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Home » Suburbs » 2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Oakland, California

2021 Best Suburbs Surrounding Oakland, California

Oakland is a city known for its superior sports teams and its Mediterranean-type climate. Located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, it serves a major West Coast port and is also home to several major employers, including Kaiser Permanente. Popular with residents is Lake Merritt, a large saltwater lagoon east of downtown where you can enjoy an authentic and private Venetian gondola cruise. Another must-see is Jack London Square, a cluster of restaurants and shops that dot the inner harbor. The Golden State is unsurprisingly a popular destination for retirees, but anyone planning to relocate here will want to take note of the safest cities in California. If Oakland’s population of 435,000 is a bit too dense for your tastes, why not consider one of the city’s suburbs? We have compiled a list of the 10 best suburbs surrounding Oakland. 

10. Moraga

Peach trees evenly spaced in a grassy area. The leaves are gold and orange and red.
  • Population: 17,692
  • Median Home Value: $1,093,600
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 33 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 94
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 12

Moraga sits in a valley about 13 miles northeast of Oakland. Residents enjoy an excellent quality of life with plenty of green spaces, area vineyards and top schools. Find your favorite home in Moraga.

9. Hillsborough

An open field with a lake in the middle and mountains rising on either side. The clouds above are overcast.
  • Population: 11,444
  • Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 33 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 90
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 9

Hillsborough is a posh area south of San Francisco that’s awash in charm that appeals to new home buyers, as well as its quieter atmosphere. . Hillsborough is known as the home of the Carolands, built by the heiress to the Pullman railway and one of the largest residences in the United States. Find your ideal new residence in Hillsborough.

8. Los Gatos

Street intersection with people walking. A stately building is cattycorner from the viewer and looms above the other buildings.
  • Population: 30,680
  • Median Home Value: $1,586,700
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 459
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 10

Los Gatos sits in the shadows of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This coveted area is surrounded by rocky terrain, making it perfect for biking and hiking. Adventurous types will enjoy rock climbing at Castle Rock State Park. Los Gatos is a pedestrian-friendly town with a vibrant history and is known for fine dining and amazing wine. Find your new home in Los Gatos today.

7. Belmont

Homes dotting the hills and valleys, mixed with colorful trees.
  • Population: 27,113
  • Median Home Value: $1,383,700
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 30 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 424
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 40

Belmont, located in San Mateo County, was originally settled in 1850 as a stagecoach station. Today, it is a modern residential town with an eclectic cultural scene. Whether you are in the mood to shop, eat or play, Belmont has the boutiques, restaurants and activities for you. Browse through the new homes available in Belmont.

6. San Mateo

A network of waterways wrapping around islands with new houses on them.
  • Population: 105,025
  • Median Home Value: $1,007,200
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,163
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 285

San Mateo, the largest suburb on our list, is located south of San Francisco on San Francisco Bay. This affluent city features one of the most developed downtowns in the Bay Area with historic buildings dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A prominent part of the downtown is Central Park, which is home to the exquisite Japanese Garden. Discover your new home in San Mateo.   

5. Cupertino

Looking over the hill of a California winery.
  • Population: 60,170
  • Median Home Value: $1,584,600
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 956
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 72

Cupertino, the headquarters of Apple Inc., is west of San Jose and in the heart of world-renowned Silicon Valley. More than a haven for techies, it’s a stunning residential community abounding in golf courses, shops and a wide array of eateries. Residents enjoy getting away from the hustle of startups with a visit to the McClellan Ranch Preserve, an 18-acre nature habitat. Ready to make your move? Check out these new homes in Cupertino.

4. Saratoga

Red clay buildings with awnings and large window fronts line a street. Patio chairs and tables are in front of some of the buildings.
  • Population: 30,599
  • Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 29 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 237
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 22

Saratoga is just southwest of San Jose, sitting in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Famous for its wine-tasting markets, this town serves up flavorful wine produced in world-class vineyards. The top-tier schools are an added benefit to this serene community. You’ll always find something to do in Saratoga. Which new home is your favorite?

3. Palo Alto

An administrative building and Hoover Tower on the University of Stanford's campus.
  • Population: 65,364
  • Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,513
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 72

Palo Alto, located on the west side of San Francisco Bay, can stake its claim as home to prestigious Stanford University. It’s also one of the principal cities of Silicon Valley, with a laundry list of well-known companies, like Tesla, HP Inc. and Xerox, headquartered there. With so much opportunity and things to see and do in Palo Alto, it’s easy to see why it remains such a popular place to live. Take a look at these new home communities in Palo Alto.

