This is a very nice neighborhood in Oakland. There are many restaurants, cafes and shops to visit. The homes in this neighborhood are beautiful. If you are having dinner here or shopping, parking can be hard to find. read more

Rockridge is one of the early Oakland neighborhoods that drew unique upscale eateries, shops, cafes, boutique retail. there's a built in customer base in the area to support them. one can live here and be content never to venture beyond these boundaries to pursue essential servies. it's possible but not realistic. the grass is always greener on the other side or so it seems. rockridge hasn't change much physically over the decades. the rockridge shopping center was a change awhile back. there's been more commercial developments in recently in nearby blocks. residential areas haven't experienced major changes. read more

This is one of my favorite districts in Oakland! And it's not only because I work here... although, working here has exposed me to the beauty of this area. I love Rockridge because it's so versatile. So before you say; "Rockridge?! VERSATILE?!"... give a girl a chance to explain! Before I started working in this area, I assumed that it was full of snooty rich people and expensive stores and restaurants. And while that may partly be true, that's hardly the true definition of this district. Rockridge is filled with people from all walks of life. People of all ages, races, incomes, and backgrounds walk these streets everyday. It's one of the safest neighborhoods that I've ever been in, and I swear I've never seen so many damn babies and dogs in one area like I do when I'm here! There are tons of local businesses around. You can find so many adorable speciality shops in this area that you wouldn't necessarily find in many other Oakland districts. The homes are beautiful, and sometimes I'll just take a drive through the hills and imagine what it would be like to live in a multi-million dollar home like the ones that I pass by when I'm here. There is NO shortage of coffee shops here! There's probably over 10 different coffee shops on College Avenue within a 2 mile radius alone! Meat markets, hair shops, nails salons, bike shops, home goods stores, you name it! This area has it all! There's even a bart station that will drop you directly into downtown Rockridge! And the FOOD... Lawd have mercy! Some of my favorite restaurants can be found right here! Marica, Belotti, Bourbon and Beef, Takara, Zachary's... Jesus, the list of dining options here are incredible! The bar scene is super fun as well! This is a fun place to bar hop if you're looking for a good time! Even with all of this, I have to say that the most enjoyable element of this city are the people. I've met some of the most friendliest people here! I think that some people have this negative connotation about Rockridge and they think that people walk around with their noses up. But, I don't think those people have had a chance to actually walk the streets and talk to people. Yeah there's always a few bad apples, but don't let those few ruin the entire tree. I can't lie; this area IS an expensive place to live in. It's one of the reasons why I don't live and work in the same place. But I will say, that I'm so grateful to be able to work here 5 days out of the week. I can't imagine spending most of my time anywhere else. Rockridge, this one goes out to you! read more

A great hood in Oak-town! Visiting friends up here and took a long walk in the neighborhood, meandering the steep hills. Many may recall that many of the homes here we're completely lost in the Oakland Hills fire back in 1991. As a result, you'll see lots of modern newly constructed homes rebuilt from the ground up. During my 2 hour stroll, I came across this amazing outdoor garden that can clearly be viewed by all passerbyers, as their yard was completely exposed. It was an interesting and immaculately well kept garden (see photo), with impressive views of SF. I won't disclose the actual street or address to prevent an influx of unwelcomed lookie lou's, but will say it wasn't far from Broadway Terrace and Proctor. Of course, while you're in Rockridge, be sure to take the long stroll along College Avenue, from Oakland to Berkeley. So many quaint independent neighborhood shops and restaurants. Apple stores haven't touched this street yet, and hopefully never will! read more

