West Oakland

Gateway to the East Bay

West Oakland is where the city of Oakland began in the 1850s when a diverse group of people came in search of opportunity. The original neighborhood grew after the terminus of the transcontinental railroad was established here, and it grew again with the shipbuilding booms during both world wars.

Today, home seekers, including artists, blue collar workers, and young professionals take advantage of this waterfront location and call West Oakland home. The area is rebounding. Victorian row houses and the “worker” cottages that remain intermingle with old warehouses and factories that have been converted into popular live/work spaces. The new waterfront development, planned on the site of the old Oakland Army Base, will only add to the area’s hip panache.

The 880 & 980 freeways are easily accessible, as are BART and public transportation. Ferry service into San Francisco is also close at Jack London Square. For those looking for a more affordable place to put down roots, West Oakland offers an excellent opportunity.