Oakland is located on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay and is only a short distance from San Francisco. If you are considering a move to the Bay region, there are many reasons to choose Oakland as your home base.
As you put Oakland at the top of your list, here are the top reasons to move to the city versus other cities in the region:
Location
Oakland is conveniently located near both San Francisco and Berkeley. It is a quick, convenient commute into San Francisco. So whenever you want to go into the city for something, you can easily get there from Oakland.
Weather
San Francisco is known for its fog and accompanying temperature drops. Oakland is not as affected by these weather patterns based on its location. So if you love the Bay area weather without the damp fog, Oakland is a good bet for you.
Housing Market
While housing prices are extremely high in San Francisco, making living there almost cost-prohibitive, housing prices in Oakland are much more affordable for the Bay area. If you like the idea of more affordable housing in the Bay area, there are plenty of Oakland houses for sale.
Job Market
Another great thing about living in Oakland is the thriving job market. If you are planning a move to the area, there will be plenty of job opportunities for you. While you may think that many of the tech jobs that the Bay area is known for will be in San Francisco, many companies are making the move across the bridge to Oakland. So there are ample tech, media, and small business opportunities in Oakland.
Eco-friendliness
If you are looking for a city that aligns with your eco-friendly values, Oakland is the city for you. The city has taken strong steps to becoming more green, including making farming and gardening more accessible in the city and protecting the city’s water supply.
Arts and Culture
Oakland is just as diverse as San Francisco, and also has a thriving art scene. Oakland is home to all types of ethnic restaurants and festivals, as well as a variety of art galleries and venues. Whether you want to go to a high end art gallery or a relaxing show, there is something for everyone in the Oakland art scene.
Higher Education Options
If you are considering going back to school or want to pursue a graduate degree, Oakland is a great place to be. There are several colleges in Oakland itself including Lincoln College, Holy Name University, and Mills College. Also, Oakland is conveniently located to some of the top schools in the state (and even the county), such as the University of California San Francisco and the University of California Berkeley.
If you are planning a move to the Bay area, Oakland should definitely be at the top of your list. From the great weather to the convenient location to the eco-friendly practices and more, Oakland is a great place to be.