Glen Highlands, Oakland, CA

Glen Highlands occupies a narrow hillside wedge between Broadway Terrace and Thornhill Drive, beginning just above Lake Temescal and climbing southeast toward Mountain Boulevard. Curving lanes such as Florio, Tainui, and Glen Highlands Drive trace the slope, with homes perched on terraced lots under a canopy of redwoods and live oaks. Architecture is an eclectic mix: 1920s cottages and Storybook Tudors share the ridgeline with mid-century ranches and a handful of modern rebuilds, many oriented for filtered Bay or canyon views. Recreation sits right at the doorstep. The Temescal Regional Recreation Area and its swim beach border the northwest edge, while the North Oakland Sports Center and grassy picnic areas are a quick stroll over the pedestrian bridge. Although interior streets have intermittent sidewalks, traffic is light, and residents often walk dogs or jog the quiet loops before dropping down to College Avenue or Montclair Village for groceries, coffee, and dining. Freeway access via Highway 13 or the Caldecott Tunnel keeps commutes simple without disturbing the neighborhood’s calm. The feel is wooded and quietly upscale. Yards are well-kept but not showy, retaining walls are tidy, and original architectural details remain intact on many façades. Evenings are marked by birdsong rather than car noise, yet downtown Oakland or Rockridge BART sits less than ten minutes away by car, giving Glen Highlands a rare blend of seclusion and convenience.