Firstly why Oakland, California?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Oakland
• State: California
• Population: 433,031 people
• Oakland’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culture, and the historic Oakland Coliseum.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 30,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 18,000 annually
• Net Migration: 12000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 5,000
• Number of Homeless people: 4,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a rich cultural scene and job opportunities attracting various residents

Perk #1: Oakland Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $97,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Oakland is $93,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-4000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Oakland’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 175 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $7,451
• Property Tax %: 1.12%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,300
• Rent for an average house: $3,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Rockridge
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Alameda, and probably could include Emeryville
• Avg. Age of Homes in Oakland: 73 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Oakland’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Oakland are  Healthcare, Education, and Technology
• Oakland Job Scene: stable job market primarily in healthcare and transportation
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech scene focused on social innovation, health tech, and education technology
• Oakland Resident’s pay $2,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Oakland: 10.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 350 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 29

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Oakland

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $180 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-880 runs through Oakland connecting it to various Bay Area cities
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy evening traffic on I-880
• Transportation Score: 78 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Oakland: 60,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.1
• No. of Car Washes: 10 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Oakland: dmv.ca.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 72 of 100
• Local Airport: Oakland International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Oakland’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Oakland is best described as experiences mild winters with cool temperatures and warm summers with occasional fog
• Winter Weather in Oakland i’d describe as cool with frequent rain
• Spring Weather in Oakland can be described as mild with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Oakland are mostly cool with fog
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Oakland is usually cool and foggy
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 19 days in summer
• Days in a row in Oakland below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 25 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban pollution
• Oakland Winter Air mixed air quality impacted by urbanization and port activities

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Oakland Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Oakland 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Oaklands’s city limits are 5
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Oakland Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Oakland Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Oakland only Doctors is about 350
• Local Hospitals here is  12
• Full-time Oakland only Police Officers is about 600
• Crime Rate Index: 75/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Oakland’s Monthly utility bill average is $220
• Oakland’s Monthly Gym Membership: $75
• Oakland’s Water Quality Score: 80

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Oakland

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 15 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban area known for its diversity and cultural richness
• You might enjoy concerts at the Fox Theater
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Oakland  offers a rich nightlife featuring live music venues bars and restaurants showcasing local talent

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Oakland

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes diverse ethnic cuisine and local favorite restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 100 scattered around Oakland
• The Popular Sports Team is Golden State Warriors
• Top Level Political Climate in Oakland can be described as progressive stronghold focused on social justice and community issues
• Oakland’s Longer standing religious establishment is Oakland Peace Center

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Oakland Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Oakland has 70 Parks?
• Jack London Square is Oakland’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Oakland Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and picnicking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Oakland Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Oakland can be described as busy urban area with a strong artistic community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Oakland exploring parks community sports activities local fairs
• The Cities people commute to from Oakland are San-Leandro 5 miles away Emeryville 4 miles away Berkeley 6 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Oakland or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy evening traffic on I-880. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Oakland’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Rockridge is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Oakland are San-Leandro 5 miles away Emeryville 4 miles away Berkeley 6 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 75 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Oakland has 0 days in a row below freezing and 19 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Oakland people have an average (positive or negative) $-4000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   4,000 homeless people living in Oakland. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general progressive stronghold focused on social justice and community issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Oakland.

Retiree & Senior Life in Oakland

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may enjoy property tax exemptions helping offset housing costs
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Piedmont Gardens
• Oakland Senior Center offers social activities meal programs and health resources for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Oakland, California?

If Oakland, California ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Oakland, California, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!