19 Popular Oakland Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Oakland in 2024

Chinatown, often called ‘Oakland Chinatown’ to avoid confusion with San Francisco’s Chinatown, is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the US. There’s a wonderful mix of specialty stores, markets, restaurants, and cafes. There are many cool events that take place throughout the year including Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Oakland Chinatown Streetfest. Chinatown has a variety of older single-family Victorian homes as well as more modern apartment buildings.

The Coliseum neighborhood, situated in the south of Oakland, is located near the Oakland Arena and RingCentral Coliseum, allowing you to enjoy a concert or baseball match there. Additionally, the area boasts a selection of parks and delightful eateries. It’s also conveniently located near a BART station and is a walkable neighborhood with a Walk Score of 72. Coliseum has a great range of housing options, whether you’re looking for older or modern housing. You can find apartments, condos, townhomes, single-family homes, and apartments.

The Dimond District consists of two distinct areas – Upper Dimond and Lower Dimond. With both Dimond Park and Peralta Creek Park in the vicinity, it’s a great place for nature lovers and those who enjoy a leisurely stroll. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and eateries in the neighborhood, making it the perfect destination for foodies. If you’re searching for a great place to walk around, Upper Dimond has plenty of shops and eateries, while Lower Dimond is also highly walkable. The single-family homes in Dimond District are often Craftsman-style bungalows, but you can also find modern townhouses, apartment complexes, as well as co-ops.

Downtown Oakland is home to it all – vibrant culture, award-winning restaurants, and spectacular concert venues. You’ll find landmarks like the Oakland Museum of California, the Fox Oakland Theatre, and the Paramount Theatre. It also borders Lake Merritt, so you’ll have some remarkable lake views. There’s plenty to do whether it’s trying a new cuisine, checking out a park, or exploring the historic streets. Unsurprisingly, Downtown Oakland is the most walkable neighborhood, with a Walk Score of 98. It’s also a fantastic area for biking, and there are over 20 bus lines that run through the area. Downtown Oakland has plenty of historic buildings and homes. Some have been converted into apartments, but you can also find modern high-rise apartments as well.

Fruitvale is a vibrant neighborhood with much to see and do. Throughout the year you can check out events like the Indigenous Red Market, the Cinco de Mayo festival, and the Dia de los Muertos festival. You’ll find everything from taquerias and food trucks to amazing bakeries and ice cream. Make sure to stop by the Fruitvale Public Market to get a taste of this neighborhood. Not to mention, Fruitvale has a great Walk Score of 95. It also has lots of public transit options, and you can bike through the area easily. Fruitvale has a variety of housing options – single-family homes, multifamily homes, apartments, duplexes and triplexes, and condos.