Navigate apartment hunting and city life like a local with our curated articles about Oakland, California.
National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
Apartment List has released Oakland’s results from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters nationwide, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of the country’s 111 million renters.
"Oakland renters expressed general dissatisfaction with the city overall," according to Apartment List. "Some categories received above average scores, but many received below average scores."
Key Findings in Oakland include the following:
Renters say:
For more information on the survey methodology and findings or to speak to one of our researchers, please contact our team at rentonomics@apartmentlist.com.
Koreatown/Northgate offers vibrant international dining just north of downtown Oakland, with authentic Korean BBQ spots and markets lining Telegraph Avenue. Apartments tend to be more affordable than similar units in downtown or Lake Merritt areas, making it popular with students and young professionals. The neighborhood provides excellent transit access with MacArthur BART station creating straightforward connections throughout the Bay Area, though evening street parking can be challenging.
Nestled near Lake Merritt, Adams Point offers urban convenience with historic Art Deco apartments and bay windows overlooking Oakland's crown jewel. Residents enjoy weekend strolls around the lake's 3.4-mile path and easy access to the Grand Lake Theater and farmers market. The neighborhood balances tranquility with proximity to downtown, though limited parking during First Fridays art walks requires planning. AC Transit and BART stations within walking distance make car-free living possible.
Piedmont Avenue buzzes with creative energy where this beloved Oakland corridor combines historic architecture with exceptional dining and independent shops. Renters enjoy genuine walkability to everything from artisanal bakeries to cinema, creating enviable urban convenience without downtown density. Though rental rates have increased as the neighborhood's popularity has grown, urban professionals love both the area's mature trees creating natural beauty and strategic positioning between downtown Oakland and Berkeley with multiple transit options connecting throughout the Bay Area despite occasionally limited parking during peak restaurant hours.
