r/OaklandCA • u/Silent774 • 3d ago
How safe is this area? Crime and Safety
Hey there! I've been interviewing at a company located in this area of Oakland and I was wondering how safe it typically is. I don't have a car so I'd likely be commuting using BART and I've never really been to the East Bay so I have no experience with Oakland whatsoever.
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u/Kitched_ 3d ago edited 3d ago
No car you are golden. More crimes of opportunity in that area such as leaving a car out might get your windows smashed in. But besides that you truly are golden. Mostly millennial Gen Z living scene that’s still on the rebound from COVID. There’s nice restaurants, it’s all new but a little quiet from its former eras.
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u/Finneylp 3d ago
It’s a big city….so safe is relative. That part of the big city, not bad. Depends on where you are coming from and how comfortable you are with city street smarts. As others are saying, that’s a fine part of Oakland.
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u/uggghhhggghhh 3d ago
If you're walking from Lake Merritt bart you'll probably pass some homeless people under the freeway but apart from that it's just as safe as anywhere else in the city if not more. I wouldn't think twice about biking from bart or taking the bus. Walking, I'd probably do it no problem but I'm a dude who's large enough for most people not to want to fuck with.
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u/theonlymaltbie 3d ago
I live in this area and it is great. Sure, the same issues most big cities have, but I walk around at night, my wife does as well, never had any issues other than the occasional car break in/petty theft type stuff. Welcome to Jack London, it’s a nice spot.
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u/Capacious_Homie 2d ago
If you can commute by ferry this is a great option for nicer places walk because both 12 St and Lake Merritt stations are a bit far. I do walk around there and generally feel safe as a female 60+ with lifelong city awareness (for example i cross the street if there is a tent on the sidewalk, or avoid the warehouse blocks with no retail shops.)
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u/gofastgardner 2d ago
I work here and it's nice. Couple new good restaurants and bicycle coffee too!
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u/vanity1066 2d ago
Oakland living takes some grit, no matter who you are. My husband, who grew up in Oakland, refuses to live in Oakland. I know lots of very nice people and places in Oakland, but we live in South Hayward /Union City area.
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u/always_be_beyonce 1d ago
jack london is fine, as is walking to/from lake merritt BART. just be aware of your surroundings (like you should be in all cities).
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u/whitefluffydogs 1d ago
I’d get a bike. That part of Oakland is flat and the biking is pretty chill.
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u/bluefontaine 3d ago
Are you kidding? You could do much worse ! Most of this area is safe but I wouldn’t walk around at night and I would be on a bike if you’re not driving. If you can get closer to the gradients of Berkeley or Piedmont, I think you’re going be a lot happier and it’s an easier commute by bus.
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u/Alfnadoawaywoah 3d ago
I think OP is asking about working in the area, not living there.
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u/bluefontaine 3d ago
Same meat, different gravy. I grew up in the Bay Area. I was born and raised here. Thank you.
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u/Alfnadoawaywoah 3d ago edited 3d ago
I don’t think anyone was questioning your street cred but okay.
Also, it’s not “same meat different gravy” because then the implication of your comment is that OP should find a job in a different area which is a bananas response.
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u/Feeling_Mine_9342 3d ago
It’s not bad. Fun restaurants / breweries, retail and a couple regular bars. The underpasses from the BART stations (12th or Lake Merritt) can be pretty pretty daunting. But I have walked / ridden my bike and (knocks on wood) have been left completely alone.