Living in Longfellow, Emeryville, California
A pedestrian-first neighborhood in Emeryville's heart, combining walkability with Bay Area job proximity and urban cultural amenities.
About Longfellow in Emeryville
Longfellow stands out as one of Emeryville's most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, with a Walk Score of 91 and an exceptional Bike Score of 98. The neighborhood draws young professionals and creative types seeking walkable urban life without Silicon Valley sprawl. Median home values around $995k reflect strong demand, while the 62.9% bachelor's degree attainment rate signals an educated, affluent resident base focused on culture, mobility, and community.
Real Estate Market in Longfellow
| Median home price | $995k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +3.2% |
| Price per sq ft | $875 |
| Median rent | $2,229 |
| Typical days on market | 18 days |
| Buyer competition | Fierce |
| Walk Score | 91 |
| Transit Score | 72 |
| Bike Score | 98 |
Longfellow's housing market reflects Bay Area desirability: median home values of approximately $995k sit above Emeryville's citywide median of $625k, while rental rates hold steady around $2,229 per month. The neighborhood's 32.9% owner-occupancy rate indicates a mixed tenure landscape typical of urban infill communities.
Additionally, longfellow attracts competitive multiple offers, particularly for walk-ups and renovated units near Market Street. Buyers should expect to move quickly and be prepared with strong pre-approval and earnest money; many sales close above list in this desirable corridor.
Who Thrives in Longfellow
Longfellow appeals to first-time buyers priced above starter markets but seeking walkability and cultural amenities; condo and townhome inventory offer lower entry points than single-family homes.
Additionally, families with school-age children benefit from proximity to Oakland Technical High (44.5 rating), Hoover Elementary (14.5 rating), and parks like Joseph Emery Park, though the 16.3% rate of households with children suggests fewer family-heavy blocks.
Additionally, strong rental demand, high walkability scores, and proximity to transit make Longfellow an attractive rental investment; the $2,229 median rent on $995k values offers reasonable yield potential in the tight Bay Area rental market.
Additionally, the 31.7% work-from-home rate reflects Longfellow's appeal to remote professionals; high-speed broadband availability, walkable cafes like Burlap Coffee and Upstairs, and reliable transit for occasional commutes make it ideal.
Additionally, walkability and cultural venues hold appeal, but Longfellow's young median age (34.1) and vibrant nightlife scene may feel less tailored to retirees seeking quieter, lower-density neighborhoods.
Property Types in Longfellow
Dominant property type; many built or renovated in last 15 years; walkable ground-floor retail often integrated.
Smaller lots with strong walk scores; renovated Victorians and modern infill command premium pricing.
Artist lofts and creative spaces popular near Studio One Art Center; often feature flexible ground-floor commercial.
Living in Longfellow, Emeryville
Daily life in Longfellow revolves around walkable retail, art galleries, and cafe culture. Basic Cafe, Golden Gate Donuts, and nearby restaurants like Catastrophe Pizza and Joodooboo anchor social rhythms, while Studio One Art Center and St Louise Studios host community exhibitions. The neighborhood's high bike score makes cargo-bike shopping and weekend recreation at Temescal Creek Park or Linden Park convenient for car-free households.
- Joodooboo · 3 min walk
- Catastrophe Pizza · 6 min walk
- Shangri-La Vegan · 8 min walk
- Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack · 8 min walk
- Pizza Amigos · 8 min walk
- Basic Cafe · 9 min walk
- Golden Gate Donuts · 11 min walk
- Wally's Cafe · 12 min walk
- Burlap Coffee · 12 min walk
- Upstairs · 13 min walk
- Linden Park · 6 min walk
- Helen McGregor Plaza Park · 9 min walk
- 41st Street Mini Park · 10 min walk
- Temescal Creek Park · 10 min walk
- Joseph Emery Park · 13 min walk
- The Fruit Basket · 10 min walk
- Simurgh Bakery · 12 min walk
- Arizmendi · 12 min walk
- La Dolce Vita Bakery & Deli · 13 min walk
- Pak 'N Save · 13 min walk
- Workout Spot · 12 min walk
- Athletic Playground · 14 min walk
- 9Round · 14 min walk
- Kelly's Gym · 14 min walk
- Emeryville Center of Community Life · 15 min walk
- Studio One Art Center · 21 min walk
- St Louise Studios · 23 min walk
- AMC Bay Street 16 · 28 min walk
- The Sound Room · 29 min walk
- College Avenue Galleries · 29 min walk
Annual events: Emeryville Art Walks, Market Street seasonal festivals, Emeryville Makers Market, local gallery openings, Bay Street seasonal events
Schools Near Longfellow, Emeryville
Additionally, longfellow residents access well-regarded schools across elementary, middle, and high school levels, with particularly strong options for college-preparatory pathways. The neighborhood's 62.9% bachelor's degree rate indicates strong parental investment in education.
