Northern California is filled with intriguing cities, but few are as multicultural, ethnically diverse and complicated as Oakland. Located in the Bay Area, just six miles from San Francisco, Oakland is the busiest port in Northern California, and the fifth busiest in America. On top of this excellence in trade, Oakland also boasts storied professional sports teams and stadiums, including the Oakland Raiders and the Golden State Warriors, a rich history of political activism, and an insistence on sustainable, renewable and green energy practices for its residents and companies. Crime continues to plague Oakland, from rampant property crime to more disturbing violent crimes in specific neighborhoods, but the city across the way continues to grow, improve and reach for greatness while embracing its incredibly desirable individuality.
Oakland, CA is a great place for affordable rent-to-own homes! With a median household income of over $80,143 and a median rent of $1,539, the Oakland, CA rent-to-own market is more affordable than the traditional housing market which has shown tremendous growth across the U.S. and with it, aggressive competition for home purchases. With the current housing shortage trend it can make it harder to become a homeowner, including in Oakland, CA. This means higher than average down payments for homes and higher qualification standards for conventional home loans. With a rent-to-own property, tenants are also buyers. You can live in the house for a set amount of time before you purchase it, meaning that you get to know the house, your neighbors, and your community before making the final purchase. This enables you and your family to make the right choice based on both information and experience. Rent-to-own is also a great alternative way to get into a home if you have bad credit or don't have enough saved for a down payment.
Oakland, CA is seeing rapid growth and Oakland, CA's' housing market remains not optimal with an average home price that is 236% above the 2023 national average. Oakland, CA is part of Alameda county and taxes are an important factor to consider when purchasing a home whether through rent to own or a traditional purchase. The average tax rate as of 2023 for county Alameda is 0.68% which is below the national average, which is 0.99%.
Housing Statistics When searching for a new home, condo or property in Oakland, it's vitally important to consider the neighborhood when comparing prices and amenities. The median house or condo price in Oakland in 2011 was $419,200, which is elevated over California's median cost of a home. Because of the high prices, rent to own homes may prove more attractive to new buyers looking to take advantage of the growing housing market. Unfortunately, vacancies are low. The current percentage of home vacancies rests around 1.9 percent, with rental apartment vacancies looking more appealing at around 4.6 percent. Overall, the percentage of owned homes is 57 percent, rented is 42 percent and vacant is 1.9 percent (not including rentals).
Local Sports Oakland is a particularly athletic town, with several professional sports teams playing in the city. The Oakland Raiders were founded in 1960, and excusing a 12-year stint in Los Angeles, have been playing in O-Town ever since. The home games are held at the Oakland Coliseum, they same stadium that hosts the Oakland Athletics Baseball team. As for basketball, the Golden State Warriors play their games at the Oracle Arena, located at the bottom edge of the city's borders.
Local Shopping Oakland is rife with excellent shopping, from boutiques of both independent and high-end designers to chain stores, thrift shops and an endless list of charming mom-and-pop businesses featuring everything from clothing to home decor to pet supplies. Jack London Square has several big chain retail shops, including Bed, Bath and Beyond and Cost Plus World Market. Rockridge has numerous charming salons, sustainable clothing stores and jewelry shops, such as Christensen Heller Gallery. Lake Merritt has everything from Moonstar Florist to Oaklandish clothing store.
Neighborhood Guide Oakland has an extensive neighborhood system, with over 50 distinct districts. There are some general areas that residents refer to when speaking of Oakland's neighborhoods that cover several more specialized areas, and they give an accurate idea of what life is like in those parts. It's important to research the neighborhood well before considering buying up property, as each location presents very real advantages and disadvantages. Certain neighborhoods have especially high crime, while others boast excellent school systems. Many others are notably "green" or focused on political activism. Cultures are very diverse in this area, and a few blocks can make the difference between up-and-coming and unsafe at any hour.