Temescal, Emeryville, California: Neighborhood Guide for Home Buyers
Additionally, A highly walkable urban neighborhood in Emeryville with exceptional transit access, strong schools, and a median price of $1.2M.
About Temescal in Emeryville
Temescal is one of Emeryville's most desirable neighborhoods, defined by its near-perfect Walk Score of 98 and deep integration with Oakland's cultural and commercial corridors. Additionally, the neighborhood attracts young professionals, families, and remote workers who value walkability, transit access, and proximity to local restaurants, galleries, and independent bookstores. With a median household income of $142,517 and 68.5 percent of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, Temescal reflects an educated, urban-oriented demographic that prioritizes sustainability and walkable living.
Real Estate Market in Temescal
| Median home price | $1.2M |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Stable to modestly appreciating |
| Price per sq ft | $850 to $1,050 |
| Median rent | $2,385 |
| Typical days on market | 14 to 21 days |
| Buyer competition | Fierce |
| Walk Score | 98 |
| Transit Score | 68 |
| Bike Score | 92 |
Additionally, the Temescal market reflects the broader Bay Area premium for walkable, transit-rich urban neighborhoods. Median home values in the area reach $1.2M, with competition remaining strong among buyers seeking lifestyle and accessibility.
Expect multiple offers on well-positioned properties, particularly condos and townhomes near transit hubs. Additionally, pre-approval and flexibility on inspection contingencies remain essential. Properties with parking and outdoor space command premiums.
Who Thrives in Temescal
Additionally, entry-level pricing in Temescal exceeds $1M, making traditional starter homes scarce; condos and new construction offer more accessible entry points.
Additionally, excellent schools including Peralta Elementary and Claremont Middle, parks like Little Frog Park and Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt, and a 14.9% rate of households with children support family-oriented living.
Additionally, strong rental demand (median rent $2,385), high occupancy rates, and appreciation potential make Temescal attractive for long-term investment and short-term rental portfolios.
Additionally, 30.5% of residents work from home; the neighborhood's walkability, coffee shops like Alleyway Cafe and Peet's Coffee, and cultural amenities provide ideal remote work lifestyle.
Additionally, high walkability and transit access reduce car dependence; abundant restaurants, healthcare (La Clinica, Children's Hospital Oakland), and arts venues support an active retirement.
Property Types in Temescal
Smaller Victorian and Craftsman homes; limited inventory on the Emeryville side.
Primary housing stock; newer construction and conversions offer modern amenities and parking.
Industrial conversions and mixed-use buildings reflect the neighborhood's arts and tech character.
Living in Temescal, Emeryville
Daily life in Temescal revolves around walkable blocks lined with independent cafes, restaurants, and galleries. Additionally, residents routinely walk to Whole Foods Market, Poppy Bagels, and Burma Bites; browse Studio One Art Center and College Avenue Galleries; or cycle along the Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt. The neighborhood's 92 bike score and proximity to downtown Oakland venues like the Piedmont Theatre create a neighborhood that feels both local and cosmopolitan.
- Shangri-La Vegan · 1 min walk
- North light · 1 min walk
- Burma Bites · 1 min walk
- Pizza Ponte · 1 min walk
- Hawking Bird · 1 min walk
- Alleyway Cafe · 1 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 2 min walk
- Yosi Cafe · 2 min walk
- Sana’a Cafe · 3 min walk
- Upstairs · 3 min walk
- Little Frog Park · 5 min walk
- Redondo Playground · 5 min walk
- North Oakland Recreation Center · 9 min walk
- Helen McGregor Plaza Park · 9 min walk
- Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt · 11 min walk
- Forma Bakery · 1 min walk
- Poppy Bagels · 1 min walk
- Whole Foods Market · 3 min walk
- Temescal Produce Market · 3 min walk
- Mariposa Baking Co. OAK · 7 min walk
- 9Round · 1 min walk
- Kelly's Gym · 4 min walk
- East Bay Community Space · 7 min walk
- Workout Spot · 10 min walk
- CorePower Yoga · 14 min walk
- Studio One Art Center · 10 min walk
- College Avenue Galleries · 16 min walk
- SoMa · 16 min walk
- Piedmont Theatre · 23 min walk
- Thelma Harris Art Gallery · 26 min walk
Annual events: Temescal Street Fest (spring), First Friday Art Walks (monthly), neighborhood holiday markets, outdoor concert series at Helen McGregor Plaza Park
Schools Near Temescal, Emeryville
Temescal benefits from strong public school options and several excellent private alternatives. Peralta Elementary (score 79.5) and Claremont Middle (score 53.5) anchor the neighborhood's K-8 pathway, while Oakland Technical High (score 44.5) serves college-bound students.