Elementary Schools
School Score 14.5 with 12% math and 17% 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 41 with 37% math and 45% 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) — 20-minute walk
- Pacific Rim Int'L School (PK-10) — 24-minute walk
- Mentoring Academy (8-12) — 38-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students typically feed from Hoover Elementary (14.5 rating, K-5) or Emerson Elementary (10 rating, K-5) to Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy (41 rating, K-8), then to Oakland Technical High (44.5 rating, 9-12) or Emery Secondary (35 rating, 9-12).
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Longfellow
Additionally, longfellow's transit score of 72 and Market Street bus corridors make car-free commuting viable for many residents. The neighborhood sits minutes from major Bay Area employment centers via bus, bike, or occasional drive.
Additionally, AC Transit bus lines at Market Street (40th, 43rd, 45th) provide frequent service; bike infrastructure makes intermodal connections seamless.
Neighborhoods Near Longfellow
Not sure Longfellow is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Longfellow
What is the average home price in Longfellow, Emeryville?
The median home value in Longfellow is approximately $995,000, reflecting strong demand among Bay Area homebuyers. Additionally, this sits above Emeryville's citywide median of $625,100, driven by the neighborhood's superior walkability and transit access. Condos and townhomes typically range from $750k to $1.2m, while single-family homes command $1.1m to $1.4m. Prices have appreciated roughly 3.2% year-over-year.
Is Longfellow a good place to live?
Yes, especially for urban-oriented professionals and remote workers. Additionally, the neighborhood scores 91 on Walk Score, 98 on Bike Score, and 72 on Transit Score, making car-free living feasible. Moreover, the median household income of $128,144 and 62.9% bachelor's degree attainment indicate an educated, affluent community focused on culture and lifestyle. Trade-offs include limited family demographics (16.3% households with children), parking constraints, and competitive housing prices.
What schools serve Longfellow, Emeryville families?
Elementary options include Hoover Elementary (14.5 rating, K-5) and Emerson Elementary (10 rating, K-5). Additionally, for middle school, Aspire Berkley Maynard Academy (41 rating, K-8) and Anna Yates Elementary (29.5 rating, K-8) serve the area. High school students typically attend Oakland Technical High (44.5 rating, 9-12) or Emery Secondary (35 rating, 9-12). Private alternatives include Park Day School and Pacific Rim International School.
Is Longfellow safe?
Longfellow maintains typical Bay Area urban safety standards; the neighborhood's high density, active street life on Market Street, and visible police presence (Oakland Fire Stations 4 and 8 nearby) contribute to community awareness. Additionally, like all urban neighborhoods, property crime occurs; residents are advised to use standard urban precautions (secure bikes, lock vehicles, avoid isolated alleys at night). Community organizations and local arts venues foster strong neighborhood cohesion.
Who is Longfellow best suited for?
Longfellow appeals most to remote workers, young professionals, creative workers, and investors seeking walkable urban living. Additionally, the high transit score and bike infrastructure make it ideal for car-free or car-light households. Moreover, families with school-age children may prefer lower-density neighborhoods with more youth amenities, though quality schools remain accessible. Retirees seeking walkability will appreciate the urban design, though the younger median age (34.1) reflects a more energetic, nightlife-oriented culture.
What amenities define daily life in Longfellow?
Longfellow centers on Market Street's retail and food corridor, featuring cafes like Burlap Coffee and Upstairs, restaurants including Catastrophe Pizza and Joodooboo, and cultural venues such as Studio One Art Center and St Louise Studios. Grocery options span Arizmendi co-op, The Fruit Basket, and nearby Safeway. Parks including Linden Park and Helen McGregor Plaza Park provide green space, while the Emeryville Center of Community Life and fitness venues like Athletic Playground support active lifestyles.
Where this Longfellow 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.
Find Your Home in Longfellow, Emeryville
Additionally, explore available listings in this highly walkable neighborhood and connect with Ficustree's local market experts to navigate Longfellow's competitive real estate landscape.
Search homes in Longfellow →