Bushrod
Ranked 7th best neighborhood in Oakland
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Great for
- Internet Access
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Neighborly Spirit
- Clean & Green
Not great for
- Nightlife
- Shopping Options
- Cost of Living
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
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Reviews
Bushrod
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"A great place to live, largely residential with an awesome park and nice community feel"
We moved to Bushrod last year after a long 6 months of searching for a home to buy and being unable to find anything that met our requirements and price range in North Berkeley where we previously rented, we haven't looked back since! What drew us to the area was it's close proximity to Berkeley, Temescal and easy access to SF and beyond, that we were familiar with the area having driven down Shattuck Avenue countless times and the awesome Bushrod Park.
Before buying we spoke to several residents and folks and dog walkers in the park, all of whom said they loved living here and felt very safe. We read about the history of the area including Idora Park, Dorsey's Locker and Patrick McCullough. After getting familiar with the area we were confident enough to put in a bid on some homes in the area. Of course, as an up and coming neighborhood you get a little more for your money than Rockridge and most of Berkeley, although the gap seems to be narrowing and I can see why.
After moving here we love the laid back nature of the area and have discovered many hidden gems. The park has a great recreational center that is professionally run with all sorts of activities. There's almost daily little league baseball in the park and ultimate frisbee/soccer in the park most evenings. The tennis courts are great and well used. The basketball courts were recently refurbished (funded by Chase) and were opened by none other than Steph Curry! Johnny's Donuts is a great go to for pastries, donuts and sandwiches. Nick's Pizza is one of the best pizzerias in the Bay Area. Nomad Cafe and Jump'n Java are great places to grab a coffee and get some work done.
Our neighbors are friendly and there's a strong sense of community. We went to one of the neighborhood watch meetings (http://shattuck.oaklandncpc.org/) that was attended by the Oakland police who are responsible for the 11X beat. It was a pretty active group and it was reassuring to hear that the area is considered very safe, one of the safest in the whole of Oakland and that there is very little crime beside car smash and grabs which are apparently an epidemic across the bay area right now.
All in all, I can definitely recommend living here!
Before buying we spoke to several residents and folks and dog walkers in the park, all of whom said they loved living here and felt very safe. We read about the history of the area including Idora Park, Dorsey's Locker and Patrick McCullough. After getting familiar with the area we were confident enough to put in a bid on some homes in the area. Of course, as an up and coming neighborhood you get a little more for your money than Rockridge and most of Berkeley, although the gap seems to be narrowing and I can see why.
After moving here we love the laid back nature of the area and have discovered many hidden gems. The park has a great recreational center that is professionally run with all sorts of activities. There's almost daily little league baseball in the park and ultimate frisbee/soccer in the park most evenings. The tennis courts are great and well used. The basketball courts were recently refurbished (funded by Chase) and were opened by none other than Steph Curry! Johnny's Donuts is a great go to for pastries, donuts and sandwiches. Nick's Pizza is one of the best pizzerias in the Bay Area. Nomad Cafe and Jump'n Java are great places to grab a coffee and get some work done.
Our neighbors are friendly and there's a strong sense of community. We went to one of the neighborhood watch meetings (http://shattuck.oaklandncpc.org/) that was attended by the Oakland police who are responsible for the 11X beat. It was a pretty active group and it was reassuring to hear that the area is considered very safe, one of the safest in the whole of Oakland and that there is very little crime beside car smash and grabs which are apparently an epidemic across the bay area right now.
All in all, I can definitely recommend living here!
Pros
- Bushrod Park
- Local businesses
- Safety
- Oakland Childrens Hospital
- Easy public transportation
- Walk to everything
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Hipsters
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
Bushrod
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Small town vibe, with easy City access...growing familes, diversity, and great weather"
We've lived here for 12 years and have watched the (evil) gentrification happen. Yes, snarkiness. Our community had been a gang hot spot, but diligent community policing now means it has one of the lowest crime rates in the East Bay, and therefore one of the "hottest" neighborhoods in the US. (This is also due to a mix of older retirees and young families--- someone is awake and peaking out of their windows, so the criminal have learned to stay away.)
We're very happy here and love that our neighbors care about us. Yes, they will be in your business. But, after all, isn't that what being in a community is all about???