Rockridge Neighborhood - Local Flavor Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been a regular visitor to the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, California since 2010. I visit about once a year. After about a decade of living in San Francisco, my sister and brother-in-law decided to buy a house, settle down, and start a family in Rockridge. They bought at the right time, shortly after the Great Recession, so they got a relatively great deal on their house. Since that time, the home prices in Rockridge have skyrocketed and continue to rise. Just like it's unaffordable for most people to own a home in San Francisco, it's quickly become unaffordable for most to own a home in Oakland as well. In Rockridge, many (and perhaps the majority of) single-family homes in the neighborhood are now worth well north of $1 million each. By the way, this review covers the Upper Rockridge area, located adjacent to and east of Rockridge, too. I think when most people around the country think of Oakland, they think of that big, dirty, crime-ridden city across the bay from San Francisco (not that SF isn't dirty and crime-ridden itself, but Oakland has the worse reputation of the two cities). You see it on TV and in movies, hear about it in music and pop culture. Each of the local professional sports teams - the Golden State Warriors, the Oakland Athletics, and the Oakland Raiders - have looked to get out of the city at one point or another. While a lot of that is true, Oakland has been changing and improving. People who live in the Bay Area, particularly East Bay, know it. A neighborhood that, for many years, has stood in stark contrast to the stereotypical image of Oakland is Rockridge. I'm talking beautiful homes up in the hills with scenic views of the surrounding area, trees, friendly neighbors, well-kept streets and sidewalks a.k.a. a great place to live and raise a family. I've stayed at both my sister's house and at an Airbnb in Rockridge and have enjoyed my walks around the neighborhood. The walks are peaceful and the weather is usually ideal. There are no cookie-cutter subdivisions here. This city and neighborhood are too old for that. All of the homes are unique and individual. For a residential neighborhood with a lot of stand-alone houses, the population density is still relatively high. The houses are positioned closely together, but there is still enough land for front and back yards, pools, and gardens. While Rockridge feels like a neighborhood in a suburb, it's not. Oakland is not a suburb - cities like Orinda, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Richmond, San Leandro, Fremont, etc. are suburbs. Rockridge is comparatively quiet, clean, and safe with suburban-like amenities, yet it's only a 20-minute BART ride away from San Francisco's Embarcadero ($4.45 one way) and a 22-minute ride away from Montgomery Street and the SF Financial District (also $4.45 one way). By car, with no traffic, you can get to those places in less time than that. However, during rush hour, it can easily take 45 minutes or more to get into the city via the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge from Rockridge, a trip that is only a little over 10 miles. Yes, Rockridge has its own BART station (https://www.yelp.com/biz/bart-rockridge-station-oakland-2). It's convenient. It takes a little over 50 minutes to get to and from San Francisco International Airport from the Rockridge BART station ($10.20 one way). The station is situated on College Avenue which is filled a lot of great shops and restaurants. A few I recommend include Rockridge Market Hall (https://www.yelp.com/biz/rockridge-market-hall-oakland-5) for delicious pastas, salads, ready-to-eat gourmet snacks and meals, and other high quality foods for home; Cactus Taqueria (https://www.yelp.com/biz/cactus-taqueria-oakland) for tasty, modernized Mexican eats; and Crepevine (https://www.yelp.com/biz/crepevine-restaurant-oakland-2) for delicious, affordable, healthy food. Claremont Country Club, one of the Bay Area's oldest clubs (founded in 1897) is located in Rockridge, right in between Rockridge and Upper Rockridge. Its 18-hole course was redesigned in 1926 by legendary British golf course architect Alister MacKenzie. read more

Rockridge Neighborhood - Rockridge BART station art. - Local Flavor Near Me - Oakland, California

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The Rockridge district in Oakland is very festive, especially during the street festival! The Rockridge Street Festival happens annually usually in October. I first heard about this event from Yelp and seen that it was on. The event took over the whole College Ave Street in Oakland. Here is my verdict of the event: Pros: -There were maps and info guides that helped participants in understanding where everything was located. There were a live music and dancing section and kids and community zone section. -The event was literally next to the Rockridge Bart Station and since I drove I was nerves about parking but there were tons of parking at the station and even on the street. -There were great games and festivities for children! It was so nice to see families all come together during this day. There was even a Circus Show that was from 1 PM, 3 PM & 5 PM. -They had drank, I mean drink...Alcohol, of course, people! Okay, keep calm folks! Let's not all get excited at the same time! But yes, there was wine, beer, margarita, and delicious cocktails. I have to admit the prices were reasonable. Some of my favorite tasty drinks that they offered were: Pok Pok Som Cocktail. -Market Hall Foods seemed to have tons of different vendors that were there. It was a nice line up of food that included: Caprese Cheese Skewers $3, Dolce Latte Gorgonzola Cone $3, We the Minis that sold delicious cookies and cupcakes. -There was also a limited amount of food trucks before that I have never seen such as Ice Cream Bars & Ice Cream Sandwiches. -Great live band and performances that occurred throughout the whole event such as Namaste Mindfulness Lounge @ Manila, Oakland Youth Chorus @Taft, Kinetic Arts Center Circus StageCircus Spire Youth Troupe @Lawton, Market Hall Picnic & Dance @BART Station Plaza, Jazz Showcase @Chabot. -Community vendors included: Market Hall Cookbook Exchange- Where you bring a book, exchange a book or buy a book all the money or books benefit the Rockridge Public Library. If I could choose any place to live in Oakland it would definitely be Rockridge! read more

