Living in Pill Hill, Oakland, CA: Key Benefits and Market Insights
A highly walkable medical-district neighborhood anchored by world-class healthcare, education, and transit access.
About Pill Hill in Oakland
Pill Hill stands as one of Oakland's most desirable neighborhoods, defined by a Walk Score of 95, robust median household income of $101,524, and proximity to world-class healthcare anchored by Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Additionally, the neighborhood attracts educated professionals and families drawn to excellent schools, outstanding walkability, and a vibrant streetscape lined with independent cafes, restaurants, and fitness studios. Home values here reflect strong demand, with a median of $842,900, though inventory remains tight and competitive offers are standard.
Real Estate Market in Pill Hill
| Median home price | $843k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Stable to Modest Growth |
| Price per sq ft | $775 to $825 |
| Median rent | $2,110 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 22 days |
| Buyer competition | Fierce |
| Walk Score | 95 |
| Transit Score | 65 |
| Bike Score | 92 |
The neighborhood commands a median home price of $842,900, tracking slightly below Oakland's city median of $883,800 despite its walkability premium. Rental competition is equally strong, with median rents at $2,110 compared to the city average of $1,849.
Expect multiple offers and rapid closing timelines in this neighborhood. Additionally, cash bids and above-ask pricing are common. Contingencies should be minimal, and pre-approval from a local lender signals seriousness to sellers.
Who Thrives in Pill Hill
Additionally, young professionals and couples appreciate the Walk Score of 95 and lower car dependency, though the $843k median price and 18.8% owner-occupancy rate signal a historically rental-heavy market softening in recent years.
Additionally, outstanding schools like Beach Elementary (89.5 rating) and Westlake Middle (proximity to strong OUSD feeder patterns) draw family buyers; the 59.5% bachelor's degree attainment and 28.3% married rate reflect an educated, family-forward demographic.
Additionally, A $2,110 median rent paired with strong income demographics and transit infrastructure creates steady yield potential, though competition for acquisitions remains high.
Additionally, the neighborhood's 20.1% work-from-home rate, Walk Score of 95, and robust cafe culture (Jebena Cafe, Petit cafe, Olivia Coffee and Flower) make it ideal for distributed professionals seeking walkable office-alternative spaces.
Additionally, proximity to Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, abundant parks like Mosswood Park and Grove Shafter Park, and excellent walkability support an active retirement, though the younger median age (38.5) and limited age-restricted housing may limit some appeal.
Property Types in Pill Hill
Additionally, victorian and Craftsman-era homes with garages and yards; most desirable segment, commanding premiums for location near schools and transit.
Lower HOA dues than comparable Bay Area markets; popular with first-time and investor buyers seeking turnkey walkability.
Duplexes and small apartment buildings common; strong rental demand supports cash-flow investment thesis.
Living in Pill Hill, Oakland
Daily life in Pill Hill revolves around walkable blocks anchored by independent coffee shops, restaurants, and the vibrant retail spine along Telegraph and Summit. Additionally, <h3>Recreation and Dining</h3> Residents enjoy immediate access to Mosswood Park's open fields and Grove Shafter Park's trails; fitness options range from boutique studios like Volofit and The Combine to established gyms. The neighborhood's 65 Transit Score provides seamless connections to downtown Oakland and the broader Bay Area, while the 92 Bike Score encourages two-wheeled commuting. Food culture spans from quick eats at Lazeez Kitchen and Taqueria Barajitas to sit-down experiences; the adjacent medical district ensures cafes stay open late for healthcare workers.
- Chipotle · 3 min walk
- Lazeez Kitchen · 4 min walk
- Taqueria Barajitas Taco Truck · 5 min walk
- Judoku Sushi · 5 min walk
- Broadway Liquors · 6 min walk
- Pill Hill Deli · 2 min walk
- Petit café · 3 min walk
- Olivia Coffee and Flower · 3 min walk
- Jebena Cafe · 5 min walk
- Souvenir Coffee · 5 min walk
- Grove Shafter Park · 7 min walk
- Mosswood Park · 8 min walk
- Oak Park · 9 min walk
- Oak Glen Park · 9 min walk
- Grove Shafter Park · 10 min walk
- Sprouts Farmers Market · 3 min walk
- Oakland Halal Meat & Produce Marketplace · 4 min walk
- Grocery Outlet · 6 min walk
- Tarts de Feybesse · 13 min walk
- Koreana Plaza · 13 min walk
- Volofit · 3 min walk
- The Combine · 11 min walk
- God's Gym · 11 min walk
- The Institute Fitness · 12 min walk
- Oakland Yoga Studio · 14 min walk
- The Sound Room · 4 min walk
- Warehouse 416 · 9 min walk
- Classic Cars West Gallery · 10 min walk
- All Out Comedy Theater · 10 min walk
- The Moon · 11 min walk
Annual events: Oakland Art Murmur, Bay Area Book Festival (nearby), Telegraph Avenue street fairs, Juneteenth community celebrations
Schools Near Pill Hill, Oakland
The neighborhood benefits from Oakland Unified's well-regarded schools, with strong secondary feeders including Beach Elementary (89.5 rating) and Westlake Middle. Higher-performing charters like Oakland School For The Arts (62 rating, 6-12) and alternative-track American Indian Public High (60 rating, 9-12) also serve the area.
