City Center-Oakland is at the heart of all the urban action. After Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's new company leased office space here, surrounding restaurants and small businesses followed. While the pandemic caused a lot of small businesses to shut down, things have been looking up in the past few years. The urban energy of City-Center Oakland has never been brighter, with a surrounding lifestyle scene that exudes downtown living. “City Center has a fair amount of nightlife around plus great restaurants, and it has excellent access to the BART station for a commuter train into San Francisco,” says Rich Fleming, a realtor and broker of Realty ONE Group Future who has lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years. “It’s an area that is usually really focused on singles, young couples and those interested in more of the social scene and entertainment aspect. That’s why you live in this area.”
Office towers line the southern edge of City Center-Oakland.
City Center-Oakland's urban parks bring out skateboarders and bicyclists.
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Within walking distance of trendy restaurants and bars
City Center has many dining options, including Roasted and Raw, a vegan eatery with healthy plant-based bowls and Oaklandia Cafe and Bakery, which specializes in lattes and croissant-style sandwiches. The Brazilian restaurant, Rio California, overlooks Preservation Park with palm tree-shaded patio seating. Along 12th and 13th Streets are even more establishments, including Bagel Street Café, Sidewalk Burger and Penelope, an artsy bar serving hand-crafted cocktails. Just a short few blocks south is another popular dining hub, with places like District Oakland for small plates paired with whiskey offerings and Horn Barbecue, known for its brisket and pulled pork. “It’s one of the best places in the city. You’ll see regulars here every day,” says Tianti Richardson, an Oakland native and leasing manager at Domain Oakland. Nearby Swan’s Market is an upscale food court that has a small farmers market on Fridays, while less than a mile north on Bay Plaza is a Whole Foods. Broadway Street, which borders City Center, features local shops, including the retail store, Oaklandish Downtown and the Oakland Flower Market.
City Center-Oakland's Cafe Rio California's most famous dish is the Jerk Chicken.
City Center-Oakland's bar Penelope serves delicious craft cocktails in a warm atmosphere.
City Center-Oakland residents enjoy their morning coffee at Awaken Cafe and Roast.
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City-style parks and historic Victorian home plazas
Preservation Park is a step back into Oakland in the early 1900s. This historic section is home to preserved Victorian homes with a central fountain and seating areas for taking in the park’s timeless appeal and well-landscaped grounds. Lafayette Square Park is just outside the district and features open green spaces. Directly north is Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, located in front of City Hall, with even more grassy areas, benches and a small amphitheater for community events. Jack London Square, a marina and waterfront sector, is a few miles south for a taste of the dock life described in Jack London’s autobiographical novel Martin Eden. The area also features launching docks for kayaking and jogging and trails. A few miles east is Lake Merritt, a popular spot for walking and biking with scenic lakeside views.
Preservation Park is a shady oasis in City Center-Oakland.
City Center-Oakland residents can meditate in Frank Ogawa Plaza.
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Contemporary condos with luxury amenities
Although the area is primarily a commercial district with many apartment options, there are a few luxurious, contemporary-style condo buildings, including 901 Jefferson and Landmark Place Condominiums. These condos feature two bedrooms with modern, luxury interior amenities. Prices range from $500,000 to $700,000, with homeowners' association fees typically around $500 per month.
City Center-Oakland's modern condominiums make up the majority of housing in the neighborhood.
City Center-Oakland's condominiums are trendy modern architecture.
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Public schools with a Fashion, Art and Design Academy
Students may attend M. L. King Jr. Elementary School, which gets a C-rating from Niche, followed by the C-minus Westlake Middle School. The A-rated Oakland Technical High School has a strong athletics program and features a separate campus for its Fashion, Art and Design Academy.
A colorful mosaic adorns the front of Lincoln Elementary School in City Center-Oakland.
Westlake Middle School has about 300 students and is located next to City Center-Oakland.
Oakland Technical High School is the oldest high school in the Gaskill establishment in 1914.
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Steps from the BART Station and public bus stops
Highway 980 runs along the west side of the neighborhood linking City Center to the rest of Oakland. The 12th Street/Oakland BART Train is within walking distance of any residence in the neighborhood. This allows for easy access to San Francisco and the Oakland International Airport, which is located nine miles south. Multiple public bus stops are also throughout the area, while the 13th Street Commons provides a car-free, walkable and bikeable plaza sector that stretches several blocks, starting at Preservation Park.
City Center-Oakland's BART station connects the neighborhood ot the rest of the Bay Area.
City Center-Oakland is bordered by the 980 freeway.
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Museum events and nearby shows at the Fox Theater
The African American Museum and Library and the Museum of Children's Arts with a monthly calendar of rotating exhibits, children’s programs and activities, are right in City Center. The nearby Fox Theater in Uptown hosts big-time musical performances throughout the year, while the nearby Frank H. Ogawa Plaza frequently has free pop-up workout classes and dance sessions on the lawn.
City Center-Oakland is Home to the African American Museum and Library.
Zebop! a Santana tribute band, plays at the Summer Sounds event in City Center-Oakland.
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
Welcome to this southeast-facing 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit in the heart of Downtown Oakland, offering abundant natural light and stunning views of the city and Lafayette Square. The spacious living room provides a bright and airy setting for relaxing or entertaining. The primary suite features a walk-in closet and en-suite bath. The modern kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, and
Welcome to Domain Oakland, a premier community of contemporary downtown Oakland apartments offering an unparalleled amenity package and close to Uptown, City Center and Lake Merritt. Our Oakland luxury apartments are available in studio, one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans with options for live-work lofts, and dual-level penthouse style layouts. Within select apartment homes, you’ll find
One-bedroom in distinctive Victorian-influenced architecture building completed in 2004! Located across from Preservation Park, Landmark Place offers style, comfort and convenience. This sunny 1 bedroom unit has gorgeous finishes throughout! Conveniently located near the Federal and State buildings, as well as City Hall. Landmark Place has easy access to 980/880/580/80, Berkeley, Emeryville, Bay
Welcome to Eleven Fifty Clay Street brand-new apartments in vibrant Uptown Oakland. Choose from studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom homes featuring designer finishes, luxurious flooring, and stunning city views. Relax with friends on our 16th-floor rooftop deck with spectacular San Francisco skyline vistas, gather around the cozy firepit, or enjoy our pet-friendly plaza. Ideal for remote work,
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Lindsay Mandjek,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,150
Median Age
38
Population Density
28 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$143,951
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$174,859
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.7%
College Graduates
78.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
22''
Average Winter Low Temperature
45°F
Average Summer High Temperature
73°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
90/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
97/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
88/ 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.
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.
