Oakland, CA apartments for rent

The vibrant, multicultural port city is known for its progressive activism. It recently experienced tremendous upheaval as mortgages skyrocketed. 

How big is Oakland?

As the Bay Area’s third-largest city — right after San Francisco — it boasts half of the area’s population. 

Where is Oakland located?  

Oakland is 5.2 miles from neighboring Berkeley, Calif., and 12.3 miles from San Francisco. Sacramento is 81.9 miles away, while Oakland is 370.3 miles from LA via Interstate 5. 

What is the weather like in Oakland?

The city’s Mediterranean climate is a huge draw, as the city’s temperatures are usually 10°F higher than those in San Francisco. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 72°F, while the lowest is January with an average temperature of 45°F. The city experiences nice weather year-round.

What are the pros of living in Oakland?

The booming cultural scene, desirable location, overall livability and affordability (it’s cheaper than Berkeley and San Francisco) make Oakland quite desirable. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants in the world. 

What are the cons of living in Oakland?

The high level of traffic congestion and expensive public transportation options are some of the major drawbacks of living in Oakland. 

Is Oakland a diverse city?

As a city known for its political and sexual progressiveness, it’s no wonder that Oakland’s population is quite diverse. Specifically, its residents are around 34% Caucasian, 25% African American and 18% Asian, and they speak a total of 125 languages. The city has regularly been voted the most ethnically diverse place in the country. It also features the largest number of artists per capita.

How much does public transportation cost in Oakland? 

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system has been voted one of the best transportation systems in the U.S. and goes through Oakland. However, it is quite expensive, with a one-way ticket from Oakland to San Francisco costing around $3.90, depending on the length of the trip. AC Transit provides local public transportation options. A ticket for adults is also costly at $3, on average. 

How much does a meal cost in Oakland? 

The city features a booming, diverse restaurant scene and was named Best Food City by USA Today in 2015. An average three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $60, on average. 

How much do utilities cost in Oakland? 

Basic utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment in Oakland cost $159.30, on average.

Oakland Housing Statistics

Where to work in Oakland? 

The city is home to the fifth-busiest airport in the country and is slowly but surely becoming a tourist destination in its own right, paving the way for hospitality and service industry jobs. Oakland Unified School District and Kaiser Permanente are the top employers in the city. There are also many government and healthcare jobs, along with opportunities in tech, as well, since Uber bought the Sears Building in the downtown core with plans to open offices.

What good schools are there in Oakland? 

The College Preparatory School and Head-Royce School are some of the top private educational institutions. Education is of paramount importance, as more than one-third of Oakland’s residents have bachelor’s degrees.

What are the top colleges in Oakland?

numerous community colleges serve the city, including Merritt College and Laney College. Samuel Merritt University’s nursing program’s graduates also staff local hospitals and the school is highly regarded in the East Bay Area.

Oakland Employment Statistics

Oakland Education Statistics

Oakland Household Statistics

What free attractions are there in Oakland? 

Off the Grid nights feature music and food trucks at the Oakland Museum of California. Meanwhile, Walk the Invisible City features 37 markers around the downtown core and is designed to make you contemplate Oakland’s people and history. 

What are the best places for outdoor activities in Oakland? 

Nearby Redwood Regional Park offers fantastic options for hiking and camping, as well as enjoying a picnic. 

What historic attractions are there in Oakland?

The beautifully restored Fox Theater features shows off famous comedians and touring music acts, like The Kills. 

What food is Oakland known for? 

The buzzing Oakland food scene offers an abundance of dining options and is famous for its vegetarian/vegan eateries, like Millennium Restaurant. The Ramen Shop serves Hokkaido miso ramen, while Burma Superstar is known for its heavenly Burmese food. Chop Bar — the rustic-chic gastropub located near Jack London Square — serves delicious breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner. Round Table Pizza is also a must for every avid pizza-lover. 

What sports teams play in Oakland? 

The city is home to world-class professional baseball (Oakland As) and football teams (Oakland Raiders). The Golden State Warriors basketball team relocated to San Francisco in 2016. 

What events is Oakland known for? 

The Lunar New Year Bazaar held in February, the Oakland Pride Festival taking place in September, and the Black Cowboy Parade in October are some of the city’s most prominent annual events.

What to know about renting in Oakland?

In accordance with California Law, landlords need to provide habitable space to residents and must give tenants the RAP (the “Notice to Tenants of the Residential Rent Adjustment Program”) at the beginning of their tenancy. Rental increases are set by RAP, which is overseen by the Housing and Community Development division of CEDA. And, because the local rental real estate market is quite competitive, potential tenants are advised to be on time for rental appointments and present themselves in the best light. Specifically, fill out the application honestly and completely, and do everything in a timely manner to impress the landlord.