News > 4 Reasons to Live in Downtown Oakland

Living in a downtown Oakland condo puts you at the center of a vibrant, diverse, sunny, and highly walkable city. The downtown area is comprised of many pocket neighborhoods, so you’re sure to find the spot that feels right to you.

In the mood for some Dim Sum? If you live at Pacific Renaissance, just walk out of your condo and into the attached plaza, where you’ll find multiple options to satisfy your craving. There’s also a public library, shops, and banks here, right in the building. Or venture out into the streets of Oakland’s thriving Chinatown, where you’ll find Asian markets, karaoke bars, bubble tea cafes, and even vegan Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants nearby.

Just across 880 is Jack London Square, a waterfront pocket neighborhood that feels like a cross between a hip urban artists’ enclave and a small town within the city of Oakland. From the artisanal Blue Bottle Coffee and Authentic Bagel Company, to Beer Revolution’s brewery and Ceruti Cellars’ urban winery, whatever your dining or drinking pleasure, you’ll find it here. You can also enjoy movies, farmers’ markets, bowling, craft fairs, walk/bike paths, and even boating all right in the neighborhood. Jack London Square is home to lofts and condos of all stripes: from the luxury high rise Ellington with its world class views of the San Francisco Bay, to the Portico Lofts live/work spaces converted from a 1929 plumbing company office. No matter what type of condo suits your lifestyle, be sure to grab a drink at Heinhold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, the bar Jack London himself frequented in his seafaring days. You’ll definitely befriend your neighbors in this cozy establishment, where the slanted floors tell the story of how the building survived the 1906 earthquake.

Downtown Oakland has always been a nightlife hotspot, anchored by concert venues the Fox and Paramount Theaters, and the Uptown area has held the First Friday Art Murmur since 2006. So many great bars and restaurants have opened in Oakland in the last decade, mixing with the classic favorites. If proximity to nightlife is what you seek, a great home base for you could be the modern and amenity-rich Market Square Homes on 9th Street. Walk three blocks to the Trappist specialty beer café, with its rotating variety of artisanal brews on draft, including Belgians and sours. Or if you feel like dancing, head to the Layover, where dj's pack the room most every night and a nook of cozy couches line the wall. An old favorite is the cavernous and eclectic Café Van Kleef, renowned for its fresh squeezed Greyhound cocktails, and for live jazz, blues, and funk several nights a week.

 

Maybe you want walkability and amenities, but need nature to be a part of your daily life as well. If that’s the case, check out the Essex, a luxury high rise with great views located right on the shores of Oakland’s Lake Merritt. Lake Merritt is a favorite for walkers, joggers, sunbathers, and boaters, and is home to magical Children’s Fairyland as well as the iconic Lake Chalet restaurant and bar. It also has its own shopping and dining districts, so living here will give you great access both to downtown and to smaller pocket neighborhoods.

Finding your downtown Oakland condo is about knowing what neighborhood best suits your lifestyle. You’ve got choices when it comes to living in the heart of this beautiful city. Contact us and we can help you figure it out.

 

Though not guaranteed, information and statistics in this article have been acquired from sources believed to be reliable.

Related Links

• OAKLAND
• DOWNTOWN OAKLAND
• LAKE MERRITT
• THE ELLINGTON
• MARKET SQUARE HOMES
• THE ESSEX
• PORTICO LOFTS
• PACIFIC RENAISSANCE
• Oakland Lofts
• Oakland High Rise Condos
• 94607

 

OAKLAND Condos For Sale!

Oakland has more than 50 distinct neighborhoods and is home to several major corporations. With beautiful views of San Francisco and the Bay, Oakland provides an attractive alternative to higher home prices in San Francisco by offering many affordable condos, townhomes, and lofts. Upscale restaurants, many shopping areas, entertainment, and plenty of nightlife are an added plus to living in Oakland.

DOWNTOWN OAKLAND Condos For Sale!

Oakland, one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, is rich in history, and with a host of new restaurants, clubs, and venues springing up in the Downtown area, you'll want to be a part of this fascinating way of life. With prices to suit your needs, you're sure to find your dream home in one of the many well-maintained condo neighborhoods.

LAKE MERRITT Condos For Sale!

Lake Merritt, known as the "Jewel of Oakland", is a fresh and salt water lake adjacent to nearby parks, very popular with residents in surrounding communities who enjoy hiking, biking, tennis, dog walking and bird watching. Sailing, kayaking, paddle boats and gondola rides are all available at the lake.

THE ELLINGTON Condos For Sale!

Jack London Square, in Oakland, is the perfect setting for The Ellington and its luxurious living. Residences from 2-story penthouses to one-bedrooms have high ceilings and boast floor-to-ceiling windows. Central heating and air, granite countertops and balconies or patios complement units. Concierge services, a fitness center, and a heated outdoor pool and spa complete the first class amenities.

Some of Oakland's finest dining lies along the waterfront and a weekly farmers market ...

THE ESSEX Condos For Sale!

At the Essex, you're in walker's paradise --- close to all the action of downtown Oakland, yet tranquilly situated right on Lake Merritt's shore. Walk to Uptown Oakland's arts and entertainment district, the 19th Street and Lake Merritt BART Stations, the Oakland Public Library, the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, the Oakland Museum of California, Whole Foods, and more! Or simply stroll around the lake, soak up some sun in the park, and grab happy hour drinks at the iconic Lake ...

PACIFIC RENAISSANCE Condos For Sale!

Located in Oakland's Chinatown/Civic Center area, Pacific Renaissance sits between Lake Merritt and Oakland's downtown. This commanding condominium building is part of the Pacific Renaissance Plaza which includes a public library, restaurants, and banks.

Pacific Renaissance is perfect for those who like a true urban experience--walk to the revitalized Old Oakland for bistro dining and breweries or to Uptown Oakland's nightlife district. A 20,000 square foot third floor terrace, ...

94607 Condos For Sale!

The 94607 zipcode encompasses approximately half of Downtown Oakland and the famed Jack London Square. Some of the newer highrises are in this zipcode, including The Bond and The Ellington. You'll find some true lofts here, like the Portico Lofts, with soaring ceiling heights ...

MARKET SQUARE HOMES Condos For Sale!

Old Oakland, downtown's historic district turned destination dining neighborhood, is where you'll find Market Square Homes. This modern and secure 116 unit building, built in 2005, offers a rooftop terrace, gym, dry sauna, steam room, and business center. Two large, well landscaped courtyards create an urban oasis. The thoroughly modern condos feature loft style windows, stainless steel appliances, and recessed lighting. Some units are two story.

Life at Market Square places you ...

PORTICO LOFTS Condos For Sale!

Brightly colored, modern, and industrial, the Portico Lofts are in the heart of Jack London Square. An abundance of dining, nightlife, and entertainment options are found in this highly walkable neighborhood, including the original location of the famous Blue Bottle Coffee, right on your block!

Portico Lofts' unique 1929 structure was originally built as offices for a plumbing company and was converted to live/work units in 1998. Twenty-eight low rise units share a common central ...