1528 Alice Street

Gertrude Stein was wrong. There is a there, there. Downtown Oakland is home to the skyscrapers of giant health care provider Kaiser Permanente and Clorox, and high tech startups like Internet radio station Pandora. Not to mention supporting sports franchises Oakland Raiders, the Warriors, and the A’s.

Oakland’s heritage as a port city can still be found in its immigrant communities, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Latino. These vibrant enclaves offer authentic cuisine at affordable prices. Of note, Le Cheval a Vietnamese restaurant that’s become a neighborhood institution and a favorite with notables like former California Governor Jerry Brown.

Downtown Oakland entertainment scene includes the massive Paramount Theater on Broadway, and the Fox Theater, both recently restored to their original Art Deco glory. These former movie palaces now feature symphony performances, ballet, rock acts, soul reviews and showings of classic movies. A new ordinance adds new life to nightlife, permitting restaurants and café to feature live music and DJs. For the gallery goers, the Oakland Art Murmur sponsors First Fridays, a gallery walk that includes more than 20 galleries within walking distance.

Newly developed condominium projects with all of the modern conveniences are the majority of the housing in this most urban area of Oakland. Living in downtown Oakland offers the chance to walk to work, or ride a new shuttle that links Uptown Oakland with Jack London Square. For those who commute into San Francisco, BART offers a quick trip under the bay.