2. Mountain View

Large ducks swimming in a blue lake with sailboats and a shoreline in the background.
  • Population: 83,377
  • Median Home Value: $1,214,800
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,103
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 157

Mountain View is located on the south end of the San Francisco Bay and, as part of Silicon Valley, is the headquarters of Google and LinkedIn. It’s also a community rife with new home communities, a vibrant nightlife, live entertainment venues and a plethora of recreational activities. Come see the hidden gems in Mountain View.

1. Los Altos

A metal sign etched with "Los Altos" written in cursive and mounted on a stone block.
  • Population: 30,531
  • Median Home Value: $2,000,000+
  • Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
  • School Ranking: A+
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 284
  • Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 13

Topping our list of best suburbs surrounding Oakland is Los Altos, a town located south of San Francisco Bay and considered a bedroom community to Silicon Valley. The town places immense value on arts and culture — one of its most popular events is the Los Altos Arts and Wine Festival. Hike the nearby Rancho San Antonio Preserve or discover the many shops and restaurants of downtown Los Altos. Check out these new homes in Los Altos. 

Additional Suburbs

SuburbPop.Median Home ValueMean Travel to WorkSchool RankProperty CrimesViolent Crimes
Millbrae22,557$1,230,90030 minutesA+53558
Lafayette26,521$1,302,90033 minutesA+23110
Piedmont11,238$1,844,40031 minutesA+19521
Foster City34,151$1,153,60032 minutesA+37635
Danville44,650$1,043,20033 minutesA+32616
Larkspur12,328$1,264,80031 minutesA+26715
Burlingame30,467$1,709,50030 minutesA+92158
Pleasanton82,372$933,50035 minutesA+40630
Albany19,908$812,80031 minutesA+60837
Orinda19,806$1,342,10036 minutesA+1109
San Anselmo12,519$1,039,00033 minutesA+27115
Berkeley121,643$938,40029 minutesA+5,381586
Mill Valley14,295$1,510,80035 minutesA+1969
San Ramon75,839$919,70038 minutesA+78643
Dublin63,445$824,80040 minutesA+1,188108
East Palo Alto29,519$704,50024 minutesA567141
Sunnyvale153,185$1,111,80025 minutesA2,541255
Menlo Park34,549$2,000,000+26 minutesA60643
Santa Clara129,488$927,20024 minutesA3,741208
Milpitas80,430$782,30028 minutesA1,93487
San Carlos30,364$1,502,30029 minutesA55358
Campbell42,466$989,60027 minutesA1,379119
Petaluma61,917$600,90030 minutesA889197
Fremont237,807$863,80035 minutesA4,687502
Alameda78,338$797,30034 minutesA2,123184
Walnut Creek69,825$758,50036 minutesA2,249109
Half Moon Bay12,973$917,50029 minutesA-24625
San Bruno43,047$839,00028 minutesA-984123
Pacifica38,759$818,10032 minutesA-40271
Martinez38,402$557,70032 minutesA-52473
San Jose1,030,119$793,10030 minutesA-25,7534,444
Livermore90,269$692,00033 minutesA-1,696186
Novato55,655$732,20034 minutesA-77397
Benicia28,306$557,60035 minutesA-38234
Union City74,559$688,80035 minutesA-1,653261
American Canyon20,359$468,40036 minutesA-40556
Pleasant Hill34,903$680,50034 minutesA-1,58457
San Francisco883,305$1,009,50033 minutesA-49,2146,144
Brentwood63,800$543,90046 minutesA-1,317152
Napa79,263$581,10022 minutesB+1,241269
Windsor27,849$563,80024 minutesB+24974
Santa Rosa177,586$490,00023 minutesB+3,118823
Vacaville100,154$391,10028 minutesB+2,158230
San Rafael58,704$873,80029 minutesB+1,695257
Morgan Hill45,135$799,10036 minutesB+74052
Hayward159,620$519,60033 minutesB+4,770669
El Cerrito25,601$744,60034 minutesB+1,314171
Clayton12,192$710,80041 minutesB+1461
Healdsburg12,104$674,60024 minutesB22320
Redwood City86,200$1,127,10026 minutesB1,254177

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.

Other California Resources

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in California

The Best Suburbs Surrounding Los Angeles

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Moving To San Diego? Our Relocation Guide Will Help

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Heather Allen

Heather Allen is a freelance writer who began her career 20 years ago at a small Texas NBC affiliate, while attending SFASU. She’s written blogs on a diverse range of topics.

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