Is Laurel, Oakland a Good Place to Live?
Additionally, A walkable, well-established Oakland neighborhood with top-tier schools and a median home price above city average.
About Laurel in Oakland
Laurel stands out as one of Oakland's most walkable and stable neighborhoods, with a walk score of 92 and a median household income of $111,032, substantially above the city average. The neighborhood attracts families, established professionals, and remote workers drawn to its tree-lined streets, proximity to quality schools like Laurel Elementary and Redwood Heights Elementary, and convenient access to independent coffee shops and restaurants. Home prices at $784,693 median reflect the neighborhood's desirability, though they remain somewhat below Oakland's overall median, offering relative value within a high-performing urban setting.
Real Estate Market in Laurel
| Median home price | $784.7k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Stable to modest appreciation |
| Price per sq ft | $550 to $620 |
| Median rent | $2,164 |
| Typical days on market | 20 to 35 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 92 |
| Transit Score | 51 |
| Bike Score | 71 |
Additionally, laurel maintains steady demand from buyers seeking walkable urban living with strong schools and established community character. The neighborhood commands a premium over many Oakland areas, reflecting its above-average household income and ownership rates.
Additionally, homes in this walk-friendly neighborhood tend to attract multiple offers, especially well-maintained single-family residences and renovated properties. Competitive bids are common; consider offering near or slightly above list price if the property checks your boxes.
Who Thrives in Laurel
Additionally, laurel's combination of walkability, established infrastructure, and median pricing below city average appeals to buyers entering Oakland's market without the highest budget.
Additionally, the neighborhood delivers what families prioritize: top-rated local schools, 25% of residents have children, 50% married households, and safe, walkable blocks lined with parks like Allendale Park and Maxwell Park.
Additionally, strong rental demand ($2,164 median) and 63% owner-occupied rate signal stability; properties here attract long-term renters and appreciate steadily in this established enclave.
Additionally, walk score 92 means errands on foot; 24.5% of residents work from home, and nearby cafes like Cafe Santana Roasting Company and World Ground provide casual office space.
Additionally, median resident age 40.9 and proximity to healthcare (High Street Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy) plus walkable shopping and dining make this neighborhood comfortable for those scaling back.
Property Types in Laurel
Dominant housing stock; tree-lined lots and multi-bedroom layouts suit families and long-term owner-occupants.
Increasingly popular for first-time buyers and downsizers; often near transit and walkable amenities.
Character-filled homes appealing to renovation-minded buyers; many retain original detailing and solid bones.
Living in Laurel, Oakland
Daily life in Laurel revolves around walkable blocks where you can grab coffee at Lucky Donuts and Sandwiches or Peet's Coffee, pick up groceries at Farmer Joe's or House of Produce, and explore restaurants like Phnom Penh and Laurel Lounge on foot. Additionally, <h3>Community & Recreation</h3> The neighborhood's parks and recreation centers anchor community life; Allendale Recreation Center and Allendale Park host youth sports, yoga classes at Left Coast Power Yoga, and regular family gatherings. Residents enjoy easy access to cultural venues like the Greek Theatre and Mills College Art Museum, plus shopping at Laurel Ace Hardware and Laurel Cyclery for locally rooted commerce. The median age of 40.9 and 50.5% married households reflect a stable, family-oriented community where neighbors often know one another across generations.
- Phnom Penh · 1 min walk
- Laurel Lounge · 1 min walk
- Pa’s Papa · 1 min walk
- Fountain Garden Seafood Restaurant · 1 min walk
- #1 Seafood & Chicken · 1 min walk
- Lucky Donuts and Sandwiches · 1 min walk
- Cafe of the Bay · 2 min walk
- World Ground · 3 min walk
- Cafe Santana Roasting Company · 3 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 24 min walk
- Allendale Recreation Center · 10 min walk
- Allendale Park · 10 min walk
- Peralta Creek Park · 15 min walk
- Maxwell Park · 18 min walk
- Avenue Terrance Park · 18 min walk
- House of Produce · 2 min walk
- Crumble & Whisk · 3 min walk
- Farmer Joe's · 6 min walk
- The Food Mill · 14 min walk
- Safeway · 24 min walk
- Planet Fitness · 3 min walk
- Left Coast Power Yoga · 4 min walk
- Allendale Recreation Center · 9 min walk
- Brookdale Recreation Center · 20 min walk
- Brookdale Discovery Center · 20 min walk
- Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Concert Hall · 24 min walk
- Greek Theatre · 25 min walk
- Mills College Art Museum · 26 min walk
- Aron Art Center · 27 min walk
- Lisser Hall · 28 min walk
Annual events: Allendale Park seasonal events, Lake Merritt Park programming, Oakland Art & Culture monthly openings
Schools Near Laurel, Oakland
Laurel's school options rank among Oakland's strongest, drawing families specifically to this neighborhood for educational quality. The proximity to Laurel Elementary (29.5 rating, KG-5) and Redwood Heights Elementary (52 rating, KG-5) provides walkable choices for younger students, while Allendale Elementary (12 rating, KG-5) serves families just outside the core neighborhood.
