Highland, Oakland, CA
At a glance
Highland is ranked #112 of 130 neighborhoods in Oakland with an overall score of 1.9/5. Its standout factor is nearby merchants (3.9/5), at a median home price of $507.67k, which Houseberry currently rates as undervalued by about $80,000. It ranks 99th of 130 in Oakland for safety. The trade-offs are schools (1.5/5) and safety (2.0/5), though prices run about 48% below the Oakland median.
Neighborhood Reviews & Questions
Highland is a flatland neighborhood in deep East Oakland, set in the grid in the stretch toward the foothills around the 86th Avenue and MacArthur area. The housing is the East Oakland standard, 1920s cottages and post-war bungalows on narrow, mostly fenced lots, with thin tree cover and the block-by-block alternation of well-kept homes and properties carrying deferred maintenance. It should not be confused with Highland Park, the separate pocket near Highland Hospital across town. Daily needs are handled on the corridors and by car. The markets, taquerias, and quick-serve spots of MacArthur, Bancroft, and International cover the basics, with bigger grocery runs at Eastmont Town Center or Foothill Square, and AC Transit covering the main streets. Green space inside the boundary is limited, so park time means a short trip to one of the nearby East Oakland recreation areas, with the King Estate open space and the foothills a few minutes uphill. This is modest, workaday East Oakland, and the public record on this specific pocket is thin, so the picture leans on verified location and the shared character of the surrounding flats. The honest frame for buyers is consistent: affordability and central access set against limited parks and retail, modest curb appeal, and the public-safety concerns these blocks are known for.
Top Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Neighborhood Amenities
Near good merchants3.9
Public Spaces2.3
Curb Appeal2.3
Overall Amenities score: 2.6
Neighborhood Weather
Neighborhood Photos
1 of 11
Schools serving this Neighborhood
| School Name | Type | Grades | Houseberry School Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| EnCompass Academy Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| New Highland Academy | Primary | K-5 | |
| ACORN Woodland Elementary | Primary | K-5 | |
| Coliseum College Prep Academy | Middle | 6-12 | |
| Madison Park Academy 6-12 | Middle | 6-12 | |
| Castlemont High | High | 9-12 |
Click links for school listing
info at GreatSchools.org
Houseberry School Score Data
from CA Dept. of Education
Houseberry recommends using these scores as only a starting point, and conducting your own investigation into what schools fit best for your preferences. School boundaries are not guaranteed and may change. It is important to contact the appropriate school district to confirm enrollment eligibility before making any decision to move to a neighborhood.
Median Price
Highland FAQs10 answers
Is Highland a good place to live?
Highland ranks 112th of 130 neighborhoods in Oakland with an overall Houseberry score of 1.9 out of 5. Its strongest factor is nearby merchants (3.9/5). The trade-offs are schools (1.5/5) and safety (2.0/5).
Is Highland safe?
Highland, Oakland scores 2.0 out of 5 on Houseberry's Safety Score, ranking 99th of 130 neighborhoods in Oakland.
What do homes in Highland cost?
The median home price in Highland, Oakland is $507.67k, compared with $974.22k for Oakland as a whole. Houseberry currently rates it undervalued by about $80,000 against comparable neighborhoods.
Are home prices in Highland rising or falling?
The median home price in Highland, Oakland is up about 25.4% over the past 12 months, from $404.76k to $507.67k. The full 12-month history is charted in the Median Price section on this page.
Which schools serve Highland?
Schools serving Highland, Oakland include EnCompass Academy Elementary (1.4/5), New Highland Academy (0.7/5), ACORN Woodland Elementary (1.6/5), Coliseum College Prep Academy (2.3/5) and Madison Park Academy 6-12 (1.8/5). 1 more school is listed in the Schools section on this page.
What is the weather like in Highland?
Highland, Oakland receives 77% of its possible sunshine, 83rd of 130 in Oakland. Summer days run 56° to 72°F and winter days 45° to 59°F, September is the warmest month and rainfall averages about 21 inches a year.
Is Highland walkable to shops and restaurants?
Highland, Oakland scores 3.9 out of 5 for nearby merchants and 2.3 out of 5 for public spaces. Its overall amenities score is 2.6 out of 5, 118th of 130 in Oakland.
What is Highland known for?
Highland, Oakland is associated with Foothill-base flats, Affordable East Oakland and Corridor-edge living.
How does Highland compare to other Oakland neighborhoods?
Highland ranks 112th of 130 neighborhoods in Oakland. It ranks 99th of 130 in Oakland for safety (2.0/5) and scores lowest on schools (1.5/5). The highest-ranked neighborhoods in Oakland are Crocker Highlands and Piedmont.
What are the downsides of living in Highland?
Highland, Oakland scores lowest on schools (1.5/5) and safety (2.0/5).
Neighborhood Photos
1 of 11
Top Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA
Neighborhood Map
View Full Map
All information provided on this website including but not limited to - school ratings, safety, amenities, user opinions, and property data - is for general informational purposes only. We do not guarantee its reliability, accuracy, or completeness. Users should independently verify information and consult appropriate professionals as needed. By using this website, you agree Houseberry is not responsible for actions, decisions, or consequences arising from reliance on the information provided
houseberry.com - CA DRE# 01847391
Bay East ©2025. CCAR ©2025. bridgeMLS ©2025. Information Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed. This information is being provided by the Bay East MLS, or CCAR MLS, or bridgeMLS. The listings presented here may or may not be listed by the Broker/Agent operating this website. This information is intended for the personal use of consumers and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated at August 14, 2026 12:00 AM