Are you a renter seeking a neighborhood where you can easily navigate Oakland on foot? Look no further. The city has amenities for every lifestyle, and is just across the bay from iconic San Francisco. You may have to spend quite a bit for an apartment, though, with the average one-bedroom unit costing $2,400.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we will be exploring the most walkable neighborhoods in Oakland. From the lively streets of Downtown to the cultural hub of Koreatown-Northgate, we’ve got you covered. So, get ready to discover the charm of Oakland’s pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Downtown
Walk Score: 98
Downtown is the most walkable neighborhood in Oakland, with a Walk Score of 98. Known for its bustling city life, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Paramount Theatre and Jack London Square.
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2. Koreatown-Northgate
Walk Score: 97
Koreatown-Northgate has a Walk Score of 97, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Oakland. There’s a lot to love about the area, from its rich cultural diversity to its thriving arts scene. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the Fox Oakland Theatre.
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3. Fruitvale
Walk Score: 95
Fruitvale is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Fruitvale, like the Fruitvale Public Market and the Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline.
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4. Saint Elizabeth
Walk Score: 95
Saint Elizabeth has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From the East Oakland Sports Center to the Oakland Zoo, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is the Oakland Aviation Museum, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
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5. Temescal
Walk Score: 95
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, Temescal is known for its hip and trendy atmosphere. Consider exploring Temescal Alley or getting a bite to eat at Bakesale Betty with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this vibrant community as well, like the Temescal Farmers Market and the Studio One Art Center.
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6. Hawthorne
Walk Score: 94
Hawthorne has a Walk Score of 94, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Oakland. Known for its residential charm, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as the Oakland Museum of California and Lake Merritt. While you’re out, check out the Children’s Fairyland.
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7. Piedmont Avenue
Walk Score: 94
Piedmont Avenue is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in Oakland. This charming and upscale community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the Piedmont Theatre and the Morcom Rose Garden. While you’re walking, take a moment to smell the flowers at Lakeside Park.
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8. Pill Hill
Walk Score: 93
Pill Hill has a Walk Score of 93, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at nearby Brown Sugar Kitchen, to taking a walk at Mosswood Park. If you’re up for a longer outing, nearby Redwood Regional Park is popular among locals.
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9. East Peralta
Walk Score: 93
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Oakland is East Peralta. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like Blue Bottle Coffee, Chop Bar, and Oakland Hot Plate. It’s also easy to walk over to Union Point Park for a great day out.
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10. Merritt
Walk Score: 93
Merritt is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include the Grand Lake Theatre and the Lake Merritt Boating Center, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community.
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Check out more walkable cities in California.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.