Temescal Neighborhood
Temescal
Temescal, located in north Oakland just south of Rockridge, is one of Oakland’s oldest neighborhoods and has become a hip and trendy area with restaurants and shops along Telegraph Avenue.
Highway 24 forms the western border of Temescal, and both Rockridge and MacArthur BART stations are nearby, making commutes throughout the East Bay and to San Francisco a breeze.
Our office, Keller Williams Oakland, is actually in this area, so we’re in this neighborhood quite often and can tell you that it’s one of my favorites. The homes in this area have a lot of charm, the neighborhood is quite diverse, and the unique shops and restaurants make this area very walkable and bikeable.
One of our favorite nooks is Temescal Alley and Alley 49, two adjacent alleys just off Telegraph Avenue that are charming as all get out and crowned the East Bay’s hippest street by Conde Nast. Here you’ll find CRO Cafe, Curbside Creamery, Temescal Alley Barber Shop, and Crimson Horticultural Rarities, among other cute local shops.
Down the road, you’ll also find the Temescal Branch of the Oakland Public Library, which is home to the Tool Lending Library. All you need is a library card, and you can check out anything from a screwdriver to a tile saw, and anything in between – such a helpful resource for those DIY home renovations.
The annual Temescal Street Fair draws huge crowds and celebrates the neighborhood culture, local arts and music, and popular local eateries.
This hip and trendy neighborhood is still evolving and is fast becoming one of the most desirable areas in Oakland.
More About Temescal
Telegraph Avenue Shopping Area
Temescal’s main corridor runs along Telegraph Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets. Many unique eateries, shops, and local businesses have made their home here, making Temescal a vibrant and trendy community. Below are a few of our favorite spots in the area.
Coffee
- CRO Cafe
- Great coffee in a super cute location in Temescal Alley.
- 3.5 stars on Yelp
- States Coffee
- Very charming little cafe with consistently top notch coffee and espresso (and we’re really picky! :)).
- On nice days, sip your drink outside in their cute parklet seating area.
- 5 stars on Yelp
Food
- Cholita Linda
- Authentic Mexican cuisine with a cute atmosphere.
- The tacos here are superb, and there’s almost always a line.
- 4.5 stars on Yelp
- Bakesale Betty
- If you find yourself wondering what all the people at the corner of Telegraph and 51st are waiting for, it’s the legendary sandwiches at Bakesale Betty.
- Don’t worry, the line moves quickly, and the wait is worth it. Grab some cookies while you’re at it too. 🙂
- 4 stars on Yelp
- Pizzaiolo
- Opened over a decade ago in what used to be a 140-year-old hardware store.
- Owned by Charlie Hallowell, who worked for many years at Chez Panisse, and also owns local favorites Boot and Shoe Service and Penrose (both in the Grand Lake area).
- 4 stars on Yelp
- Pyeong Chang Tofu House
- Okay, we get it. Tofu might not exactly be at the top of your foodie bucket list, but perhaps it should be!
- Pyeong Chang Tofu House serves steaming bowls of authentic Korean style tofu stew, along with plentiful banchan (side dishes), sure to get your mouth watering.
- 4 stars on Yelp
Public Schools
Emerson Elementary | Grades K-5
- “We are nestled in the heart of Temescal, a vibrant neighborhood that’s pedestrian and commuter-friendly. With our centralized location we are the perfect walk-to-school campus for our neighborhood families, and we also are happy to serve students from all over Oakland.”
- GreatSchools Rating: 2/10
- Average parent/community rating: 4/5 stars
- Test scores: Far below state average
- School size: ~300 students
Oakland International High | Grades 9-12
- “The mission of Oakland International High School is to provide a quality alternative education for recently arrived immigrant students in English language acquisition and in preparation for college.”
- GreatSchools Rating: 1/10
- Average parent/community rating: 5/5 stars
- Test scores: Far below state average
- School size: ~380 students
Oakland Technical High | Grades 9-12
- “Oakland Technical High School is a microcosm of the city it calls home. We are a vibrant multicultural and multilingual community of more than 2,000 students, 100 dedicated educators and staff and thousands of passionate alumni and supporters. “
- GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
- Average parent/community rating: 4/5 stars
- Test scores: Above state average
- School size: ~2,000 students
Private Schools
Park Day School | Grades K-8
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