$422,511Average Value$414Average Price per Sq Ft20Homes For Sale
Downtown Oakland neighborhood filled with history and culture
As one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States, Oakland's Chinatown neighborhood boasts nearly 175 years of history and cultural activity. The neighborhood was founded in 1850, shortly after the California Gold Rush, and grew even more in 1906, when the San Francisco earthquake and fire devastated San Francisco's Chinatown. Today, it has dozens of local businesses, community parks and homes, making it less of a tourist destination and more of an authentic slice of Asia in the heart of the Bay Area. "This Chinatown gives more of a historical mixed with up-and-coming vibe," says Wendy Chen, a librarian at the Oakland Public Library, Asian Branch. "It's a relaxed, cozy atmosphere, and people take the time to get to know you."
Overview of Chinatown located in Oakland, CA.
View of street signs in Chinese and English located in Oakland, CA.
View of murals lining the walls of Chinatown located in Oakland, CA.
Lincoln Square is located in Oakland, CA.
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Dozens of authentic Chinatown restaurants and shops
Chinatown is home to about 45 restaurants and nine tea shops, plus several local supermarkets and grocery stores. “Chinatown is a vibrant community with tons of great restaurants. Some have trendy and gourmet food. It’s very active. The streets are always crawling with people,” says Ernest Salinas, a Realtor with eXp Realty and over 20 years of experience. Eateries around the neighborhood offer authentic Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese food. "My friend and I like going to Ming's Tasty—the outside façade doesn't stand out, but everything else does," Chen says. Preserved egg pork porridge and chicken feet Peking sauce are notable dishes here. Chen also recommends local bakeries like Napoleon Super Bakery or Ruby King. Peony Seafood Restaurant is one of the most popular spots in the neighborhood, known for its dim sum and other Cantonese cuisine. Stores like Hometown Grocery, LG Supermarket and Won Kee Supermarket offer meats, Asian produce and other food items. Pacific Renaissance Plaza is home to local bookstores and clothing boutiques. More shopping is south of the neighborhood at Alameda Landing, with stores like Target and Michael's.
New Tin's Market is located in Oakland, CA.
Green Fish Seafood Market in Chinatown is full of freshly caught fish.
Peony Seafood Restaurant is located in Oakland, CA.
Ming’s Tasty restaurant surprises you with unique food selection.
The Pacific Renaissance Plaza in Chinatown is home to the Oakland library and cultural center.
The neighborhood of Chinatown was founded in 1850, shortly after the California Gold Rush.
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Recreation and cultural education at Chinatown parks and the Oakland library
Neighborhood parks and community centers add to the cultural enrichment of the area. Lincoln Square Park has two playgrounds, including one modeled after a traditional Chinese ship. The park also has three basketball courts, which were renovated in 2017 by Golden State Warriors player Kevin Durant. The Lincoln Square Recreation Center hosts activities like Tai Chi, Chinese folk dancing and a Mandarin choir. Wilma Chan Park is named after the first Asian American supervisor in Alameda County. The park has a playground, basketball court and labyrinth. It's also a popular spot for Tai Chi. The Oakland Asian Cultural Center is a local organization hosting art exhibitions and weekly dance, art and music classes. Locals can check out books in several languages at the Oakland Public Library, Asian Branch. The library also has bilingual storytimes, games and clubs. The Oakland Museum of California has a collection of over two million artifacts covering topics like California history, California art and natural sciences. Plus, Lake Merritt and trails around its shores are just northeast of the neighborhood.
The basketball courts in Lincoln Square Park are active all day long.
Locals meet at Lincoln Square Park for chess matches.
Kids play on a structure at the Lincoln Square playground modeled after a Chinese junk ship.
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Cultural events throughout the year in the heart of Oakland
Several events throughout the year help residents experience the culture of Chinatown. The neighborhood has a two-day StreetFest held each August. This free event attracts thousands across the Bay Area for food, activities and live entertainment. The Lunar New Year Bazaar is held each January and highlights Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions. This event is also two days long and includes more entertainment, food and art.