You never know a place exists unless someone happens to show you. I have to thank my friend Hazel C. for introducing me to this community of varying businesses. On a Saturday afternoon we parked on the street and walked the small distance to what is part of the Rockridge neighborhood. There is also a bart that is accessible right outside of the shopping area. I found in sight children, students, families, and people on their own strolling around. For an area this busy, I found the streets here to be quite clean! I can find happiness with just walking and wandering the different establishments. This place was perfect just for that! Practically every store we went to had greeting cards and some kind of stationary. So many styles that range from simple, to cute, and funny. There were also quite a few book stores that would catch the attention of readers. Don't feel left out just yet. They had everything from restaurants to beauty, home decoration and furniture like stores, a library, place to buy flowers, unique gift shops, and much more. You can also find the Market hall and bakery right across from the bart. I was charmed by all the specialty food items they had in stock. I haven't seen so many cheeses in one place before. Their rotisserie chicken and fresh hand made pasta definitely caught my eye! The pizza I had from their bakery was pretty good for a big slice. I look forward to coming here again and exploring this wonderful part of Oakland! read more

I love North Oakland. You know North Oakland, don't you? It's the area that pretends to be Rockridge for the housing values, but Temescal for the hip-factor. I live pretty close to 51st/Broadway (along with 500 other people) and it's really hard trying to make the decision to move anywhere else despite the fact that I am renting a place that is unventilated, uninsulated, moldy and cold (sigh). The restaurants and amenities that are within walking distance cannot be beat - Telegraph/51st, College from Broadway all the way to Ashby, Piedmont - just so many delicious awesome options and excellent retail establishments. Crime is an issue - you can't leave anything in your car, never leave it unlocked (always check with your hand to be sure, not just the wireless clicker thingy). Oakland Crimespotting will tell you what sorts of crimes are being reported - lots of burglaries and break-ins of houses, but since I work from home, I'm an effective theft deterrent of my own place. I haven't ever had harassment or threat of robbery/mugging in this neighborhood, but I have had to disperse truant teenagers smoking cigarettes on neighbors' front stoops. read more

Rockridge is a great place to live, work, shop, or socialize. It's such a walkable neighborhood, that you can find just about anything you need strolling down College Avenue. Groceries, crepes, burgers. Beer, wine, coffee. Clothing and shoes -- used or new -- adults or kids. Sushi, yogurt, pizza. If you like street festivals, Rockridge has one of the best neighborhood festivals that I've attended. Plus, there's a BART station to get you in or out so you can see your friends : ) read more

I have lived in Rockridge for 18 months. Before that, I lived in Jack London Square (very noisy by train station), and by Lake Merritt (pretty, but not as much character), although on both those occasions I had also been looking at Rockridge. It's pricey, sure. I got into my rental just before Oakland became the hip place to be. But it's not really all that different to other hip parts of Oakland. People go on about the shopping here - the boutiques are OK once in a while, but the appeal for me is proximity to grocery stores (Trader Joe's, Village Market, maybe the Safeway once it's finished - the other one is nasty), and some of the bars (I've been to all of them on College), especially Trappist Provisions and the Thai restaurants. And of course it's really close to Bart and 24 freeway, which makes getting just about anywhere easy. I like Rockridge so much I'm looking to buy here. I'm under no illusions about price though. read more

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I'm a changed man. I now LOVE Okaland! With visits to places such as Lake Merritt (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lake-merritt-oakland#hrid:4DTg4NOrZfWSccdQQyrbbQ) and Easy Lounge (http://www.yelp.com/biz/easy-lounge-oakland#hrid:kd8uqVWK4FkZmQ6axMNNtQ), I am now adding Oakland to my "Places To Visit Again" list. While in Oakland, I stayed at a friend's place in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood. I mean you have a BART station conveniently located. Then there is the cool businesses along College Ave. There are lots of cool-looking bars, restaurants, and shops here. The homes in this area are also vintage and full of character. I had a fun time waking a friend's kid in the neighborhood. Can't wait to get back here! read more

