Forestland

High up the hills east of Merriwood and Montclair, is Forestland, the neighborhood that hugs Grizzly Peak Blvd. and stares down on the East Bay from a-high. The 1991 Oakland Firestorm destroyed much of this area as it did the neighborhoods to the north, but, as always, disaster is also an opportunity for rebuilding. The roads just off Grizzly Peak Road reflect this opportunity. Many large homes with unusual contemporary architecture have risen up at the summits of Forestland. They are nice beautiful homes and have great views, but the snaking road that pass their garage decks are very tight. In addition, the chances of fire in the area are always strong so that is definitely something to consider when deciding on the area.

One of the great things of living in Forestland, however, is that you are always close to nature. Often, in fact, your home will face out towards an area that is wholly undeveloped, where there are wind blown trees cresting the mountain range’s top and boulders cropping up here and there. For those that are outdoorsy types, they will love the many opportunities to take hikes in the area. One such place is the Robert Sibley Volcanic Nature Preserve just to the east. Residents can take to this to trail to get their exercise and look at the unusual rock formations that exist here.

A handful of businesses also make their homes up in this area, though some of them are work from home type deals. In many places construction is underway, so parts of the neighborhood always look like they are not yet complete. With construction you will also get a certain amount of noise. One business that is worth noting is Hill Swim and Tennis Club in the far southeastern corner of the neighborhood.

Anyone planning to live in this area, however, should be aware that with hillside living like this, comes extra work and extra worries. Rock slides, mud slides, flooding and erosion are particular concerns for residents as hillside homes are much more prone to shifting than home on flatter spots. Fire is also a concern of any one living in the Oakland Hills as well, as such types of fire tend to have a cyclical component. Wildlife can also add to the hassles. Living up in this area you should expect a certain amount of deer and rodents, and even the more than occasional visits from raccoons and skunks—especially to make a mess of trash day. In addition, be aware that this will add quite a bit of wear and tear to your automobile, as constantly forcing it to go up and down grades wears on the machinery as well. Not to mention that every time you need to go to the store, you will not only spend extra time getting there and be taking up extra gas as well That said the relative seclusion and great views make for a wonderful spot if you can hand the hassles.

Rents vary a great deal, getting progressively higher as you head farther south where many of the larger rental homes are. So, in the northern section it is possible to find a studio for less than $1,000 while farther south you are likely to need more than $3,000 for a three bedroom.