Every January, locals come together for the two-day Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar.
Visitors in Chinatown walk past booths selling tasseled Chinese lanterns and ornaments.
Performers dressed in red, bejeweled qipao dresses parade at the Lunar New Year Bazaar.
Traditional Chinese dragons at the Chinatown Lunar New Year Bazaar.
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High-rise condos in Chinatown
Most homes in Chinatown are condos that were built in the late 20th century. They're typically one or two bedrooms and often include a balcony. The buildings frequently feature rooftop patios and private parking garages. Most condos cost between $300,000 and $500,000, and buyers should expect to pay monthly HOA fees of up to $800. There are some single-family houses on the neighborhood's east side. These are typically Victorian or Craftsman row houses from the early 1900s, costing between $700,000 and $725,000.
Many condos in Chinatown have over 10 stories.
Franklin 88 condos are well-known in Chinatown.
Many condo buildings feature small balconies overlooking the city.
On the east side of Chinatown you find Victorian or Craftsman houses.
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A history of excellence at Oakland Technical High
Students in Chinatown might attend Lincoln Elementary School, rated a B-plus by Niche, and Westlake Middle School, rated a C-minus. Oakland Technical High School gets an A rating and serves approximately 1,800 students. The school has been serving the community since 1914 and offers five academic pathways, including engineering, computer science and health. Notable alumni of Oakland Tech include actor Clint Eastwood and athletes Rickey Henderson and Marshawn Lynch. Laney College is a local community college with more than 100 programs in liberal arts, sciences and business.
Lincoln Elementary School is located in Chinatown, Oakland, CA.
The Oakland Technical High School is the oldest high school being established in 1914.
Westlake Middle School offers award winning instrumental music program for students.
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Easy access to other areas in the Bay
Chinatown is a well-connected neighborhood with several transit options. The 12th Street and Lake Merritt BART stations are nearby. Between the two stations, residents have access to all five rapid transit lines, connecting them to the entire Bay Area. AC Transit operates multiple bus routes in the neighborhood for public transit around Oakland and the East Bay. The neighborhood's density makes it a walkable community and there are bike lanes on many streets for those who prefer cycling. Interstate 880 is nearby, connecting the neighborhood to the Bay Bridge to the north and leading south to San Jose. Oakland International Airport is about 8 miles south of the neighborhood. Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center is about 2 miles from the neighborhood.
BART stations can be found in the community.
Asian Health Services is a well-liked facility in the are.
Alameda-Contra Transit (AC Transit) buses frequently make stops in Chinatown.
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Neighbors looking out for each other in Chinatown
Chinatown has a CAP Index crime score of 5 out of 10, slightly higher than the national average of 4. Over the last few years, public safety has become even more of a priority in the neighborhood. "Foot patrol groups like East Bay Toishan Association are made up of community members who help each other throughout the day, whether it's walking people to their cars or helping those who don't know English," says Chen. The Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council holds overnight patrols, and police presence has increased, especially during holidays.
The Lunar New Year Bazaar in Chinatown highlights Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese art forms.
Community members help each other throughout the day in Chinatown.