Haven't seen a category for a "Neighborhood" yet (Real Estate? Active Life?), but it's worth a shot. I've lived in Rockridge for over two years. By now I've eaten at most of the restaurants, know some of the many bartenders, recognize the local homeless folks, know my way around, etc. When I first moved here, it would have been 5 stars, no question. When asked I advised everyone to move to Rockridge - better rents than SF, low key 3/4 urban vibe, tough parking but outstanding cafes and bookstores, etc. Now it's down to 3. Crime is way, way up. Everyone I talk with in the neighborhood feels it. Not many people I know walk around after dark here. Two months ago I woke up at 6:30 in the morning to a woman's screams as two guys accosted her on her morning jog (tons of neighbors called 911 and went to her aid / cops responded in under 5 minutes). We've had muggings, home invasions, one reported rape, and robberies. There's a significantly increased thug presence on the streets. I mean it, y'all. It's scary. On the up side, the neighborhood is still great during the day. On lazy Sundays I roll over to the Rockridge Cafe for a late brunch, or chill at A Cuppa Tea with a book. Runners, families with strollers, dog walkers, and happy couples roam the streets. It's cheerful and friendly. I still love it and I still live here - only now, I look over my shoulder a lot. Weigh all the facts when you move anywhere in the Bay Area. Crime isn't centered soley in the Iron Triangle, it's oozing all over. Find user groups on Yahoo or other resources for the neighborhoods you're considering and check with the OPD / SFPD for crime stats. And always, always, keep your eyes open. Peace. read more

I love this neighborhood. I live nearby and I enjoy the walkability of this neighborhood. College Avenue is its main drag. It's littered with unique cafes and fine dining experience. Add in a Bart in the middle of the neighborhood and you have an easily accessible day trip. Make sure to take trip to Philz to start off and check out Pegasus book store for some independent book store vibes. I like how it is relatively less crowded compared to other major thoroughfares in the east bay. read more

Another reviewer said: "Crime is way, way up. Everyone I talk with in the neighborhood feels it. Not many people I know walk around after dark here. Two months ago I woke up at 6:30 in the morning to a woman's screams as two guys accosted her on her morning jog (tons of neighbors called 911 and went to her aid / cops responded in under 5 minutes)." Count yourself as privileged. Where I live, near Lake Merritt, it takes the cops hours to respond to anything. If they come at all. Perhaps we need an OPD thread. read more

I've been living in Rockridge for over 3 years and I LOVE it more today then the day I moved in. Living one block off college offers a quick walk to dinner, shopping, drinks and Bart without all the traffic. The residential community is vibrant, neighbors know and look out for eachother as most homes are owner occupied, this fact alone accounts for much of the community feel. read more

I've lived in Rockridge my whole life, well, other than the time I spend at college, and have to say that it has gone through a lot of changes in the past 5 years... its more yuppie than it used to be, there are more families with nannies (never used to see that) those darned double strollers - the ones built like tanks - block College Ave's sidewalks all the time, and you see a lot nicer cars than you used to, but other than that this place is still great! Shopping and food are amazing in Rockridge, and unlike other "nice" areas of Oakland **cough-cough Montclair** most people in Rockridge don't seem to be ashamed to be part of the good ole' O-A-K. I give it five stars because Rockridge is amazing, despite the yuppie infiltration! read more

Lived here so far for 8mos... great to be about 6 minutes from SF or 20 min into the marina or Mission and yet for folks like me that work in the East bay, it's WAY better than the sterility of Lafayette or Walnut creek. Sure, crime is a consideration but I'd MUCH prefer getting off at Rockridge BART at 12:30 am than any other oakland bart. I still have yet to find as high-yield of a place that combines nearby/walkable distance to amazing restaurants and cafes, decent rents/housing prices and BART access with relative proximity to the City. Piedmont AVE area would be another place but the BART nearby (MACARTHUR) is downright crazy to get off at 12:30 am... read more

I've been habitating at Rockridge/College for 2 years now (yeah, right behind CCA) and I love it. Art school kids are another topic altogether :) Too bad I can't afford to buy one of the cute little bungalows! College Ave is a great blend of upscale, interesting shops, restaurants and businesses. If you like the Noe Valley/Bernal Heights vibes, Rockridge is definitely a place to check out in the EB. read more

Artistic, vibrant neighborhood with a casual, upscale feel. Many restaurants, bookshops and galleries. Close to the Rockridge BART station, so convenient! Problem is with the parking, it is at a premium. Take BART in, if you can. read more

I like the Rockridge section of Oakland/Berkeley. I also liked the Elmwood District of Berkeley and Piedmont had some fun places too. I guess I am just jonsin' for my Cali daze. I don't miss the aggressive pan-handling and over-run of homelessness. read more

I used to live in Rockridge on College Ave. This is such a wonderful neighborhood. There's great shopping and restaurants to explore. It's a great place to talk a walk on a nice day. With the Rockridge BART nearby, getting into San Fran is quick and easy! read more

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Rockridge is where the people who don't want to live in Oakland meet the people who don't want to live in Berkeley.

