Rockridge

“Extreme shoppers and companions of extreme shoppers should be warned: walking Rockridge will easily swallow an afternoon.” (Visit Oakland)

Known for its shops, artisan foods, and beautiful homes, Rockridge is a well-established and desirable neighborhood at the foot of the hills in Oakland. Named for local rock outcroppings formed by the Hayward Fault, it is located northwest of Piedmont, northwest of the Temescal district, and east of the Bushrod district. The 24 Highway runs through the district. It is a 10 minute drive to Redwood Regional Park, an 11 minute drive to Lake Merritt, and a 12 minute drive to downtown Berkeley. The neighborhood has a BART station.

The Rockridge area is teeming with those shopping, eating, and drinking along College Ave, the main avenue that runs through the neighborhood. From antiques and vintage wear to salons, shoes to music, Japanese cuisine to pizza, College Ave has it all; even a Trader Joe’s. See a list of shops, restaurants, and services in Rockridge here. You will find a Safeway just south of the neighborhood at Broadway and 51st.

The popular, bustling Rockridge Market Hall at College Ave and Keith Ave offers a collection of gourmet stalls including produce, bread, meat, fish, and pasta. Sidewalk seating is available. It is definitely a neighborhood hub and weekend hang out spot.

Some of the most popular eateries in the area include Ramen Shop, Millenium vegan cuisine, Crepevine, and À Côté Restaurant.

Pegasus Books has been a neighborhood fixture in the neighborhood since 1971, and Diesel Books has now become East Bay Booksellers. The Rockridge Branch of the Oakland Public Library is a draw for neighbors as well.

Rockridge is home to the community-built Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt Park. “It is commonly known as Frog Park, for the acronym of the organization which helped build the park, called FROG, the Friends of the Rockridge Temescal Greenbelt. FROG was organized in 2001 and raised more than $100,000 from the community to create the greenbelt park. It includes two play structures built entirely by volunteers, linked by a landscaped path which follows Temescal Creek, winding from Hudson Street to Redondo and Clarke.” (Wikipedia)

Visit Oakland calls Rockridge “a lovely burby-like haven where Cal Berkeley grads come to live when they exit their 20s and start yearning for historic cottages, nice gardens, and an 86 walk score.” The “historic cottages” with nice gardens are indeed a draw to the neighborhood. The residential streets of Rockridge are teeming with big, beautiful homes mostly built from 1906-1920s. A few homes that were built in Rockridge in the 1880s still remain.

The Rockridge BART is the easiest way to San Francisco, and it will get you there in approximately 30 minutes. The NL transbay bus can get you there as well. There is also a casual carpool pick up at Hudson Street and Claremont Ave.

Rockridge is one of the most desirable neighborhoods to reside in within the city of Oakland. Between the stately homes, well-established streets, walkable shops and restaurants, and various commute options, Rockridge is a great choice.