We're very happy here and love that our neighbors care about us. Yes, they will be in your business. But, after all, isn't that what being in a community is all about???
Pros
- Dog Friendly
- Easy BART commute (Ashby, MacArthur, Rockridge)
- Diverse neighbors
- Oakland Childrens Hospital
- Easy public transportation
- Safe and friendly
- Walk to everything
Cons
- Small lots
- Holistic Vibe
- Great groceries
- Becoming more expensive
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Trendy & Stylish
Bushrod
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
"Bushrod, safe , comfortable, affordable, excellent transit access"
Bushrod is rated as one of Oakland' safest neighborhoods. It is a culturally diverse area in all respects. While it had some crime problems in the 90's it has come through with flying colors. Unlike west and east Oakland it is free of gang activity. Most Bushrod residents are college educated professionals.
The neighborhood has several parks that are kid friendly. The parks have playing fields, and play structures for young children.
Bushrod Has excellent access to Highways 24, 880, 580, and 13, as well as lose proximity to two BART stations and major bus lines.
It is part of the Peralta school district, Peralta School being one of the best rated elementary schools in California..
The combination of good parks, schools and transit access has led Bushrod to be a favorite amongst young families. The rents are relatively affordable, and it is a popular neighborhood for young professional families to buy their first home.
With the recovery from the 2008 crash and influx of new home owners, houses are in good repair.
While the Diamond district has been historicly known as a lesbian enclave with the greatest concentration of lesbian couples in the nation, Bushrod has quietly been the neighborhood with the highest concentration of gay, lesbian, and bisexual residents in Oakland. It is known for it open acceptance of diversity.
There are many farmers markets, and the neighborhood has great weather.
Bushrod is one of the few neighborhoods that can boast of having a bookstore!
The neighborhood has several parks that are kid friendly. The parks have playing fields, and play structures for young children.
Bushrod Has excellent access to Highways 24, 880, 580, and 13, as well as lose proximity to two BART stations and major bus lines.
It is part of the Peralta school district, Peralta School being one of the best rated elementary schools in California..
The combination of good parks, schools and transit access has led Bushrod to be a favorite amongst young families. The rents are relatively affordable, and it is a popular neighborhood for young professional families to buy their first home.
With the recovery from the 2008 crash and influx of new home owners, houses are in good repair.
While the Diamond district has been historicly known as a lesbian enclave with the greatest concentration of lesbian couples in the nation, Bushrod has quietly been the neighborhood with the highest concentration of gay, lesbian, and bisexual residents in Oakland. It is known for it open acceptance of diversity.
There are many farmers markets, and the neighborhood has great weather.
Bushrod is one of the few neighborhoods that can boast of having a bookstore!
Pros
- Affordable Rents
- Oakland Childrens Hospital
- Easy public transportation
- Safe and friendly
- Walk to everything
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Students
Bushrod
"Love where you live!"
I love the Bushrod neighborhood! The neighborhood has such a rich history that has gone forgotten, but it is time to change all of that. It is vital to begin telling the history of Bushrod, highlighting the good and making positive impacts of change. I came into this neighborhood in 1960 when the U.S. Postal Service purchased several blocks of land and property on Seventh Street, forcing me to find a new home. The Holy Spirit directed the church leaders to North Oakland, and they purchased a building at my current location - 58th & Telegraph. The community has undergone changes - good and bad, but in the end, the community which is the people come together.
Pros
- Affordable Rents
- Oakland Childrens Hospital
- Easy public transportation
- Safe and friendly
- Walk to everything
Recommended for
- Singles
- Families with kids
Bushrod
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Emerging Neighborhood, award winning schools, walk to everything."
The centerpiece of Bushrod is the 10+ acre park that is at it's center. The park has great playing fields, tennis courts, climbing structure and clean sand play area for kids and community rec center. The Sankofa Academy boarders it on the north side. Peralta Elementary School is a designated arts anchor school. It is one of the top ranked Elementary schools in the Oakland and Berkeley neighborhoods.
