Dimond District
In case you’re wondering, no, that’s not a typo – there’s no ‘A’ in Dimond District. 🙂
This neighborhood is right off the 580 a couple miles east of Lake Merritt and north of Fruitvale. For the trivia buffs out there, this area originally got its name from Hugh Dimond, who came to California during the Gold Rush and purchased the land comprising the district in 1800s.
Today, the Dimond District is a charming multicultural neighborhood where the hills meet the flatlands. This neighborhood starting to fill up with young professionals and families. Homes in the Dimond District, much like in the Laurel District, are mostly bungalow and craftsman style homes that are still relatively affordable by Bay Area standards.
The Dimond District is centered on a modest commercial strip around the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Fruitvale Avenue.
Here you’ll the popular local market Farmer Joe’s Marketplace, great neighborhood coffee shops like Hive, the Place to Bee, and a range of great ethnic food options like Taqueria Los Comales.
Nearby, Dimond Park offers playgrounds, great hiking trails, and even a swimming pool.
Commuting to the city? Not a problem. With its proximity to Highway 580, this area has lots of commuter options available. Though there’s no BART station nearby, there are buses that will take you down to Fruitvale BART Station, as well as casual carpools and express buses that go directly into San Francisco.
The Dimond District is a hot up-and-coming neighborhood that’s evolving quickly.
More About The Dimond District
Shops and Restaurants
The commercial strip in the Dimond District includes a number of local businesses, as well as larger chains like Safeway and Peet’s Coffee. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Hive, the Place to Bee
- This adorable beehive-themed neighborhood coffee shop includes plenty of seating – indoor tables, couches, and counter space, as well as outdoor seating in the parklet.
- There’s even a small kids area with toys and books.
- 4 stars on Yelp
- Farmer Joe’s Marketplace
- This is a local favorite and one of the landmarks of this area (“Oh you live in the Dimond? By that Farmer Joe’s, right?”)
- Small family-owned business (owned by Farmer Joe himself! and his wife Diana), highly involved in the local community.
- 4 stars on Yelp
- Oaklandish
- An awesome local chain that designs and produces clothing and accessories that celebrate “local love and original Oakland charm.”
- 4.5 stars on Yelp
- Dimond District Branch of the Oakland Public Library
- Great neighborhood library with lots of kids’ events and activities
- 4 stars on Yelp
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
One of the best hidden gems in the Dimond District is Dimond Park, which includes tennis courts, a swimming pool, multiple play structures for both older and younger kids, and basketball courts.Â
You can also hike the fairly flat trail in the small canyon that winds along Sausal Creek. We love doing this hike, then returning to one of the playgrounds to get the rest of the kids’ energy out and enjoy a picnic lunch.Â
The Dimond District is also just a short drive away from some great regional parks, including:
- Joaquin Miller Park
- 4.5 stars on Yelp
- Hiking trails
- Spectacular views
- Dog-friendly trails and enclosed areas
- Roberts Regional Recreation Area
- 4.5 stars on Yelp
- Hiking trails
- Off-leash area for dogs
- Baseball diamond
- BBQ pits and picnic tables
- Awesome playground
- Swimming pool
- Redwood Regional Park
- 4.5 stars on Yelp
- Hiking trails
- Biking trails
- Dog-friendly trails
Public Schools
Sequoia Elementary | Grades K-5
- “It is the mission of Sequoia Elementary School to provide a powerful education to all students, enabling them to become effective, contributing citizens in our democratic society.”
- GreatSchools Rating:Â 7/10
- Average parent/community rating:Â 5/5 stars
- Test scores: Above state average
- School size:Â ~430 students
Laurel Elementary | Grades K-5
- “Laurel Elementary School is located in the foothills of East Oakland. Our campus serves a densely-populated, ethnically-diverse, predominately working-class neighborhood. Our mission is to improve students’ academic achievement in a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where the needs of the whole child are met.”
- GreatSchools Rating:Â 3/10
- Average parent/community rating:Â 5/5 stars
- Test scores: Below state average
- School size:Â ~540 students
Fruitvale Elementary | Grades K-5
- GreatSchools Rating:Â 1/10
- Average parent/community rating:Â 4/5 stars
- Test scores: Far below state average
- School size:Â ~385 students
Bret Harte Middle | Grades 6-8
- “Bret Harte has one of the most diverse programs and student bodies in Oakland. We offer a variety of electives, programs for English Language Learners, an accelerated math program and special education programs for students with disabilities.”
- GreatSchools Rating:Â 2/10
- Average parent/community rating:Â 4/5 stars
- Test scores: Far below state average
- School size:Â ~550 students
Private Schools
Redwood Day | Grades K-8
Saint Jarlath Catholic School | Grades K-8
St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic School | Grades K-8
The Renaissance International School | Grades PK-8
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