DOWNTOWN / OLD OAKLAND / UPTOWN / LAKESIDE / CHINATOWN

This section of Oakland is bordered by West Grand Ave on the north, I-980 to the west, Lake Merritt to the east, and I-880 to the south. This area is the heart and soul of the city, with the majority of its major businesses located within its parameters.

While there are still a few single-family homes (largely Victorians) in these Oakland districts, most of the available housing within this area is made up of newer condos and apartments.

Downtown

“To say Downtown Oakland is eclectic and diverse would barely skim the surface of this melting pot. You’re just as likely to bump into a scholar, a Federal judge, a tech entrepreneur and a civil rights activist in a one-block area.” (VisitOakland.com) Oakland’s Downtown district has seen huge changes in recent years. Stores, businesses, bars, restaurants, and newer condos fill the area. Get your local gifts at Oaklandish and your coffee and tea fix at Awaken Cafe. Visit downtownoakland.org to learn more about the Downtown and Uptown sections of Oakland.

Old Oakland

Old Oakland is a historic district near Jack London Square. Here you will find Victorian buildings from the late 1800s. Swan’s Market, built in 1917, is a popular community gathering place in the neighborhood. The food market offers choices from Japanese to Mexican and more. Don’t miss Miss Ollie’s Caribbean-inspired delicious dishes!

Uptown

“Once a shopping district in the early 20th century, Uptown is the hottest neighborhood in Oakland.” (VisitOakland.com) The two behemoths in the district are the Paramount Theatre and the Fox Theater, both bringing world-class concerts and events to the neighborhood. The Paramount Theatre is a 3,040-seat Art Deco concert hall that was built in 1931. The Fox Theater is a former movie house built in 1928. It underwent a $75 million renovation and reopened in 2009. Oakland Ice Center, located next to the Fox Theater, offers lessons as well as public ice skating. The New Parish is another live music/event venue in the area. There are several bars and restaurants in the neighborhood - visit SF Eater to see their favorite picks.

Lakeside

Lakeside is a mostly residential area alongside Lake Merritt. Also called the “Lakeside Apartments District neighborhood, “ this district is characterized by a predominance of rent-stabilized apartments, mixed-use buildings, and a long history of regional mass transit connections serving its central location. ​ (Wikipedia) High-rise residential buildings offer great views of the lake. Lake Chalet and The Terrace Room are two popular dining options in the area. Snow Park, a 4.2-acre public city park, was once the site of the first Oakland Zoo, and recently went through an expansion. The Oakland Public Library is a six minute walk and the Oakland Museum of California (technically in the Civic Center district) is a five to ten minute walk away.

Chinatown

“Oakland Chinatown was settled in the 1850s, shortly after the gold rush. In 1906, the San Francisco earthquake and fire wrecked San Francisco Chinatown, causing thousands of San Francisco Chinese survivors to move to Oakland to rebuild their lives in the East Bay.” (VisitOakland.com) Oakland’s Chinatown is a busy, bustling district, with its shops, restaurants, businesses, and pedestrians. Visit Oakland.Chinatown.info to learn more about the district, including the annual New Year celebration.

San Francisco is a 30 minute ride from the 12th Street BART station. The SF Ferry station at Jack London Square is a 14 minute walk.

This area of Oakland is an evolving, vibrant part of the city, with new businesses setting up headquarters in Downtown and Uptown all the time. With its various public transportation options, newer residences, and bustling restaurant and bar scene, it is a popular place for those who want to live in the middle of the action.