I lived in Rockridge for 2 years. It's going back a couple decades but as part of Oakland you can't help thinking this section of the city is excellent. Understand Oakland is an under rated place to live. Nothing negative all positives about Rockridge. The house prices are very high. They will stretch your budget to the limit. Great place to live even if I did see a burglar run across my street with the neighbors stereo. Piedmont which is one the best towns in California is next door. This is before the Oakland Hills conflagration in 1991 which destroyed a part of Rockridge. One realizes that the haydays for the Oakland hills were the 1950's or 1960's. The homes were relatively new and affordable. I rented a house with two young men for only $400 a month total. This neighbor hood included a pond and beach. The two main streets are College Ave. and Broadway. College Ave runs from Oakland thru the southern half of Berkeley and is packed with great stores, shops and restaurants. Broadway is the main drag in Oakland . read more

Spend some time in this neighborhood and you'll have a different take on your perception of Oakland. Think of it as less Orgrimmar and more Cow Hollow meets Mill Valley. The commerce district spans miles up College Avenue and ascends into Berkeley. Along the way, you will find many great small businesses mixed with a few chain enterprises. The area has a great variety of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied. The city even made NY Times list at #5 (http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/travel/45-places-to-go-in-2012.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0). Go check it out for yourselves. read more

There is just something about a neighborhood that is near a thriving University. It creates an energy that I just can't describe. College Avenue was busy with a bit of foot traffic but not hectic or rushed. I have heard great things about Rockridge but never had a reason to visit until now. My husband and I came from Napa to have brunch at the new Millennium restaurant which was absolutely amazing. We then wandered up and down College Avenue window shopping for a bit and ended up at Bica Coffeehouse so Steve could get his latte. He is a bit of an addict and has to find a favorite coffee shop in every neighborhood we visit. The staff was great and Steve's almond milk latte was incredible. Anyone who serves Ritual and Stumptown coffee is good in my book! By the time we headed back home to Napa we had our new home picked out and were ready to move to Rockridge! read more

I used to live in Piedmont. I could walk to Rockridge and loved it. What a great area. If my work wasn't so far away and I could afford a place here, it would be the place I would choose to live in all of the Bay Area. Yes, it really is that nice. read more

Rockridge Rocks. That's it. We moved in late last year from a cool little neighborhood (Bernal) in SF. Rockridge has all of that, and more (more good food, shops etc.) And the city is almost as close (but now we have BART.) As for the people who mentioned "crime," I'll venture to guess that they don't really live in Rockridge (maybe they live down broadway and call it "rockridge"??? Maybe in Lake Merit, or other areas? But Oakland is a big city. In SF, mansions are often 3 blocks from Ghetto's. In Rockrodge, we never feel concerned - and the homes are close together for a safe urban feel (w/o some of the grit that you get in SF.) Perfect for urban living on the other side of the bridge... read more

What can I say one of the best neighborhoods I lived in, great resource to steal cars break in homes rob commuters you name it I did it 5 stars all the way oh yeah and the local vendors are just a hop jump skip and a way on those late night rendezvous read more

They have tons of way cool shops and restaurants. There was a market across the street and that became a mex place. Rockridge market is pretty cool to. Trader Joes is nearby and so is THE BEST PIZZA EVER... ZACHARY'S read more

I lived in Rockridge more or less throughout graduate school and have become rather fond of the charming neighborhood. Three of the four places I lived had a front and back yard which is a nice change from the apartments in Berkeley. I also liked the fact that I was close enough to campus to bike or even to walk (although this took about 40 minutes) but far enough to forget about work and student life when necessary. Rockridge is yuppy but diverse at the same time. It is also a gourmet's heaven with two vegetable and fruit markets (Yasai and Market Hall) in addition to the grocery stores, two wine shops (Paul Marcus and Vino), numerous coffee shops (Cole Coffee, Peaberry Coffee, A Cuppa Tea, just to name a few), excellent restaurants (Oliveto's, Pearl, Citron, A Cote, among others), all within a 10 minute walk of each other. Someday, I will buy a house in Rockridge or nearby Piedmont. read more

I work in Rockridge and I love it. It's babyland. Everything you want is here so why don't you just come over? Take BART so you won't have to park. That is Rockridge's only problem. I would be so easy to just build a stinkin' parking garage and give the people who live here a break from people fighting for spaces in front of their homes. read more