Foothill Square, Oakland, CA

Foothill Square sits in a wedge between I-580 and 106th Avenue, anchored by the namesake shopping center that fills most of the neighborhood footprint. Single-story 1950s ranch homes line Truman, Olive, and Stanley Avenues just west of the center, but the daily backdrop is commercial: a FoodMaxx grocery, Planet Fitness, chain restaurants, and a steady stream of delivery trucks circling the lot. The freeway berm and San Leandro Creek mark the eastern edge, so traffic noise and the rush of water are constant companions. Residents can handle nearly all errands without leaving the boundary. Groceries, a pharmacy, a credit union, and quick-serve dining are steps away, and the Oakland Zoo and King Estate Open Space are five minutes uphill for weekend outings. Inside Foothill Square there is no true park space, and side streets lack sidewalks in spots, so dog walks often mean looping the shopping-center perimeter or driving to nearby Verdese Carter Park. AC Transit’s frequent bus on 106th Avenue offers a link to Fruitvale BART, though most households rely on cars given the retail focus and ample parking. The feel is utilitarian and convenience driven. Homeowners appreciate large flat lots and fast freeway access, while accepting bright parking-lot lighting, litter pockets along 106th, and crowds that ebb and flow with retail hours. Curb appeal improves block by block as some residents add fresh paint or drought gardens, yet blank stucco walls and chain-link remain common near the center.