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Bella Vista

Bella Vista

$888,320 Average Value
$171 Average Price per Sq Ft
0 Homes For Sale

Close to downtown Oakland and affordable

The Buddha of Oakland is a 2-foot-tall statue that sits in a shrine at East 19th Street and 11th Avenue, about a half-mile from the neighborhood of Bella Vista in the city's East Lake area. Erected in 2009 by a longtime resident who was tired of the crime and trash accumulation near his home, the hope was that it would inspire residents to stop littering. It worked, and the statue also started receiving offerings of flowers and oranges from neighbors. This ripple effect of good can be felt throughout East Lake, so much so that the crime rate initially dropped 82% during the statue’s early days and has stayed relatively low. Bella Vista, for example, scores a 3 out of 10 on the CAP Index, a point lower than the national average. Bella Vista is also relatively affordable: "There's more entry-level housing here than in other neighborhoods," says Rich Fleming, the managing partner at Realty One Group Future and longtime Oakland resident. Homes here start at around $700,000, while in adjacent Cleveland Heights, similar homes start at over $1 million.
Bella Vista Park is the centerpiece gem of the the Bella Vista neighborhood close to downtown.
Bella Vista Park is the centerpiece gem of the the Bella Vista neighborhood close to downtown.
A row of beautiful single-family homes in Bella Vista come at competitive prices.
A row of beautiful single-family homes in Bella Vista come at competitive prices.
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Craftsmans, bungalows and an occasional Victorian

Houses date back to the early and mid-20th century and include Craftsman-style homes, bungalows and the occasional “Painted Lady” Victorian. Many have been updated with modern amenities while maintaining period details such as ornate trim, ornamental porches and bay windows. Homes often feature privacy fences in their small front yards, short driveways and the occasional garage. Tall trees dot the narrow, hilly streets and sidewalks are plentiful throughout the neighborhood, making it very walkable. Most homes have three or four bedrooms and can vary in price based on how much updating they need, with prices typically ranging from $700,000 to $1.4 million. Some larger houses have been converted into multiunit buildings; both these and single-family homes appeal to the 70% of renters in the community.
Stroll through Bella Vista and you will see several Craftsman homes.
Stroll through Bella Vista and you will see several Craftsman homes.
Some of the bungalows in Bella Vista are full of color and character.
Some of the bungalows in Bella Vista are full of color and character.
Bella Vista has several older fenced off homes that remain in excellent condition.
Bella Vista has several older fenced off homes that remain in excellent condition.
Some of the oldest homes in Bella Vista are the charming Victorian homes.
Some of the oldest homes in Bella Vista are the charming Victorian homes.
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Residents gather at Bella Vista Park, close to Lake Merritt

At the center of the neighborhood is Bella Vista Park. This family-friendly community space was renovated in 2006 after a long battle to secure the funds needed to transform it from a state of disrepair into the gathering spot it is today. It offers a playground where kids play on weekends, a community garden where residents grow vegetables and picnic tables beneath a canopy of trees. Nearby Lake Merritt is also a go-to for outdoor activities. "People like to walk the perimeter for exercise, and on weekends, it's common to see people picnicking and barbecuing," Fleming says.
The front gate to Bella Vista Park is a piece of art for the Bella Vista neighborhood.
The front gate to Bella Vista Park is a piece of art for the Bella Vista neighborhood.
Local kids love showing off their skateboarding skills in Bella Vista.
Local kids love showing off their skateboarding skills in Bella Vista.
Bella Vista Park has a community garden where residents can grow vegetables.
Bella Vista Park has a community garden where residents can grow vegetables.
For more outdoor activities for Bella Vista residents, Lake Merritt is just 2 miles west.
For more outdoor activities for Bella Vista residents, Lake Merritt is just 2 miles west.
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Shopping and dining in nearby neighborhoods

