Montclair

Montclair is technically a district of Oakland, but it feels like its own little city in the sky.

It’s an upscale neighborhood with a wide variety of housing styles, from period revivals to more modern styles.

Its western border is the Warren Freeway (Highway 13) up in the hills, and then it keeps going up from there, eastward to Skyline Boulevard near the top of the mountain’s ridge. Inside that corridor, it extends from Joaquin Miller Park northward to Highway 24.

Montclair Recreation

Montclair is hedged in on three sides by parks: Merriewood in the north, Joaquin Miller Park to the south, and the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the hills to the east. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnics … you name it. Plenty of trails and open space for your dogs too.

Merriewood is home to the North Oakland Regional Sports Center, and just below is Lake Temescal. In Joaquin Miller is the Chabot Space and Science Center with its 36-inch telescope; the observatory is open to the public for nights of gazing up into the mysteries of the stars.

Montclair Shopping

One of Montclair’s highlights is without doubt its shopping district. Montclair Village features one-of-a-kind shops, many of which have been owned by the same families for generations. There’s a popular farmers’ market on Sundays, but also two major chain grocery stores. The village is central to neighborhood life: It’s more than a place to shop, it’s where people come to hang out with friends and neighbors.

Montclair Transportation

Part of Montclair’s attraction is its seclusion, but that doesn’t mean it’s isolated. It’s bounded by two freeways to take you north, south, east, or west. That makes it convenient to just about anywhere. On Highway 24 it’s literally just a few minutes into the heart of downtown Oakland.