8 Cities Near Oakland to Buy or Rent in this Year
Oakland, CA, home to Jack London Square, the Oakland Zoo, and plenty of historic Victorian architecture, is a great city to reside in on the east side of the San Francisco Bay. From the Oakland A’s baseball team to concerts at the Fox Theater and picnicking at Lake Merrit, many things make Oakland stand out.
And while Oakland is filled with activities, every city has its drawbacks. From the cost of living to the large population, Oakland’s best qualities may not outweigh what you don’t love about the city. Luckily, you have options if you want to live near Oakland without signing a year-long lease or buying a home.
We’ve gathered a list of 8 cities near Oakland, all within 50 miles of the city, that you may want to consider buying or renting this year. Let’s take a look.
#1: Dublin, CA
Miles from Oakland: 25
Population: 64,000
Median home sale price: $1,275,000
Average 1-bed rent: $3,060
Walk Score: 36
Transit Score: 56
Dublin, not to be mistaken with Dublin, Ireland, is one of many great cities near Oakland you may want to live in. The city is southeast of Oakland and has a great combination of small-town living while remaining close to many big cities.
There is a lot to do in Dublin, whether you’re looking for a new restaurant to try or for something active. For example, you can visit the Dublin Heritage Park and Museum, the Dublin Civic Center, or the DublinWave Waterpark. You can also enjoy a round of golf at the Dublin Ranch Golf Club or go hiking or biking in one of the many parks in the area.
Homes for sale in Dublin, CA
Apartments for rent in Dublin, CA
#2: San Ramon, CA
Miles from Oakland: 27
Population: 81,500
Median home sale price: $1,377,500
Average 1-bed rent: $3,709
Walk Score: 24
Transit Score: 37
San Ramon is located just north of Dublin and is home to many parks and recreational activities. Make sure to visit one of the many parks in the area, like San Ramon Athan Downs, Rancho San Ramon Community Park, or Coyote Crossing.
Homes for sale in San Ramon, CA
Apartments for rent in San Ramon, CA
#3: Fremont, CA
Miles from Oakland: 27
Population: 235,000
Median home sale price: $1,372,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,372
Walk Score: 50
Bike Score: 36
Transit Score: 54
Another one of the great cities near Oakland to consider living in is Fremont. Located in East Bay, it’s hard to beat the scenic views of the Bay and Dumbarton Bridge.
You’ll never tire of finding something new to do in Fremont, whether that’s exploring Coyote Hills Regional Park to picnic, hike, look for the California poppies, or hike at the Regional Park Trail. You can also stop by one of the many restaurants in downtown Fremont, where you can get a taste of the vast cultural cuisines that make up the city.
Homes for sale in Fremont, CA
Apartments for rent in Fremont, CA
#4: San Mateo, CA
Miles from Oakland: 31
Population: 104,000
Median home sale price: $1,350,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,812
Walk Score: 68
Bike Score: 39
Transit Score: 65
San Mateo is just south of San Francisco, but still a great city near Oakland that you may want to move to. It’s close to the San-Mateo-Hayward Bridge, which is your best bet for driving into Oakland.
You can find a variety of things to do in San Mateo, such as Seal Point Park or Coyote Point Recreation area. There are plenty of one-of-a-kind restaurants in the city, so make sure to check them out.
Homes for sale in San Mateo, CA
Apartments for rent in San Mateo, CA
#5: Pleasanton, CA
Miles from Oakland: 31
Population: 80,000
Median home sale price: $1,637,500
Average 1-bed rent: $3,718
Walk Score: 42
Transit Score: 58
Pleasanton is located on East Bay, about 30 miles outside of Oakland. There are lots of parks and local wineries that make the area a great place to live.
Some of the most popular activities include shopping at the Stoneridge Shopping Center, visiting the Pleasanton Farmers’ Market, and hiking or biking through the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park.
Homes for sale in Pleasanton, CA
Apartments for rent in Pleasanton, CA
#6: Novato, CA
Miles from Oakland: 32
Population: 54,000
Median home sale price: $1,150,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,895
Walk Score: 36
Bike Score: 30
Transit Score: 37
Novato is located in Marin County, north of San Francisco and Oakland. It has a more rural atmosphere and is just next to San Pablo Bay. The city has lots of open space and parks like the Hamilton Wetlands and Mount Burdell Preserve.
Novato is a great place to live for those who enjoy horseback riding, visiting art galleries, and exploring historic downtown areas. You’ll also find the Olompali State Historic Park, a massive 700-acre park that overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay. Novato is also home to the Museum of the American Indian and the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art.
Homes for sale in Novato, CA
Apartments for rent in Novato, CA
#7: Palo Alto, CA
Miles from Oakland: 34
Population: 68,000
Median home sale price: $2,870,000
Average 1-bed rent: $4,322
Walk Score: 61
Bike Score: 37
Transit Score: 91
Palo Alto is in Silicon Valley, about 34 miles away from Oakland. It’s home to Stanford University, major corporations, and beautiful tree-lined streets. From major shopping centers, quaint downtown streets, and exceptional restaurants, there are many reasons why Palo Alto is a great place to live.
Make sure to stop by the Palo Alto Baylands Nature for a walk, hike, or kayak on the marshlands. Check out the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden to see the gorgeous rose gardens and the historic home on the property.
Homes for sale in Palo Alto, CA
Apartments for rent in Palo Alto, CA
#8: Milpitas, CA
Miles from Oakland: 36
Population: 75,000
Median home sale price: $1,275,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,904
Walk Score: 54
Bike Score: 36
Transit Score: 66
Milpitas, another one of the great cities near Oakland, is located about 36 miles south of the city.
It’s close to the south end of San Francisco Bay and has a variety of parks you can explore in your free time. Make sure to check out the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area, Sandy Wool Lake, or stop by one of the many great restaurants located throughout Milpitas.
Homes for sale in Milpitas, CA
Apartments for rent in Milpitas, CA
Methodology:
All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Oakland. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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