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City

Oakland

#29 in Best Cities for Millennials in America
  • B+
    Overall Grade
  • City in California
  • 284 reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    C
  2. Crime & Safety
    C-
  3. Housing
    D+
  4. Nightlife
    A+
  5. Good for Families
    B-
  6. Diversity
    A+
  7. Jobs
    C+
  8. Weather
    A+
  9. Cost of Living
    D+
  10. Health & Fitness
    A+
  11. Outdoor Activities
    A
  12. Commute
    A
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Oakland is a city in California with a population of 412,040. Oakland is in Alameda County. Living in Oakland offers residents an urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Oakland there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Oakland and residents tend to be liberal.
About Oakland...
Population
412,040

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$500,500
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$1,189
National
$949
Area Feel
Urban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    60%
  • Own
    40%
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Oakland Rankings

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

Oakland Neighborhood Map

  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges

    Crime & Safety

    Crime & Safety
    C-
    Based on violent and property crime rates.
    Violent Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Assault
      617
      283
    • Murder
      20
      6
    • Rape
      68
      41
    • Robbery
      724
      136
    Property Crimes
    • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
    National
    • Burglary
      682
      500
    • Theft
      3,330
      2,043
    • Motor Vehicle Theft
      1,623
      284
    Home Security Options for Oakland
    Learn More
    • 24/7 Whole home protection with no contract
    • CNET Editor’s choice winner 2018

    Residents

    Diversity
    A+
    Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
    Median Household Income
    $57,778
    National
    $55,322
    Children
    17%
    Education Levels
    National
    • Master's degree or higher
      17%
      12%
    • Bachelor's degree
      22%
      19%
    • Some college or associate's degree
      25%
      29%
    • High school diploma or equivalent
      16%
      28%
    • Less than high school diploma
      19%
      13%

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    Oakland Reviews

    284 reviews
    All Categories
    Oakland is a diverse, resilient, and vibrant community. The city’s love for art and social justice is evident- there are murals on every block! Folks instill the beauty and power of art into their children and build social gatherings around it (i.e. Oakland Art & Wine Festival, Mural Festivals, Art Walks, and more!). It can be expensive to live here. The Tech Bubble has yet to burst, and unfortunately many Natives are slowly being pushed out farther and farther into the East Bay. Still, the folks who remain here aren’t going down without a fight. They support local businesses and they care deeply about EVERYONE in their city. They are the nicest people you will ever meet.
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    Oakland CA had gotten worse over the years. It is un safe most hours of the days due to serious gun violence.Not only is it dangerous, but very unhealthy. People in my area suffer from unhealthy lifestyles due to no healthy food options around them, or safe parks for their children to play at. The scenery is nothing great unfortunately. The litter in Oakland is disturbing, and the amount of homeless on the street are heartbreaking. People are on the street because California is so expensive! It breaks my heart to mention all the negatives about my home town. Positives are also throughout the city like the EOYDC youth group for kids and teens. Organizations like this see the problem of our city, and try to guide, and teach kids how to be leaders and change things around. The city has its good people who try and make a difference in our community, and be the Oakland we know it can which is safer, healthier, and overall better.
    Oakland is growing and changing each day! I grew up in Oakland and have lived here nearly my whole life after coming over from the Caribbean Islands when I was just a baby. I have seen Oakland change and bloom into what some people would now call a mini San Francisco. Full of diversity and innovation, delicious food and fun adventures. Whether you're going to the Oakland Museum's "Off the Grid" Friday nights or visiting way up in the hills at the Oakland Zoo, you can always find something fun to do with the family or for date night! Don't forget about that nearly perfect weather year round. What more can you ask for?