From here it is easy to walk to either Ashby Bart or Rockridge Bart. Casual carpool pick-ups (2 options) are about 10-15 mins walking. There are lots of families in these neighborhoods. The playing fields are filled with soccer teams and the courts have tennis players. It is a ten minute walk to trendy College Avenue and the center of Rockridge shopping. Closer by there are local coffee shops, like Nomad Cafe, gourmet pizza at Nick's and great antique shops on the corner of Alcatraz and Telegraph.
Contrary to what other writers suggest, there is NOT a lot of crime in this neighborhood. There is a lot of money pouring into this area. Houses are getting snapped up and resold for excellent profits. It sits right next to Rockridge and is absorbing all the middle class families who have been priced out of this district or out of skyrocketing SF.
Bottom line, if you want to be walking distance to Elmwood and Rockridge but not pay the astronomical prices, grab something in North Oakland. The best streets right now are 63rd, 62nd & 61st which are right at the edge. Good luck!
From here it is easy to walk to either Ashby Bart or Rockridge Bart. Casual carpool pick-ups (2 options) are about 10-15 mins walking. There are lots of families in these neighborhoods. The playing fields are filled with soccer teams and the courts have tennis players. It is a ten minute walk to trendy College Avenue and the center of Rockridge shopping. Closer by there are local coffee shops, like Nomad Cafe, gourmet pizza at Nick's and great antique shops on the corner of Alcatraz and Telegraph.
Contrary to what other writers suggest, there is NOT a lot of crime in this neighborhood. There is a lot of money pouring into this area. Houses are getting snapped up and resold for excellent profits. It sits right next to Rockridge and is absorbing all the middle class families who have been priced out of this district or out of skyrocketing SF.
Bottom line, if you want to be walking distance to Elmwood and Rockridge but not pay the astronomical prices, grab something in North Oakland. The best streets right now are 63rd, 62nd & 61st which are right at the edge. Good luck!
Pros
- Walk to everything
- Easy public transportation
- Safe and friendly
- Affordable Rents
- Oakland Childrens Hospital
Cons
- Becoming more expensive
- Some fast food restaurants
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- LGBT+
- Hipsters
- Trendy & Stylish
Bushrod
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
"Nothing too appealing"
Loosely bounded by Telegraph Avenue, MLK Way, 55th Street and Woolsey Street, Bushrod is a crime-ridden, unfavorable Oakland community. It spans about 0.6 square miles of dense lower middle to middle-class terrain. The area is primarily residential, but you can find some commercial real-estate lining both MLK Way and Telegraph Avenue. Demographically speaking, the neighborhood is predominately black with a large white minority. It also does house a number of Berkeley students, mostly because of its affordable rent compared to areas closer to campus.
Bushrod’s residential terrain is nothing special. Homes are rather old, built before the 1930’s and, as such, have a weathered, outdated feel to them. It is mixed between Victorian style and Bungalows. There are a few gritty looking homes, which adds to the overall blemished look of the neighborhood. They tend to be ordered in tight little rows, leaving little room for properties (which are only moderately maintained, at best). If you’re looking to own, house values tend to circle around $400,000. For cheaper accommodations, there are a couple handfuls of condos and apartment facilities, each offering about 5 to 6 rooms of living space. While they don’t look too appealing, they are cheaply priced at $1000/month. Also, the median household income is around $50,000, in case you’re interested.
For your commercial needs, Telegraph Avenue and MLK Street are your main sources of amenities. While both strips have a bit of a gritty look to it, they offer a number of different restaurants, gas stations, convenient stores, delis, pawn shops and mixed used commercial buildings. Also, if you travel down Telegraph Avenue (towards Berkeley), you’ll hit a number of eclectic shops of which Berkeley is known for.
For commuters, the neighborhood provides convenient access to US Route 24. Others who chose to take public transportation have both the Ashy Bart station and Rockridge Bart station available just a couple blocks outside the neighborhood’s limits. The area is also within a quick 5-10 minute drive of the vast San Francisco Bay. Elsewhere, you can find the Oakland Children’s Hospital, one of the great hospitals for children in the state of California. It is nestled within the eastern end of the neighborhood right next to the freeway.