Locals and visitors enjoy each others company at the Lunar New Year Bazaar in Chinatown.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Chinatown neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Chinatown
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Chinatown Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Chinatown, Oakland sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Chinatown, Oakland over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience refined urban living in the heart of Oakland Chinatown, where grocery shopping, acclaimed dining, & BART are just moments away. This expansive 3BR/2BA residence occupies the entire 3rd floor with elevator access & offers 1,334 sq ft (per tax records). Equipped with a fire sprinkler system, the home provides enhanced safety & peace of mind. Designed with both style & function in mind,
Let your imagination explore the possibilities of living in one unit & rent the other, create multi-generational living, and/or maximize rental income! With bright interiors & thoughtful upgrades, you do not want to miss this opportunity! Fully permitted renovation brings modern comfort & timeless charm to this beautifully updated duplex! Both units features new kitchen w/appliances & bathroom(s)
Exceptional value at City Center Plaza in the heart of Oakland Chinatown! This spacious 880 sq. ft., 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo features a larger-than-typical layout with generous living, dining, and work-from-home space. Secure building access, elevator service, on-site laundry, and a designated parking space on G1. HOA dues include water, gas, and garbage. Add your personal style and upgrades to
Welcome to residence #208 at the desirable 8 Orchids near the vibrant Oakland Chinatown. This spacious and light-filled 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo offers approximately 1,105 sq ft of comfortable urban living with an open-concept layout and large windows that bring in abundant natural light. The stylish kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar that flows
This 1-bedroom and 1-bath unit has an open floor plan, facing the serene courtyard. It is carpeted throughout and is fitted with air conditioning. The kitchen features granite countertops, a gas stovetop range, and all stainless steel appliances. The bedroom boasts a walk-in closet for extra storage. The full bathroom offers a granite countertop and vanity, a shower over the tub, and tile
This spacious 1-bedroom and 1-bath corner unit has an open floor plan with high ceilings and view of the city. It is carpeted throughout and is fitted with air conditioning. The kitchen features granite countertops, a gas stovetop range with all stainless steel appliances, perfect for gourmet cooking. The light-filled bedroom boasts a walk-in closet. The full bathroom offers a granite countertop
This 2 bedrooms, 1 Bath, in unit laundry with 1 underground parking spot is centrally located in Oakland Chinatown with many restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, banks and health centers. Public transportation close by. Unit has its' own private balcony.
Welcome to this well-maintained four-unit income property located near the heart of Oaklands vibrant Chinatown and downtown amenities. Each of the four units features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, all fully permitted with a practical layout that appeals to long-term tenants or investors. Three units will be delivered vacant and one unit is currently occupied, offering flexibility for owner-users,
Perched on the top floor of Franklin 88, this sun-filled one-bedroom, one-bath condo offers city and hillside views from a private balcony—perfect for morning coffee or relaxing evenings. With a Walk Score of 100, this location is truly a Walker’s Paradise, placing Chinatown, Old Oakland, Swan’s Market, the Oakland Flower Market, and the weekly Farmers Market just steps away! Inside, the
Bright and cheerful 1 bed and 1 bath modern high rise corner unit on the very top floor, city views from every window. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances and washer / dryer in unit. Community room, roof access for park like setting. Hub lockers in the lobby. Near the 880 freeway, Jack London Square, Chinatown, transportation, restaurants, Grocery stores, Banks and Parks. Perfect for
Conveniently located in Oakland Chinatown, lots of restaurants, grocery stores, banks, doctor's offices, public transportation. Easy freeway access. Farmer's Market on Fridays.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oakland's Chinatown, this freshly painted one-bedroom, one-bath condominium offers a bright and functional layout with hard flooring throughout and an abundance of natural light. HOA dues cover an impressive range of utilities and services including 24/7 security, on-site management, hot and cold water, gas, sewer, and garbage. One deeded garage parking space is
For Rent! NY style loft located in vibrant downtown Oakland. Remodeled 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with super tall ceilings, windows and wood flooring. Unit faces rear of the bldg so quiet and provides a nice relief when you get home. Stainless steel appliances include refrigerator and oven. This is a boutique bldg with 8 residential units on the upper level. Close to BART, parks, Chinatown, Lake
For Rent! 2 Bedroom and 1 Bath apartment located in the heart of downtown Oakland. Unit faces the rear of the bldg so plenty of peace and quiet. Features include wood flooring, high ceiling, remodeled kitchen and bathroom. Feels like a NY apartment! BART, laundromat and monthly parking is close by. With a WalkScore of 100, you are steps away from Pacific Renaissance Plaza, restaurants, coffee
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
