Why Live in Grand Lake
Grand Lake, an established neighborhood in Oakland, features a variety of home styles, including Craftsman, bungalow, Spanish-style houses, and a few Victorians, with many homes dating back to the early 1900s. The area is densely populated, with median lot sizes around 4,700 square feet. Lake Merritt, just south of Grand Lake, is a major attraction with a 3-mile trail, tennis courts, kayak rentals, manicured gardens, and playgrounds. North of the neighborhood, the Morcom Rose Garden spans 8 acres with thousands of exotic roses, reflecting pools, and ornate staircases. Grand Lake's main avenues are lined with local shops and restaurants, including Bardo Lounge & Supper Club, The Star on Grand, and various coffee shops and burger joints. The vintage Grand Lake Theatre shows first-run movies and features a Wurlitzer Organ. Residents can shop at stores like Walden Pond Books and Trader Joe’s, and enjoy the Grand Lake Farmers Market every Saturday at Splash Pad Park. The neighborhood is well-connected with multiple bus routes and proximity to Interstate 580, though the freeway contributes to noise pollution. Downtown Oakland is about 2 miles away, and Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center is 1.5 miles away. The area is walkable and bikeable, though hilly terrain and limited parking can be challenging. Oakland Technical High School, a highly rated institution, serves the neighborhood, offering specialized academic pathways in various industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Lake a good place to live?
Grand Lake is a good place to live. Grand Lake is considered very walkable and bikeable with good transit options. Grand Lake is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Grand Lake has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 31.2 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $139,247 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 69.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Grand Lake are renters, with 70.4% of residents renting and 29.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Grand Lake can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Grand Lake neighborhood guide.
Is Grand Lake, CA a safe neighborhood?
Grand Lake, CA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Grand Lake?
The median home price in Grand Lake is $315,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $63,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,630 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $70K a year to afford the median home price in Grand Lake. The average household income in Grand Lake is $139K.
What are the best public schools in Grand Lake?
The best public schools that serve Grand Lake are:
What are the best private schools in Grand Lake?
The best private schools that serve Grand Lake are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Grand Lake, Oakland, CA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Grand Lake, Oakland, CA?
Are home prices dropping in Grand Lake?
Yes, home prices in Grand Lake are down 12% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Grand Lake, CA
On average, homes in Grand Lake, Oakland sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Lake, Oakland over the last 12 months is $303,000, up 38% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$303,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$303,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$2,490,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$374
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Last 12 months Home Sales
45
Median List Price
$315,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
38%