9532 Alcala Ave

Sitting directly across the I-80 from San Francisco, Oakland is a thriving city in its own right, and in recent years has become a popular home for folks seeking more affordable (and available) living arrangements than what is available across the bay without sacrificing the distinctive atmosphere.

While shipping is still a major part of the local economy, Oakland is home to the corporate headquarters for everything from established consumer brands to younger tech businesses. The cultural diversity of the city is vast, meaning that it’s easy to find art, food, and people from every corner of the world by just walking down the street.

California College of the Arts brings a creative streak to the community, which is reflected in the eclectic shops and cafes along College Avenue; In the Mosswood area, an eclectic mix of coffee houses, taverns, arts centers, and international restaurants line Telegraph Avenue, which runs all the way up to the UC Berkeley campus.