Alameda County Homebuying 101 Oakland

Why the Laurel District in Oakland is Great for Young Black Families

September 18, 2022226 views0

Article last updated July 2023

If you’re a Black Millennial family looking to buy a home in the SF Bay Area, chances are Oakland, California is high on your list.

We get it. With plenty of walkable neighborhoods, fun events happening every day of the week, outdoor activities, and a nice mix of diversity, many young professionals have their eye on Oakland property in Laurel. But is it a good idea to buy in the Laurel? Let’s take a look.

Things to do

Tucked in between Redwood Heights and Allendale, The Laurel District has long been a favorite neighborhood for young, black families. With a Walkscore of 78 out of 100, living in The Laurel means being within walking distance of not only fun stuff like breweries, cute boutiques, and dining options but more practical destinations like grocery stores and gyms as well.

Black-Owned Laurel Business: Cocobreeze Caribbean Restaurant

Like we said – plenty of eats in the Laurel District. Get yourself some authentic Trinidadian cuisine that are packed with nutrient dense “superfoods” that have long been part of traditional Trinidadian cuisine. Local and black owned, Chef Anne keeps the menu rotating with weekly specials like Escovitch Red Snapper, plus menu-mainstays like Vegan Curry Chicken with Pelau and Oxtails with Creole rice.

Bay Area Black Realtors Directory Website

Plus with community events like Island Takeover with DJ’s spinning Electropical EDM/Soca fusion vibe, Cocobreeze keeps it hot.

Is buying in the Laurel District a good investment?

Walkability is a plus, but what makes The Laurel a great neighborhood for young black families is that purchasing a home here is a solid financial investment.

Neighborhood housing statistics show that with a median neighborhood home value of $826,000 (compared to Oakland’s broader median home value of $851,000)*, purchasing a home in the Laurel District is in reach for many young, black professionals with 2 solid incomes.

Plus, there is a good inventory of starter homes for first time home-buyers to choose from. Roughly 75% of the homes placed on the market in the past 6 months have featured 2 – 3 bedrooms.*

In October 2021, there was 38.4% increase in list price year-over-year, compared to a 3.3% increase in Oakland as a whole and a 7.2% increase in Alameda county*. That significant increase in list price means home values are rising, and confirms buyers have high interest levels in purchasing in the area.

How diverse is the Laurel District for Black families?

Coming in at 40% African American, 37% Hispanic, and 11% Asian, Black families choosing to buy a home in the Laurel District will experience plenty of the ethnic diversity that Oakland is known for.*

What are the schools like in the Laurel District?

Elementary, Middle, and High schools in the Laurel District are part of Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). The elementary school Laurel District children attend is generally assigned by neighborhood. As kids transition into middle and elementary schools, the assignment method can change.

Elementary students in the Laurel District will typically attend Allendale Elementary or Laurel Elementary. You can find more information on neighborhood schools on the Great Schools website.

All housing data from courtesy of Realtor Property Resource.

About the Author

Montana Gabrielle Hooks is a SF Bay Area Realtor in the East Bay. Local entrepreneurship, playing bass guitar and singing live karaoke are a few of her favorite things. She serves on the Young Realtists Division, Oakland board is a member of the Associated Real Property Brokers. Follow her on Instagram or learn more about her on her website.