Oakland, CA
Oakland · Alameda County · CA 94609
Updated August 16, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Think twice
Verdict
$1.2M
Median Price
81/100
Walk Score
5/10
Schools
19 min
to San Francisco
Score Breakdown
Our Take
Oakland’s 94609 offers great walkability and solid schools, but the high cost of living and moderate crime make it a tough spot for most families and first‑time buyers. It’s worth a look if you can afford the price and tolerate the noise and occasional safety concerns.
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The Good
- ✓Very walkable, bike‑friendly neighborhood
- ✓Top‑rated public schools in the area
- ✓Strong local food scene and nightlife
- ✓Proximity to downtown San Francisco (19‑min commute)
Real Talk
- !High cost of housing and rent; median home price over $1.1M
- !Moderate violent crime, including recent robbery incidents
- !Noise and traffic common in densely populated areas
- !Higher property taxes and insurance costs than many suburbs
- $Annual property taxes (~1.2% of home value)
- $Elevated homeowner insurance premiums due to flood zone considerations
- $Higher utility and maintenance costs in older homes
Best For
Risk Snapshot
Crime & Safety
Oakland, CA
Safety grade
5% higher than the national average
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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