Oakland Hills and Surrounding Area

Oakland Hills – The Oakland Hills area refers to the southern-most portion of the Oakland Hills, and includes the residential neighborhoods of Sequoyah Hills and Grass Valley, built during the 1960’s and 1970’s. The Sequoyah Hills area was originally developed as a haven for wealthy patrons of the nearby Sequoyah Hills Country Club, a magnificent and exclusive golf club. Homes in these areas tend to have larger lots and are the most affordable of the hills neighborhoods. These neighborhoods offer the serenity and open space of hill living, while enjoying easy access to Interstate 580 and Freeway 13.

Crestmont – The Crestmont neighborhood is a small residential community located in the hills of Oakland off of Redwood Road and Skyline Boulevard. Homes consist primarily of 1950’s and 1960’s ranch style architecture, with many offering unobstructed bay views. It has excellent access to Freeway 13 and Interstate 580, and is within a short distance to the popular Oakland Hills Tennis Club, a tennis and swim club with spectacular views.

Hillcrest – The Hillcrest neighborhoods are residential communities located at the top of the East Oakland Hills, off of Skyline Boulevard, and near Skyline High School. The Hillcrest Highlands neighborhood was built in the 1960’s and 1970’s and consists primarily of ranch style homes, many backing to regional parks. The Hillcrest Estates neighborhood is comprised of a small number of homes on large lots, many exceeding one acre in size. The areas are close to regional parks, biking and walking trails and numerous equestrian facilities. Some of the homes in this area are estates, featuring spectacular bay views. All of the homes enjoy the primarily wooded lots and forestlike surroundings.

Laurel – Like many neighborhoods in Oakland, the Laurel district can trace its roots to a realty syndicate that ran a streetcar into the area to sell lots to day-trippers in the early 1900’s. In fact, as late as 1920, anyone with $50 could by a marine-view lot close to the streetcar. Prices have increased dramatically since then, but the Laurel remains close to its roots, as a diverse close-knit community where many of the shops existing today are still doing the same kind of business they did fifty years ago. The housing consists primarily of bungalows, cottages and multi-unit buildings, many of which have undergone updating in recent years, and provide an excellent opportunity for first-time homebuyers. The main shopping area of the district is on MacArthur Boulevard., where one can find the popular Food Mill market, the original Farmer Joes, and a variety of small neighborhood stores and restaurants.

Redwood Heights – Redwood Heights is a scenic hilly residential neighborhood that enjoys one of the finest elementary schools in the area and is a frequent choice for young families and first time homebuyers. Located at the end of Freeway 13, this district consists of an eclectic mix of housing ranging from 1950’s ranch style homes to English Tudor, Spanish Mediterranean and French Normandy styles built in the 1920’s and 1930’s. At the center of the neighborhood is the newly rebuilt Redwood Heights Elementary School and Recreation Department that provides a variety of programs for adults and children.

Ridgemont - The Ridgemont neighborhood is the newest community in Oakland and is located adjacent to Merritt College along Campus Drive off of Redwood Road. Built in the 1970’s, this planned neighborhood includes a community pool and homeowners association. Many of the homes, some that are estates, have exceptional views. This is one of the few areas in Oakland where there continues to be development of new homes, primarily on a speculative basis. The neighborhood enjoys close proximity to Freeway 13 and Interstate 580 and is a short distance to the popular Oakland Hills Tennis Club.

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