Some of the city's more interesting restaurants and bars surround the neighborhood. Along Fruitvale Avenue, La Perla serves authentic Puerto Rican dishes, and Shaan offers both north and south Indian cuisines. At the nearby Grand Lake shopping district, foodies flock to Café Romanat for Ethiopian dishes and Bardo Lounge, a supper club inspired by 1960s-era dinner parties, with retro menu items to match. Xochi the Dog Café is a popular neighborhood gathering spot. Lower Diamond, about a mile and a half away, has a Safeway, Farmer Joe’s and CVS. Highland Hospital is also nearby, giving residents quick access to medical care.
Bella Vista locals head east towards Lower Diamond to do their shopping along Fruitvale Avenue.
Bella Vista locals head east towards Lower Diamond to do their shopping along Fruitvale Avenue.
Locals in Bella Vista do most of their groceries at the nearby Farmer Joe's.
Locals in Bella Vista do most of their groceries at the nearby Farmer Joe's.
Bella Vista residents shop for essentials at CVS on Fruitvale Avenue.
Bella Vista residents shop for essentials at CVS on Fruitvale Avenue.
Nearby Bella Vista is La Perla Restaurant, which serves authentic Puerto Rican dishes.
Nearby Bella Vista is La Perla Restaurant, which serves authentic Puerto Rican dishes.
At Grand Lake, nearby Bella Vista, foodies flock to Café Romanat for Ethiopian dishes.
At Grand Lake, nearby Bella Vista, foodies flock to Café Romanat for Ethiopian dishes.
Xochi the Dog Café is a popular Bella Vista gathering spot for dog owners and visitors alike.
Xochi the Dog Café is a popular Bella Vista gathering spot for dog owners and visitors alike.
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Oakland High School gives students ways to get involved

The Oakland Unified School District serves the neighborhood and kids often start kindergarten at Bella Vista Elementary School, which has a C-plus on Niche and is walkable from many homes. After that, they head to the B-rated Edna Brewer Middle School and the B-minus-rated Oakland High. Oakland High offers clubs and organizations, including Computer Science Club, Anime Club and Gaming Club.
Bella Vista Elementary School in Oakland gets a 6 out of 10 on Great Schools.
Bella Vista Elementary School in Oakland gets a 6 out of 10 on Great Schools.
Edna Brewer Middle in Oakland has about 800 students enrolled.
Edna Brewer Middle in Oakland has about 800 students enrolled.
Oakland High School in Highland Terrace prepares students into a 4 year college.
Oakland High School in Highland Terrace prepares students into a 4 year college.
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I-580 close to the neighborhood

Interstate 580 is just a few blocks away, providing residents easy access to the rest of the Bay Area. Downtown Oakland is about 3 miles away, Berkeley is 6 miles and San Francisco is 13 miles. While Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit bus stops dot 13th Avenue and East 24th Street, public transportation within the neighborhood is less robust than in other Oakland neighborhoods, so most residents rely on their cars to get around.
Bella Vista residents take advantage of the many Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit bus stops.
Bella Vista residents take advantage of the many Alameda-Contra Costa (AC) Transit bus stops.
Bella Vista is connected to downtown Oakland just minutes away via the 580 freeway.
Bella Vista is connected to downtown Oakland just minutes away via the 580 freeway.
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Sara Huffman
Written By
Sara Huffman
Marcell Puzsar
Photography Contributed By
Marcell Puzsar
Tyler Belile
Video By
Tyler Belile

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Margie Morris, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Metro Oakland International

15 min drive

Bus

E 24th St & 10th Av

Bus

E 24th St & 12th Av

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Bella Vista US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Bella Vista Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$812,500
Median Sale Price
$812,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$812,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$171

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
247
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Median Year Built
1913
Months of Supply
0.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,527
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,434
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
835
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Margie Morris, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,246
Median Age
41
Population Density
25 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$107,500
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$126,789

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
79.3%
College Graduates
54.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.9%
% Population in Labor Force
80.9%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
22''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

56 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

70 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

57 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Bella Vista