Bushrod’s residential terrain is nothing special. Homes are rather old, built before the 1930’s and, as such, have a weathered, outdated feel to them. It is mixed between Victorian style and Bungalows. There are a few gritty looking homes, which adds to the overall blemished look of the neighborhood. They tend to be ordered in tight little rows, leaving little room for properties (which are only moderately maintained, at best). If you’re looking to own, house values tend to circle around $400,000. For cheaper accommodations, there are a couple handfuls of condos and apartment facilities, each offering about 5 to 6 rooms of living space. While they don’t look too appealing, they are cheaply priced at $1000/month. Also, the median household income is around $50,000, in case you’re interested.
For your commercial needs, Telegraph Avenue and MLK Street are your main sources of amenities. While both strips have a bit of a gritty look to it, they offer a number of different restaurants, gas stations, convenient stores, delis, pawn shops and mixed used commercial buildings. Also, if you travel down Telegraph Avenue (towards Berkeley), you’ll hit a number of eclectic shops of which Berkeley is known for.
For commuters, the neighborhood provides convenient access to US Route 24. Others who chose to take public transportation have both the Ashy Bart station and Rockridge Bart station available just a couple blocks outside the neighborhood’s limits. The area is also within a quick 5-10 minute drive of the vast San Francisco Bay. Elsewhere, you can find the Oakland Children’s Hospital, one of the great hospitals for children in the state of California. It is nestled within the eastern end of the neighborhood right next to the freeway.
Pros
- Affordable Rents
- Oakland Childrens Hospital
Cons
- Crime
- Rundown Homes
Recommended for
- Professionals
chateaus
It is obvious this person doesn't live there, or hasn't in +10 years. I've lived there for the last 15 and have seen all the changes. Yes, it WAS rough... now, not at all. Bushrod is a REALLY nice, friendly, and safe place to live.
The houses are selling between $1.5-1.9M (as of May 2020) and Hipsters are moving into Bushrod because of the great elementary school, Peralta, and safety provided by this tight, tight (VERY DIVERSE) community. It is safe according to ALL the crime maps, and within walking distance of THREE BART stations. Where else in the East Bay do you have that kind of transit access? Rentals go for $1500/per bedroom and Whole Foods/Berkeley Bowl is within a quick walk.
I'm a landlord and my tenants have incomes within $350K - 500K/year, so that shows how far behind the times this poster is... A good way to gauge incomes is to divide the average home price by four.. I know this because I was a Real Estate Portfolio Strategist... which is why I picked Bushrod for my first investment 15 years ago. It was greatly undervalued and had every check marked box for livability and lifestyle.
Yes, I know the details and the demographics. This is why I picked Bushrod, 15 years ago... such a great neighborhood.
The houses are selling between $1.5-1.9M (as of May 2020) and Hipsters are moving into Bushrod because of the great elementary school, Peralta, and safety provided by this tight, tight (VERY DIVERSE) community. It is safe according to ALL the crime maps, and within walking distance of THREE BART stations. Where else in the East Bay do you have that kind of transit access? Rentals go for $1500/per bedroom and Whole Foods/Berkeley Bowl is within a quick walk.
I'm a landlord and my tenants have incomes within $350K - 500K/year, so that shows how far behind the times this poster is... A good way to gauge incomes is to divide the average home price by four.. I know this because I was a Real Estate Portfolio Strategist... which is why I picked Bushrod for my first investment 15 years ago. It was greatly undervalued and had every check marked box for livability and lifestyle.
Yes, I know the details and the demographics. This is why I picked Bushrod, 15 years ago... such a great neighborhood.
2yrs+
Add a comment...
Bushrod
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Home of Oakland Children's Hospital"
Bushrod is a modest neighborhood that stretches out north of Highway 24, west of Telegraph Ave. to Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The homes here are, as throughout this area of the East Bay, older with a tendency towards one story houses with front walk-ups with bay bay windows facing out street side. The homes in the neighborhood definitely have a quaint, World War II row houses type feel with tiny front lawns in various states of upkeep. Older residents and retiree make the neighborhood feel as if it has been this way as long as memory stretches and they tend to keep their front lawns in good repair. Overall, however, the neighborhood is a little uneven, with many homes being poorly kept while others have well mowed and watered lawns.
Despite its distance from the Berkeley Campus, you still get a strong student market here as students try to get a deal on their rents. This means that many homes are parceled out to renters room by room and that there tends to be a high turnover rate roughly following the Cal school schedule.
