EastLakeTeacher

Of course Clinton is not like Rockridge, Noe Valley, the Mission, Claremont or even Temescal. Guess what? Most people cannot afford half a million dollar homes or higher. I think Clinton, Bella Vista, Ivy Hill, Highlands and the east lake neighborhoods in general are the best kept secret of affordable, interesting, close in urban housing. This is a diverse neighborhood of working and middle class families and yes it is a checkerboard of styles of architecture, incomes, traditions, customs and aesthetics. Welcome to a real neighborhood where real people live-from all over the world. I think it's beautiful. There are palm trees, gardens, redwoods, native oaks out my window. Yesterday I walked my dog over to lake merritt (15 min over ivy hill) and got organic veggies at the farmers market and starters for my backyard urban garden. Go down to Woody's or Rooz on park ave and grab a coffee.10 min bus to lake merritt bart for your commute. Driving or biking you are 5 minutes from lakeshore or grand shopping.There are problems and I acknowledge them, sure some of the apartments are run down (and some are re-fabbed victorians with solar panels)Yes, you need to be aware and cautious and it sucks because we don't have enough cops in this town. My Chinese, Black, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, Afghan, and White neighbors are all here to live a peaceful life and we have found a great little spot here. Shhh don't tell anyone, this close in, beautiful, affordable Oakland hood will have a wine bar springing up before you know it and I hope it is Black or Chinese owned.