For decades, the Bay Area has been a dream for many homeowners, but when it comes to locating a property on the water bank, most people instantly think of San Francisco. It's easy to understand why, given the city's thriving IT sector, extensive art scene, and lively culture. However, San Francisco isn't the only wonderful bayside community.
More people have moved to nearby rooms and apartments for rent Oakland in recent years. This burgeoning neighbourhood is giving San Francisco a run for its money on every level, particularly with residences like Fourth Street East. Here are five reasons why Oakland is a great place to live in the Bay Area, apart from San Francisco.
- The location is exactly right.
Oakland is direct across the bay. Although it may appear to be a long trek from the lively downtown, the BART transportation system actually provides residents with quicker access to the city than those who live uptown. The stations are less congested, getting to them does not require weaving through busy streets, and the trip has fewer stops along the route.
In fact, BART is so close to Oakland that you don't even need to drive to get to a station. Locals park their cars at home and walk to their destinations, sometimes taking the train to and from the city whenever they choose. At the same time, inhabitants are closer to Berkeley's culture and entertainment thanks to the same transit.
When you combine the ease of mobility with the wonderful weather in the Bay Area, the benefit becomes evident. Even better, Oakland isn't prone to the city's temperature-dropping fogs. What else could you want?
- The housing market has been reduced in price.
Rent in the city is exorbitant, which should come as no surprise to anybody who lives in California. Even at exorbitant costs, an excellent home is difficult to find. In terms of housing, San Francisco is the western equivalent of New York.
On the other hand, Oakland, on the other hand, has remained remarkably affordable for a Bay Area neighbourhood. Throughout the last decade, the median rent has stayed $1,500-2,000 lower. For the same price as a tight studio in the city, you may have plenty of space and no roommates across the harbour, which is wonderful news for many.
- There are many jobs available.
San Francisco is well-known for being a thriving tech hub with plenty of career opportunities. But did you know you could get the same thing in Oakland? Seven of the town's businesses topped Forbes' list of America's top 100 fastest-growing corporations.
The IT and media businesses are following young talent across the water and establishing permanent offices within the city limits. Pixar and Pandora, as well as the 3D printing behemoth Fathom, is among the most well-known companies.
The relevance of small businesses is also emphasised in the local community. Local products and services are significantly favoured over corporate behemoths, providing entrepreneurs with a significant competitive advantage. The Sustainable Business Alliance, run by the local charity Oakland Grown, provides substantial assistance to small businesses ranging from brewers to grocery store owners. Whatever your business, Oakland provides a plethora of options for you.
- Art and culture are extremely popular.
Oakland is just as varied as San Francisco, with many different nationalities coexisting in one cosmopolitan metropolis. This mingling of cultures provides the area with a rich ethnic atmosphere as well as the creative energy for which California is known. That mix results in multicultural cuisine, a plethora of festivals, and art culture that matches SF in every aspect.
On practically every street in this bayside neighbourhood, there is something for everyone, from high-end art galleries to pop-up collectives and performance spaces. Building walls are covered in brilliant graffiti, and pop-up galleries take place throughout the year. Locals say they receive their inspiration from the ambience of Oakland itself, which is formed by the rich mix of people that live here.
Oakland's veins are filled with creativity, whether it's a canvas painting or a culinary dish. That's on equal footing with, if not better than, the art scene in San Francisco.
- The land rules are green.
Both Oakland and the West Bay have made significant efforts to make the Bay Area even more environmentally friendly than in previous years. Their effort has been dubbed a "green revolution," and it has inspired numerous other sections of California to follow suit.
Oakland's efforts include converting vacant areas into vegetable gardens that give organic produce to residents; rewriting agricultural rules to make urban farming more accessible to the public; and a number of conservation initiatives to safeguard the area's water supply. City Slicker Farms, in collaboration with Sustainable Oakland, will even assist you in growing your own mini-garden in your backyard. This effort for greener living has also resulted in a tenfold reduction in energy use in the area.
These activities are made feasible by Oakland's position and terrain, which San Francisco does not have. If you value an environmentally sustainable way of life, you'll fit right in at this Bay Area location.
Raj Properties
It's easy to understand why Oakland is quickly overtaking San Francisco as the preferred Bay Area destination. Raj Properties, a premium apartment development created to fit the spirit of the town, is located right in the centre of this exciting district.
These contemporary houses have upmarket furniture as well as access to a wide range of carefully selected facilities that appeal to a variety of lifestyles. Residents have easy access to a more environmentally friendly commute to the city and the neighbouring Bay Area because BART is only a few blocks away. Each house is created with green building in mind, with no detail overlooked in order to provide you with the ultimate in comfort between work and play.
We welcome you to explore Oakland and get an apartment for rent in east Oakland.
for all that it has to offer in these magnificent houses. You've arrived at a new level of comfort. Raj Properties extends a warm welcome.