5.3 out of 10

Eastmont Hills

37.7684237308324 -122.164095002647
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Cost of Living
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Medical Facilities
  • Parking
Not great for
  • Eating Out
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Nightlife
  • Pest Free
  • Resale or Rental Value
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  •  

Reviews

3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Too Close to Gangland For Me"

Unlike Eastmont (which may be the most dangerous neighborhood in all of Oakland), Eastmont Hills seems to have largely escaped the worst of the violence of its western neighbors. They rarely have a murder within the confines of the neighborhood. Partly geography helps them out. There is a hilly line of trees skimming the middle of the neighborhood and providing a natural barrier to the homes beyond.

This break is also highlighted demographically, where the average household income to the east of the tree line puts residents firmly in the ranks of the middleclass, while to the west of the treeline residents are largely working class.

At the heart of Eastmont Hills is what I believe is a waste disposal plant. It is well covered so that you can’t quite make out what is past the fence and hedge. On neither of my two occasions in Eastmont have I noticed any particular smell coming from this facility, but I was not right by it on either occasion.

Like a lot of neighborhoods in Oakland, this neighborhood is made up of California Bungalows and older, smaller Ranch style homes.

The main thoroughfare through Eastmont Hills is MacArthur Blvd. on its western end. You will find a flower shop, a Uhaul, and Pharmacy and a check cashing service. Many of the windows here have bars on them and many have been boarded up so that they give the impression of being abandoned.

Parker Elementary is the main elementary for the neighborhood. By objective standards it is not a great school with mediocre test scores. When you take into consideration the area that it is in, mediocrity starts to sound like an outright accomplishment.

Another nice thing about this neighborhood is that it is in a fairly leafy area with the groove of trees seeming to bisect the neighborhood north south. Right in the middle of this woodsy area is Hillmont Drive. Because the hills start to get more steep at this section, you will find a number of homes looking out over Oakland. You will even find some modernist version of Art Deco bungalows here. Rather attractive.

The homes to west of the groove in the area closest to the gang violence, are actually fairly well taken care of. They are mostly California bungalows, with nice, well-kept front lawns.

When you get to the east of the hill where there are few views of Oakland, you start to get a bit of more isolated with lots of older Ranch homes.

I can’t quite recommend this area because of its proximity to Eastmont, but if things were to improve to the west of here, this could become a pretty nice area.
Pros
  • Cool Homes Along Hillmont
  • A Bit Tucked Away
  • Good Public Transportation
Cons
  • Too Close to Gangs
  • Older Homes
  • Waste Treatment Plant
iszatso
iszatso "At the heart of Eastmont Hills is what I believe is a waste disposal plant..."

As one who lives here in Eastmont Hills as opposed to one who has driven through, rest assured that the above comment is wrong. It is a San Leandro Water treatment facilty. The melodic tone of water cascading twent-four hours a day. So the con is not a con. It is a hidden gem this subdivision with low crime rates, quiet streets, mediterreanan weather patterns and in the past a respite for San Franciscans who wanted to get away from the fog and coolness of SF. Thus the large number of cottages built in the 30's and 40's. Short commute times, easy access to highways, airport make this ideal living.
2yrs+
KanelaK
KanelaK I recently moved to the area, below Mcarthur and Parker. I am a single professional woman in my 40's. I have two dogs and I could not afford the rent anymore in Lake Merrit where I was living before. I moved to a renovated house, good deal for the price ands size. Can I recommend the neighborhood? That depends. My street is quiet but when I go out to walk my dogs I dot wear jewelry or carry cell phone and dress as simple as possible, I am latin so I can blend better, however I stick out a bit. Some houses are well kept and others not. Lots of houses with dogs to deter intruders such as pitbukks, Dobermans, shepperds, etc. I don't feel residents int eh neighborhid treat their dogs well. Sad because I am a dog lover. I would not recommend walking around in the evening. All my shopping I grab my car and go somewhere else. No restaurants or any paces to eat around there that I feel comfortable. I go to my home, I stay there and I leave. I don't have children so I don't care about school. I keep a low profile although I am latin I seem not to call too much attention to myself. Cars drive very fast on my street despite the speed bumps. Neighboors are friendly but I feel is better to keep them at distance. the hills are nicer. Eastmond transit center is pretty close and the police station. I don't feel is particularly unsafe but not a neighborhood to walk around and socialize. I think it is a matter of having common sense to prevent any incidents. Have good security in you rhome and don't expose yourself too much.
2yrs+
ceresp
ceresp Thank you for that last comment. I am also a single woman in my 40's with two dogs looking for a more affordable area to live in. Your comment is exactly what I needed, as I don't like relying on a car to get everywhere or feeling isolated where I live. Thank you!
2yrs+
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