Elementary Schools
School Score 89.5 with 92% math and 87% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 19.5 with 17% math and 22% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 14.5 with 12% math and 17% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 14.5 with 12% math and 17% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 31 with 26% math and 36% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 9 with 6% math and 12% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 62 with 54% math and 70% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 60 with 65% math and 55% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 44.5 with 35% math and 54% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 18.5 with 10% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Pauls Episcopal School (KG-8) — 17-minute walk
- Park Day School (KG-8) — 22-minute walk
- School Of Saint Leo The Great (PK-8) — 24-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Students typically progress from Beach or Hoover Elementary (14.5 rating) into Westlake Middle, then to Oakland Technical High (44.5 rating) or selective-enrollment charters; private options include Park Day School and St. Paul's Episcopal.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Pill Hill
Additionally, pill Hill's exceptional transit and walk scores reduce car dependency for most commutes, though the 34.4% drive rate reflects Oakland's broader car culture. The neighborhood sits within a 15- to 20-minute corridor to downtown employment and educational hubs.
Additionally, AC Transit buses (including high-frequency lines at Summit Street & 30th Street, Broadway & 30th Street) connect to BART, local colleges, and regional job centers; limited evening/weekend frequency may necessitate a car for flexible schedules.
Neighborhoods Near Pill Hill
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pill Hill
What is the average home price in Pill Hill, Oakland?
The median home price is approximately $843,000, with single-family homes typically ranging from $750,000 to $1.2 million and condos from $650,000 to $950,000. This price point reflects the neighborhood's walkability, schools, and healthcare proximity, though it remains slightly below Oakland's overall median of $883,800. Days on market average 18 to 22 days, indicating strong buyer competition.
Is Pill Hill, Oakland a good place to live?
Yes, for buyers prioritizing walkability, excellent schools, and active urban living. Additionally, the Walk Score of 95, Transit Score of 65, and Bike Score of 92 rank among Oakland's highest. Moreover, median household income of $101,524 supports a well-educated demographic (59.5% with bachelor's degrees), and proximity to Alta Bates Summit Medical Center ensures world-class healthcare. Tradeoffs include high cost-of-living, tight inventory, and competitive offers.
What schools serve Pill Hill, Oakland residents?
Beach Elementary (89.5 rating) is the top-ranked public option, though Hoover Elementary (14.5 rating) and Piedmont Avenue Elementary (19.5 rating) also serve the area. Additionally, westlake Middle (6-8 grades, located minutes away) feeds into Oakland Technical High (44.5 rating) and selective charters like Oakland School For The Arts (62 rating, 6-12). Private alternatives include Park Day School and St. Paul's Episcopal, both walking distance from central neighborhoods.
Is Pill Hill safe?
The neighborhood maintains a moderate safety profile consistent with inner Oakland. Additionally, proximity to Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and strong community engagement via local organizations and events support neighborhood cohesion. Like all urban areas, property crime remains a concern; residents should practice standard urban precautions such as securing vehicles, using building locks, and reporting suspicious activity.
Who is Pill Hill, Oakland best suited for?
Professionals, remote workers, families with school-age children, and active retirees seeking walkable urban living all find strong fits. Additionally, the neighborhood's 20.1% work-from-home rate and abundant cafes like Jebena Cafe and Olivia Coffee and Flower support distributed workers. Families appreciate excellent schools and parks; the educated demographic (59.5% bachelor's-plus) creates a intellectually engaged community.
What dining and shopping options exist in Pill Hill, Oakland?
The neighborhood offers independent restaurants (Lazeez Kitchen, Judoku Sushi, Taqueria Barajitas Taco Truck), grocers (Sprouts Farmers Market, Koreana Plaza, Grocery Outlet), and specialty markets (River Nile Market, Oakland Halal Meat & Produce). Additionally, cafes like Petit cafe and Souvenir Coffee fuel the neighborhood's walkable streetscape. Entertainment venues including The Sound Room and Warehouse 416 support a vibrant nightlife.
Where this Pill Hill data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Additionally, walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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