Middle East Oakland - Oakland, CA

Oakland originated from the large Spanish settlement known as "Encincal," meaning "oak grove." The city incorporated in 1854, growing quickly with the coming of several transcontinental railroad connections over the next couple of decades. The Young Ladies Seminary moved from Benecia into Middle East Oakland in 1871, making it a focal point for Middle East Oakland. In 1877, it changed its name to Mills College.

Middle East Oakland developed quietly as a suburb of Oakland in the early-20th century. Chevrolet built an automobile manufacturing plant in the 1920s, but industrial productivity soon waned after World War II. The completion of Interstate 580 and Highway 13 in the 1960s shuttled more local residents deeper into the suburbs. In 1970, the Eastmont Town Center opened in place of the Chevrolet plant.

Middle East Oakland is home to the Mills College Art Museum, which features traveling exhibitions and events as well as permanent collections. Admission is free for all exhibitions and programs, making this a hidden neighborhood gem. The Mills College Art Museum was founded in 1925 on the campus of Mills College.

Despite having a small college population, Middle East Oakland isn't known for bars or nightclubs.But with Downtown Oakland just six miles away, a world of nightlife is just around the corner. Be sure to attend a show at the Oakland Fox Theater, a historic theater dating back to 1928, or the equally-impressive Paramount Theatre, an art-deco theater dating back to 1931. Ask longtime residents where to go at night and they'll probably recommend Cafe Van Kleef and the Elis Mile High Club.

With its emerging food scene, Oakland offers some spectacular restaurants, as well. Some terrific downtown destinations include the City Center Grill, Analog, and CrossBurgers. When you want tapas, you'll want Tambo -- this Peruvian restaurant dishes up some fantastic food, including entrees like Moche Rib Eye, Lomo Saltado, and Passion Salmon Quinoa.

If you are looking for a quick dinner in the neighborhood, you'll find some great destinations. Old Weang Ping appeals to diners wanting great Thai food at a reasonable price. Order one of the noodle dishes, such as pad thai or pad see ew. Souls Restaurant serves as a local favorite founded by the members of Acts Full Gospel Church. Enjoy fresh, authentic Southern food entrees featuring large portions. Many come from Sunday services for its buffet brunch or dinner.

Locals cross Interstate 580 to frequent Lounge 3411, a hidden gem in the Laurel District. The weekends attract a crowd with live music and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. Many come on Taco Tuesdays for its Korean, Thai, Filipino, or Mexican taco specials.

Most residents choose to drive in Middle East due to a plentiful amount of free parking and easy access to Interstate 580 and Highway 13.

Alameda County Transit provides affordable bus transportation. The neighborhood has enough routes that bus riders can access a line within a half-mile walk. The Eastmont Town Center contains a regional transportation center, with many bus connections throughout the East Bay.

The Coliseum station two miles southwest of Middle East Oakland contains the nearest BART and Amtrak connections.

Taxis don't generally frequent the neighborhood, but cabs station themselves around the Eastmont Town Center. Uber, Lyft and other ride-share programs service Middle East Oakland.

The bike lanes on Bancroft Avenue and 73rd Avenue prove best suited for cycling through Middle East Oakland. The region can be comfortably navigated by casual cyclists along the easygoing residential streets.

The Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, the major public green space in Middle East Oakland, serves as one of the largest parks in the Oakland area. Parents bring their children to play among the wide green spaces, flowing creek, picnic areas, community garden, and tot lot. Sports enthusiasts enjoy the soccer and baseball fields along with this center's basketball courts.

The Oakland Zoo sits four miles southwest of Middle East Oakland. The $130 family pass provides excellent value with unlimited visits for one year.

The nearby Leona Regional Open Space, roughly one mile east, provides natural areas and trails to walk you dog, run, and bike.

In the nearby Laurel District, the Laurel Street Fair attracts thousands to this annual August festival featuring live music, local food vendors, fashion shows, and a kid's zone.

The cost of living in Middle East Oakland sits 8.5 percent less than the Oakland average. Taking AC Transit buses to downtown Oakland via MacArthur Boulevard costs $2 with a Clipper card. Riding BART from the Coliseum station to Oakland City Center costs $1.85. Taking BART into San Francisco starts at $4.05. Rentals skew lower here, with monthly costs in Middle East Oakland averaging $806 for a one-bedroom apartment. Compared to the national average, gas prices in Oakland cost about 22 percent higher. Expect to pay about 20 cents more at the two gas stations in Middle East Oakland.

Middle East Oakland offers a smattering of locally-owned boutiques and small businesses.Diva Darlings sells fashionable women's clothes for those wanting to make a statement. Specializing in formal wear and night-time attire, shoppers return to find new styles displayed weekly.

For more intensive shopping, head to Downtown Oakland, which is filled with everything from Bohemian boutiques (look along Temescal Alley) and vintage clothing to designer jewelry and art galleries. Some must-visits in Oakland include Collector's Heaven, Shoe Groupie, Flax Art & Design, and Viscera.

Gazzali's and Shop Rite supermarkets serve as the region's grocery stores. Safeway acts as the nearest major supermarket in San Leandro. The nearest bazaar occurs by the Fruitvale BART station every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.