Is Cleveland Heights, Piedmont a Good Place to Live?
Additionally, A walkable neighborhood in Piedmont with strong transit access, excellent schools, and proximity to Lake Merritt.
About Cleveland Heights in Piedmont
Cleveland Heights stands out as one of Piedmont's most accessible neighborhoods, combining a walk score of 88 with genuine urban convenience. Additionally, the area draws young professionals and established families alike, supported by median household income of $110k and strong educational options including Crocker Highlands Elementary (78) and Oakland School For The Arts (62). Moreover, home prices cluster around $905k, reflecting both the walkability premium and the neighborhood's position within Piedmont's higher-priced market. The tradeoff is clear: you're paying for proximity to Lake Merritt, coffee at Golden Outside or Haddon Hill Cafe, and a commute that works without a car most days.
Real Estate Market in Cleveland Heights
| Median home price | $905k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +2.3% |
| Price per sq ft | $1,285 |
| Median rent | $1,884 |
| Typical days on market | 18 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 88 |
| Transit Score | 60 |
| Bike Score | 72 |
Additionally, cleveland Heights sits in the upper half of Piedmont's market, with inventory that moves steadily in competitive conditions. The neighborhood's walkability and school strength support consistent buyer interest year-round.
Homes here rarely list below asking in today's market. Additionally, position offers with inspection contingencies and proof of funds; the neighborhood's school reputation and walkability attract multiple competing buyers. Be prepared to move decisively if the property checks your priorities.
Who Thrives in Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Heights offers entry into Piedmont at a lower price point than other neighborhoods, with strong walkability reducing car dependency and overall cost of living.
Additionally, excellent elementary school options, parks like Lakeshore Park and F.M. Smith Park, and a 15% local demographic of children make this a natural family hub within Piedmont.
Additionally, stable rental demand ($1,884 median), high owner-occupancy rates, and consistent appreciation tied to school reputation provide solid long-term returns.
Additionally, walk score of 88, transit score of 60, and neighborhood cafes like Cafe Lakeview make this ideal for professionals balancing home office flexibility with social connectivity.
Additionally, the walkability and nearby healthcare (Lakeshore Family Dentistry, Walgreens) appeal to active retirees, though the neighborhood skews younger and prices remain steep.
Property Types in Cleveland Heights
Additionally, most inventory consists of mid-century and period homes with character; modest lot sizes typical for this part of Piedmont.
Lower entry price, lower maintenance; popular with first-time buyers and investors seeking rental upside.
Duplex and triplex buildings offer portfolio diversification; strong renter demand in this walkable area.
Living in Cleveland Heights, Piedmont
Daily life in Cleveland Heights centers on walkability and convenience. Additionally, you'll likely walk to Trader Joe's or Marcato for groceries, grab coffee at Golden Outside or Haddon Hill Cafe, and use Park Boulevard transit stops (Park Boulevard & Van Dyke, Park Boulevard & Ivy Drive) for longer journeys. The neighborhood supports an active culture: Brightside Barbell and NAMASTE Yoga & Wellness anchor fitness routines, while Lakeshore Park and F.M. Smith Park provide outdoor recreation steps away. Dining ranges from casual (Leaning Tower of Pizza, Brothers Deli & Co) to ambitious (Rico Rico Taco, Gabriella's Pizza), reflecting the area's diverse, educated resident base. Most residents bike or walk for errands; the bike score of 72 reflects real infrastructure and a culture that supports car-optional living.
- Leaning Tower of Pizza · 6 min walk
- Brothers Deli & Co · 7 min walk
- I.B.'s · 10 min walk
- Rico Rico Taco · 10 min walk
- Gabriella's Pizza · 10 min walk
- Golden Outside · 1 min walk
- Haddon Hill Cafe · 5 min walk
- Cafe Lakeview · 8 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 10 min walk
- Quickly · 11 min walk
- Lakeshore Park · 7 min walk
- Park Boulevard Plaza · 7 min walk
- F.M. Smith Park · 9 min walk
- Astro Circle · 9 min walk
- Eastshore Park · 10 min walk
- Trader Joe's · 10 min walk
- Marcato · 11 min walk
- Arizmendi Bakery · 11 min walk
- Lakeshore Natural Foods · 12 min walk
- Crazy Block Cheesecakes · 12 min walk
- FM Smith Recreation Center · 9 min walk
- Brightside Barbell · 10 min walk
- NAMASTE Yoga & Wellness · 11 min walk
- Fitness SF · 11 min walk
- CorePower Yoga · 15 min walk
- East Bay Queer Arts Center · 13 min walk
- Miss Major Griffin-Gracy Art Gallery · 13 min walk
- Grand Lake Theatre · 13 min walk
- Studio Grand · 13 min walk
- Rotary Nature Center (Closed for renovation) · 16 min walk
Annual events: Piedmont Fourth of July Celebration, Art and Garden Festival, Farmers Market at Piedmont Avenue (Saturdays), Neighborhood Ice Cream Social
Schools Near Cleveland Heights, Piedmont
Cleveland Heights feeds into some of Oakland's strongest public schools, with Crocker Highlands Elementary (78) consistently performing well for elementary-age students. Edna Brewer Middle (50.5) and Oakland School For The Arts (62) provide solid middle and high school options, though many families in the neighborhood also explore private alternatives like St Paul's Episcopal School or choose out-of-district schools.
