Coliseum, Oakland, CA

Squeezed between International Boulevard and the railroad tracks along San Leandro Street, Coliseum sits on a flat, tight street grid of 1920s bungalows, post-war cottages, and small apartment boxes. The neighborhood is hemmed in by the elevated Nimitz Freeway to the south and freight/BART lines to the west, so trains, trucks, and stadium traffic provide a near-constant backdrop of motion and noise. Carter Gilmore Park’s baseball diamond, picnic tables, and shaded play area anchor the north end, but otherwise green space is scarce. The big asset is Coliseum BART and the AC Transit hub two blocks away, giving residents rapid rail and bus links across the Bay. International Boulevard offers a string of taquerias, mini-markets, and quick-serve spots like Popeyes, while larger grocery options require driving to Foothill Square or Hegenberger Road. San Leandro Street’s auto-glass shops and trucking yards bring daytime activity but also heavy vehicles and limited sidewalk life after dark. The vibe is blue-collar and transit-oriented. Game days at the neighboring Coliseum complex inject energy and foot traffic, yet many blocks feel quiet except for passing trains. Homes range from freshly painted to visibly weather-worn, with front yards often fenced for security. Buyers are mainly drawn by some of Oakland’s lowest single-family prices and unparalleled public-transit access, balanced against limited curb appeal, freeway and rail noise, and persistent safety concerns.