Elementary Schools
School Score 52 with 47% math and 57% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 29.5 with 28% math and 31% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 19.5 with 17% math and 22% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 12 with 12% math and 12% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 12.5 with 8% math and 17% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 59.5 with 47% math and 72% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 54.5 with 47% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 15.5 with 13% math and 18% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 11 with 5% math and 17% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Julia Morgan School For Girls (6-8) — 19-minute walk
- Mills College Childrens School (KG-5) — 19-minute walk
- First Covenant Treehouse Preschool & Kindergarten (PK-KG) — 22-minute walk
- Raskob Day School (4-8) — 22-minute walk
- Mountain Blvd Montessori School (PK-KG) — 24-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students typically progress from elementary into Bret Harte Middle or other district assignments; advanced students may qualify for Oakland Unity High (59.5 rating) or Oakland Charter High (54.5 rating), both well-regarded public options.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Laurel
Laurel's position in central Oakland makes commuting feasible by car or transit, though the latter requires some planning given the neighborhood's transit score of 51. Most residents drive, with 53% commuting by personal vehicle, and public transit serves niche routes rather than major regional corridors.
Additionally, AC Transit buses serve MacArthur Boulevard corridors (MacArthur Boulevard & Patterson Avenue, MacArthur Boulevard & 38th Avenue), with connections to downtown and surrounding areas; BART access requires a short drive to Fruitvale or Lake Merritt stations.
Neighborhoods Near Laurel
Not sure Laurel is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laurel
What is the average home price in Laurel, Oakland?
The median home price is approximately $784,693, with single-family homes typically ranging from $650k to $1.2 million and condos from $500k to $850k. Prices reflect the neighborhood's above-average household income ($111,032) and walkability score (92). Prices remain slightly below Oakland's overall median of $883,800, offering relative value in a high-performing urban area.
Is the neighborhood a good place to live?
Yes, for many buyer profiles. The neighborhood delivers walk score 92, strong schools, 50.5% married households, and a poverty rate of just 6.6%, indicating stability and family focus. However, it is not ideal for those prioritizing affordability or preferring suburban space; it works best for walkable-urban-lifestyle seekers.
What are the best schools near Laurel, Oakland?
Redwood Heights Elementary (rating 52) is the strongest elementary option, while Laurel Elementary (29.5) and Allendale Elementary (12) serve the immediate area. For secondary, Oakland Unity High (59.5) and Oakland Charter High (54.5) are well-regarded public choices within reach; private options like Raskob Day School and Mills College Children's School serve families seeking alternatives.
Is Laurel safe?
Additionally, laurel benefits from strong homeownership (63.1%), above-average household income, and active community engagement reflected in park usage and school involvement. Like all Oakland neighborhoods, property crime requires standard precautions (vehicle security, home security systems), but the demographics and community cohesion suggest lower violent crime rates than Oakland's city average.
Who is the neighborhood best suited for?
Families prioritizing walkable schools, remote workers seeking urban amenities without car dependency, established professionals valuing community stability, and first-time buyers ready to enter Oakland's market at a premium price point. Retirees also find appeal in walkability and local services, though those on tight fixed incomes may find pricing challenging.
What are the main amenities and dining options in Laurel, Oakland?
The neighborhood supports independent coffee culture (Cafe Santana Roasting Company, Peet's Coffee, World Ground), diverse dining (Phnom Penh, Laurel Lounge, Fountain Garden Seafood Restaurant), and local commerce (Laurel Cyclery, Laurel Ace Hardware). Parks like Allendale Park and Maxwell Park anchor recreation, while fitness options include Planet Fitness and Left Coast Power Yoga.
Where this Laurel data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Ready to Explore Laurel, Oakland?
Additionally, connect with a local real estate expert who knows these walkable blocks, the school assignments, and current inventory in this established Oakland neighborhood.
Search homes in Laurel →