Durant Manor, Oakland, CA

Durant Manor is a tidy rectangular grid tucked between Broadmoor Boulevard and 104th Avenue. One-story 1940s–50s ranches and a few earlier bungalows line narrow lots, most behind low chain-link or wrought-iron fences. Yards are compact, sidewalks continuous, and mature street trees are sparse, so afternoon sun hits the pavement hard. Upkeep ranges from fresh paint and drought gardens to aging façades that could use a refresh. Daily needs sit along the edges. FoodMaxx and the small Durant Marketplace strip on Broadmoor supply groceries and quick bites, while a few taco spots and cafés cluster on International Boulevard, two blocks south. Community life centers on St. Peter’s Parish Hall and the adjacent elementary-school fields, which double as informal play space because the neighborhood lacks a dedicated park. AC Transit’s rapid line runs on International, but most residents still rely on cars; street parking is generally easy except during church events. Durant Manor feels working-class and close-knit. Neighbors chat across driveways, weekend yard sales pop up, and local volunteers organize litter clean-ups. Trade-offs include limited green space, occasional speeding on 106th Avenue, and block-by-block curb-appeal swings. Buyers looking for budget-friendly single-family homes with quick freeway and bus access often start their East Oakland search here.