affordable area becomes completely unaffordable. Sorry, but the last thing we need here is more people.

Well, you could look at his situation this way: if he doesn't come in response to a job opening, someone else will. Nothing will be gained by not helping the OP out. Except for your gentrification point. That's a good point. The inner Bay Area needs places where working-class people can afford to live. Richmond is pretty much the only other remaining option, and maybe Hayward.

[seekinghappiness2018]

Originally Posted by CityGuy88

As an East Oakland native, part of me really wants to help the OP out and point him to some good neighborhoods/"hidden gems" in this section of the city. But, the other part of me hesitates to encourage him to move to the Bay Area when our traffic has gotten terrible, it's nearly impossible to get anywhere, and the region as a whole has gotten unbearably more crowded, not to mention East Oakland is among the last places working class people can even think about affording to live. I respect tech industry folks, but can't support them moving in when their presence usually means a relatively affordable area becomes completely unaffordable. Sorry, but the last thing we need here is more people.

Fair point, on one side of the coin, gentrification creates wealth, better & safer neighborhoods which attracts more residents and commercial activity that benefits everybody. It also increase housing prices so that existing residents who choose to sell can cash in on their rapidly appreciating equity.

However, on the other side of the coins, displacement and housing affordability are both real issues that impacts middle and lower income residents deeply. However I think the rent control laws in areas like Oakland will ensure housing affordability for existing residents for many years to come.

The real solution lies in building more housing, which the Bay area is unable or unwilling to do (see the most recent defeat of SB827) so the wave of gentrification continues.

I'm going to take the great advice of the folks here and actually visit the area next week. I've got an AirBnb near the Fruitvale area and will take a drive down international all the way to San Leandro (along the proposed BRT line) to get a feel for the neighborhoods along the main trunk. I'll report back on what I decide to do.

Love all the discussion, sharing of experiences and thoughts by everyone here. I really appreciate all of the insights.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by seekinghappiness2018

Fair point, on one side of the coin, gentrification creates wealth, better & safer neighborhoods which attracts more residents and commercial activity that benefits everybody. It also increase housing prices so that existing residents who choose to sell can cash in on their rapidly appreciating equity.

However, on the other side of the coins, displacement and housing affordability are both real issues that impacts middle and lower income residents deeply. However I think the rent control laws in areas like Oakland will ensure housing affordability for existing residents for many years to come.

The real solution lies in building more housing, which the Bay area is unable or unwilling to do (see the most recent defeat of SB827) so the wave of gentrification continues.

I'm going to take the great advice of the folks here and actually visit the area next week. I've got an AirBnb near the Fruitvale area and will take a drive down international all the way to San Leandro (along the proposed BRT line) to get a feel for the neighborhoods along the main trunk. I'll report back on what I decide to do.

Love all the discussion, sharing of experiences and thoughts by everyone here. I really appreciate all of the insights.

Good luck with BART