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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millbrae | 22,557 | $1,230,900 | 30 minutes | A+ | 535 | 58 |
| Lafayette | 26,521 | $1,302,900 | 33 minutes | A+ | 231 | 10 |
| Piedmont | 11,238 | $1,844,400 | 31 minutes | A+ | 195 | 21 |
| Foster City | 34,151 | $1,153,600 | 32 minutes | A+ | 376 | 35 |
| Danville | 44,650 | $1,043,200 | 33 minutes | A+ | 326 | 16 |
| Larkspur | 12,328 | $1,264,800 | 31 minutes | A+ | 267 | 15 |
| Burlingame | 30,467 | $1,709,500 | 30 minutes | A+ | 921 | 58 |
| Pleasanton | 82,372 | $933,500 | 35 minutes | A+ | 406 | 30 |
| Albany | 19,908 | $812,800 | 31 minutes | A+ | 608 | 37 |
| Orinda | 19,806 | $1,342,100 | 36 minutes | A+ | 110 | 9 |
| San Anselmo | 12,519 | $1,039,000 | 33 minutes | A+ | 271 | 15 |
| Berkeley | 121,643 | $938,400 | 29 minutes | A+ | 5,381 | 586 |
| Mill Valley | 14,295 | $1,510,800 | 35 minutes | A+ | 196 | 9 |
| San Ramon | 75,839 | $919,700 | 38 minutes | A+ | 786 | 43 |
| Dublin | 63,445 | $824,800 | 40 minutes | A+ | 1,188 | 108 |
| East Palo Alto | 29,519 | $704,500 | 24 minutes | A | 567 | 141 |
| Sunnyvale | 153,185 | $1,111,800 | 25 minutes | A | 2,541 | 255 |
| Menlo Park | 34,549 | $2,000,000+ | 26 minutes | A | 606 | 43 |
| Santa Clara | 129,488 | $927,200 | 24 minutes | A | 3,741 | 208 |
| Milpitas | 80,430 | $782,300 | 28 minutes | A | 1,934 | 87 |
| San Carlos | 30,364 | $1,502,300 | 29 minutes | A | 553 | 58 |
| Campbell | 42,466 | $989,600 | 27 minutes | A | 1,379 | 119 |
| Petaluma | 61,917 | $600,900 | 30 minutes | A | 889 | 197 |
| Fremont | 237,807 | $863,800 | 35 minutes | A | 4,687 | 502 |
| Alameda | 78,338 | $797,300 | 34 minutes | A | 2,123 | 184 |
| Walnut Creek | 69,825 | $758,500 | 36 minutes | A | 2,249 | 109 |
| Half Moon Bay | 12,973 | $917,500 | 29 minutes | A- | 246 | 25 |
| San Bruno | 43,047 | $839,000 | 28 minutes | A- | 984 | 123 |
| Pacifica | 38,759 | $818,100 | 32 minutes | A- | 402 | 71 |
| Martinez | 38,402 | $557,700 | 32 minutes | A- | 524 | 73 |
| San Jose | 1,030,119 | $793,100 | 30 minutes | A- | 25,753 | 4,444 |
| Livermore | 90,269 | $692,000 | 33 minutes | A- | 1,696 | 186 |
| Novato | 55,655 | $732,200 | 34 minutes | A- | 773 | 97 |
| Benicia | 28,306 | $557,600 | 35 minutes | A- | 382 | 34 |
| Union City | 74,559 | $688,800 | 35 minutes | A- | 1,653 | 261 |
| American Canyon | 20,359 | $468,400 | 36 minutes | A- | 405 | 56 |
| Pleasant Hill | 34,903 | $680,500 | 34 minutes | A- | 1,584 | 57 |
| San Francisco | 883,305 | $1,009,500 | 33 minutes | A- | 49,214 | 6,144 |
| Brentwood | 63,800 | $543,900 | 46 minutes | A- | 1,317 | 152 |
| Napa | 79,263 | $581,100 | 22 minutes | B+ | 1,241 | 269 |
| Windsor | 27,849 | $563,800 | 24 minutes | B+ | 249 | 74 |
| Santa Rosa | 177,586 | $490,000 | 23 minutes | B+ | 3,118 | 823 |
| Vacaville | 100,154 | $391,100 | 28 minutes | B+ | 2,158 | 230 |
| San Rafael | 58,704 | $873,800 | 29 minutes | B+ | 1,695 | 257 |
| Morgan Hill | 45,135 | $799,100 | 36 minutes | B+ | 740 | 52 |
| Hayward | 159,620 | $519,600 | 33 minutes | B+ | 4,770 | 669 |
| El Cerrito | 25,601 | $744,600 | 34 minutes | B+ | 1,314 | 171 |
| Clayton | 12,192 | $710,800 | 41 minutes | B+ | 146 | 1 |
| Healdsburg | 12,104 | $674,600 | 24 minutes | B | 223 | 20 |
| Redwood City | 86,200 | $1,127,100 | 26 minutes | B | 1,254 | 177 |
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.
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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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