Elementary Schools
School Score 78 with 76% math and 80% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 62 with 62% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 33.5 with 40% math and 27% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 31 with 28% math and 34% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 50.5 with 47% math and 54% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 28.5 with 27% math and 30% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 25.5 with 25% math and 26% 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 50 with 50% math and 50% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 24.5 with 12% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- St Pauls Episcopal School (KG-8) — 24-minute walk
- St Anthony Catholic School (KG-8) — 27-minute walk
- Starlite Child Development Center (PK-KG) — 29-minute walk
- Lambo Academy International (8-12) — 37-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Most elementary students in the neighborhood feed into Edna Brewer for middle school, creating a natural community as children progress.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Heights sits at a commuting crossroads: close enough to Downtown Oakland and the Bay Bridge for car-based commuters, yet walkable and transit-friendly enough to make driving optional for many. The neighborhood's transit score of 60 reflects reliable bus access along Park Boulevard and regional connections to BART and AC Transit.
Additionally, park Boulevard bus lines (lines 40, 51) connect directly to BART and regional AC Transit routes; the neighborhood's walk score means many residents handle daily errands without transit.
Neighborhoods Near Cleveland Heights
Not sure Cleveland Heights is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cleveland Heights
What is the average home price in Cleveland Heights, Piedmont?
The median home value in Cleveland Heights is approximately $905,000, reflecting the neighborhood's walkability, school options, and position within Piedmont's premium market. Additionally, prices range from around $700k for condos to $1.2m+ for larger single-family homes. Rental properties average $1,884 per month. These figures are competitive within Piedmont and notably higher than comparable neighborhoods in Oakland, a premium that buyers accept for the neighborhood's urban convenience and school reputation.
Is Cleveland Heights a good neighborhood to live in?
Yes, particularly if you value walkability, strong schools, and proximity to Lake Merritt. Additionally, the walk score of 88 means most errands can be done on foot; Trader Joe's, Marcato, and local cafes are accessible without a car. Moreover, schools like Crocker Highlands Elementary (78) and Oakland School For The Arts (62) serve the area. The median household income of $110k and 62.7% college completion rate reflect an educated, established resident base. The main tradeoff is cost: homes here are expensive, and the neighborhood skews younger, which may not suit all retirees or those seeking a quieter residential feel.
Which schools serve Cleveland Heights, Piedmont?
Elementary students typically attend Crocker Highlands Elementary (78) or Cleveland Elementary (62), both well-regarded within Oakland public schools. Middle school feeds into Edna Brewer Middle (50.5). For high school, students may attend Oakland School For The Arts (62) or other district options. Many families also consider private schools like St Paul's Episcopal School (KG-8). Test scores and program strength vary, so visiting schools and speaking with current families is recommended.
Is Cleveland Heights safe?
Cleveland Heights benefits from Piedmont's overall safer crime profile compared to much of Oakland, though specific blocks vary. Additionally, the median age of 39 and 36.9% married households reflect a stable resident base. Park Boulevard and major commercial corridors see consistent foot traffic and activity, which naturally enhances perceived safety. Like any urban neighborhood, residents should practice standard urban awareness; the walkable nature of the area means well-lit streets and pedestrian activity support personal security.
Who is the ideal buyer for Cleveland Heights?
Cleveland Heights suits young professionals and established families who value walkability and are willing to pay Piedmont prices. Additionally, remote workers benefit from the walk score, local cafes like Golden Outside and Haddon Hill Cafe, and strong internet infrastructure. Families appreciate the schools and parks. First-time buyers can enter Piedmont here at a slightly lower price point than other neighborhoods. Investors find stable rental demand and consistent appreciation. Less ideal for retirees on a fixed budget or those seeking a car-dependent, quieter suburban feel.
What are the main amenities and dining options in Cleveland Heights?
The neighborhood is anchored by Trader Joe's and Marcato for groceries, with walkable access to coffee at Golden Outside, Haddon Hill Cafe, and Cafe Lakeview. Additionally, dining options span Leaning Tower of Pizza and Gabriella's Pizza for casual meals, to Brothers Deli & Co and Rico Rico Taco for something more adventurous. Moreover, for fitness, Brightside Barbell and NAMASTE Yoga & Wellness serve the health-conscious crowd. Lakeshore Park and F.M. Smith Park provide outdoor recreation, and the Grand Lake Theatre offers entertainment nearby. Most daily needs are within a 10 to 15 minute walk.
Where this Cleveland Heights 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.
Find Your Home in Cleveland Heights
Additionally, explore available listings in Cleveland Heights, Piedmont and connect with an agent familiar with the neighborhood's schools, walkability, and market dynamics.
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