Elementary Schools
School Score 79.5 with 77% math and 82% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 19.5 with 17% math and 22% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 11 with 5% math and 17% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 10 with 8% math and 12% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 53.5 with 51% math and 56% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 29.5 with 23% math and 36% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 24.5 with 22% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 44.5 with 35% math and 54% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 35 with 25% math and 45% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 18.5 with 10% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 16 with 5% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- Park Day School (KG-8) — 11-minute walk
- School Of Saint Leo The Great (PK-8) — 21-minute walk
- Pacific Boychoir Academy (4-8) — 27-minute walk
- Mentoring Academy (8-12) — 26-minute walk
- Pacific Rim Int'L School (PK-10) — 35-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Many families transition through the Oakland Unified School District system, with North Oakland Community Charter and Park Day School offering alternatives.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Temescal
Additionally, temescal's location on the Oakland-Emeryville border and excellent transit infrastructure make commuting accessible by multiple modes. A transit score of 68 reflects strong bus and light rail connectivity; a bike score of 92 supports cycling commutes to nearby employment hubs.
Additionally, AC Transit bus stops at 51st Street and Telegraph Avenue, plus multiple other corridors, provide frequent service; the neighborhood sits within biking distance of BART and future transit expansions.
Neighborhoods Near Temescal
Not sure Temescal is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Temescal
What is the average home price in Temescal, Emeryville?
The median home price in Temescal reaches approximately $1.2M, reflecting the neighborhood's walkability, urban location, and strong schools. Single-family homes typically range from $1.1M to $1.8M, while condos and townhomes span $850k to $1.4M. Prices vary based on proximity to transit, unit size, and amenities. The area remains competitive, with properties often receiving multiple offers within two to three weeks of listing.
Is Temescal a good place to live?
Yes. Additionally, temescal offers a rare combination of walkability, transit access, and community engagement. The neighborhood's Walk Score of 98 means nearly all errands are achievable on foot, while the 92 bike score supports car-free living. Strong schools, abundant restaurants (Pizza Ponte, Shangri-La Vegan, North Light), galleries, and parks create an engaged community. The tradeoff is high pricing and urban noise; it appeals most to young professionals and families who prioritize walkability over suburban quiet.
Which schools serve Temescal?
Peralta Elementary (79.5 score) is the primary neighborhood elementary school, followed by Claremont Middle (53.5 score) for grades 6-8 and Oakland Technical High (44.5 score) for high school. Additionally, park Day School offers a respected private K-8 option. Moreover, the neighborhood sits within the Oakland Unified School District, with several charter schools nearby. Most families in the area express strong satisfaction with local public schools and the availability of competitive alternatives.
Is Temescal safe?
Temescal has a mixed safety profile typical of urban Oakland neighborhoods. Additionally, the neighborhood benefits from active foot traffic, good lighting, and engaged community organizations, which deter some crime. However, petty theft and occasional vehicle break-ins occur; residents commonly recommend securing bicycles and vehicles and remaining aware of surroundings, especially after dark. Check recent crime statistics with the Oakland Police Department for current data.
Who is Temescal best suited for?
Temescal suits urban-oriented buyers who prioritize walkability, transit, and cultural amenities over suburban space. Additionally, young professionals, remote workers (30.5% of residents), and small families thrive here. Moreover, the median household income is $142,517 and 68.5 percent of residents hold bachelor's degrees, reflecting an educated, professional demographic. It appeals less to families with multiple school-age children seeking large yards or car-dependent retirees.
What dining and shopping options are nearby?
Temescal boasts excellent dining diversity. Additionally, burma Bites, Pizza Ponte, Hawking Bird, and Shangri-La Vegan reflect the neighborhood's multicultural character. Whole Foods Market and Temescal Produce Market serve grocery needs, while Forma Bakery and Poppy Bagels offer quick breakfast options. Coffee culture thrives with Alleyway Cafe, Peet's Coffee, and Yosi Cafe. Indie bookstores like Mount Analog Books and Womb House Books, plus boutique shops, create a walkable retail experience that discourages car trips.
Where this Temescal 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.
Explore Temescal Homes Today
Additionally, discover available properties in Temescal and connect with a local real estate agent who understands the neighborhood's market dynamics and lifestyle appeal.
Search homes in Temescal →