Oakland Children’s Hospital, one of the best medical facilities in California is the farthest southern tip of the neighborhood, where MLK meets Highway 24. It sprawls north taking up several blocks. Oakland City College is also along MLK Jr.
Bushrod is definitely not the safest neighborhood in the area north of Highway 24. Since 2007 there have been four murders there—two by gunshot in what appear to be gang related shootings, and two murders during a high speed chase where fleeing gang members crashed killing a pedestrian and a motorist on MLK Jr. Way.
The three main avenues through the are MLK, Shattuck and Telegraph. Telegraph is by far the most practical of the three with several stores and restaurants, like Addis—one of two Ethiopian restaurants. The neighborhood is largely African-American and many of the establishments—like the hair salons—cater specifically to that demographic, though the mix of rotating college students mean that most places are well-adapted to making all audiences feel comfortable and welcome.
The neighborhood is named after Bushrod Park, which has a great set of tennis courts, soccer fields and basketball courts. Ultimate Frisbee contests are held there on the weekends. Bushrod Park is also adjacent to Washington Elementary (also known as Sankofa Academy). The concept school was meant to inspire responsibility in its students by mixing younger and older students. Parents have been disappointed in the results, however, as the experiment has lead to many instances of behavior problems and more than its share of bullying.
Overall, however, this is a bit of a hit or miss neighborhood that does not fair well in comparison to its neighboring areas.
Despite its distance from the Berkeley Campus, you still get a strong student market here as students try to get a deal on their rents. This means that many homes are parceled out to renters room by room and that there tends to be a high turnover rate roughly following the Cal school schedule.
Oakland Children’s Hospital, one of the best medical facilities in California is the farthest southern tip of the neighborhood, where MLK meets Highway 24. It sprawls north taking up several blocks. Oakland City College is also along MLK Jr.
Bushrod is definitely not the safest neighborhood in the area north of Highway 24. Since 2007 there have been four murders there—two by gunshot in what appear to be gang related shootings, and two murders during a high speed chase where fleeing gang members crashed killing a pedestrian and a motorist on MLK Jr. Way.
The three main avenues through the are MLK, Shattuck and Telegraph. Telegraph is by far the most practical of the three with several stores and restaurants, like Addis—one of two Ethiopian restaurants. The neighborhood is largely African-American and many of the establishments—like the hair salons—cater specifically to that demographic, though the mix of rotating college students mean that most places are well-adapted to making all audiences feel comfortable and welcome.
The neighborhood is named after Bushrod Park, which has a great set of tennis courts, soccer fields and basketball courts. Ultimate Frisbee contests are held there on the weekends. Bushrod Park is also adjacent to Washington Elementary (also known as Sankofa Academy). The concept school was meant to inspire responsibility in its students by mixing younger and older students. Parents have been disappointed in the results, however, as the experiment has lead to many instances of behavior problems and more than its share of bullying.
Overall, however, this is a bit of a hit or miss neighborhood that does not fair well in comparison to its neighboring areas.
Pros
- Oakland Childrens Hospital
- Affordable Rents
Cons
- Crime
- Rundown Homes
Bushrod
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Dirty and loud, avoid this area if possible."
This is a terrible neighborhood, rife with gangs and run down buildings.
The only benefit is that it's close to the Ashby BART station and the surrounding Bus lines which run late and provide service throughout the Bay Area.
There is a staggeringly small amount of parks or places to relax outside, the closest one I can think of is about a mile away.
It's loud and dirty, Friday and Saturday nights are the worst, neighbors have zero respect and will go to all hours of the night playing whatever music they wish, talking loud outside with no regard for surrounding tenants.
In summation, avoid this area at all costs. Look into the Rockridge area instead if possible.
The only benefit is that it's close to the Ashby BART station and the surrounding Bus lines which run late and provide service throughout the Bay Area.
There is a staggeringly small amount of parks or places to relax outside, the closest one I can think of is about a mile away.
It's loud and dirty, Friday and Saturday nights are the worst, neighbors have zero respect and will go to all hours of the night playing whatever music they wish, talking loud outside with no regard for surrounding tenants.
In summation, avoid this area at all costs. Look into the Rockridge area instead if possible.