Apartments for Rent in Oakland

Oakland, CA has been the shining star of the Bay Area recently. After rent and cost of living skyrocketed in neighboring cities, people turned their sights to Oakland. Once a city with a high crime rate, Oakland has made strides to turn itself around by focusing on sustainability and community development.

Oakland is an oasis for artists and intellectuals. Many artists in San Francisco were pushed out by the increasing rent and students at UC Berkeley found it an interesting alternative to the expensive rent in Berkeley.

Oakland is a true melting pot-- it was a popular destination for immigrants in the 20th century and thus, it has been pegged as the most ethnically diverse major US city in America. For this reason, Oakland's considered a city of neighborhoods. There's over 50 distinct neighborhoods in Oakland, so there's bound to be one that suits your needs.

If you're considering a move to Oakland, you're in good company. The city has seen an influx in new residents over the past decade. As a result, it's also seen an increase in business and development. It's nestled right on the Bay and is famous for it's beautiful weather. Continue reading to learn the best tips for planning an Oakland move.

While Oakland is considered to have a reasonable cost of living for the Bay Area, the cost of living is still about twice the national average. While entertainment and transportation are only mildly higher than the national average, the cost of housing is exponentially higher. There are apartments for rent at a variety of different prices, but finding a rental within your budget requires some foresight. Oakland froze rent prices recently, which has helped stabilize the market a bit - but it still errs heavily in favor of the landlord.

Be Prepared

Since Oakland has a competitive rental market, it's best to have a folder of documents ready when you look at apartments. Have your ID, credit checks, bank statements and proof of employment when looking at housing. Bring that security deposit check!

Be Realistic

Make a list of what is the most important to you in an apartment. Look at apartment finders and see what you can expect to rent in your budget range. Often time rentals will have open houses, so you'll be viewing a rental with several other people. Don't hold out for a fireplace that'll never show up, because the townhouse for rent you that you decided that you liked after the fact will likely not be on the market for more than a couple of days.

Consider Non-Traditional Options

Shared housing is huge in Oakland - studio apartments have a hefty price tag, but consider rooms for rent. Remember that there's no such thing as a cheap apartment in Oakland anymore, so if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Shared housing is better than unsafe housing.

Stay Positive – Your Apartment Awaits!

The most important thing to remember when looking for apartments in Oakland is to never give up. It may take a while to find your dream rental, but it's worth it to live in sunny Oakland!