Living in Highland Park, Piedmont, California
Additionally, A walkable, transit-accessible neighborhood anchoring Piedmont's eastern edge with strong schools and authentic local character.
About Highland Park in Piedmont
Highland Park sits at Piedmont's eastern boundary, offering a bridge between walkable urban living and the quieter residential feel that defines the broader community. The neighborhood ranks high in walkability and transit access compared to surrounding Oakland and Piedmont areas, with a 68 walk score and a median home value around $800k in the immediate proximity. While the overall Piedmont median exceeds $2 million, Highland Park provides more approachable entry points for families and first-time buyers seeking good schools, restaurant options like Taqueria el Cruzero and Flower Lounge, and ready access to parks including Manzanita Park and Central Reservoir Recreation Area.
Real Estate Market in Highland Park
| Median home price | $800k to $1.2m |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | Stable |
| Price per sq ft | $750 to $900 |
| Median rent | $1,774 |
| Typical days on market | 18 to 25 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 68 |
| Transit Score | 57 |
| Bike Score | 68 |
Additionally, the Highland Park area sits within Piedmont's larger real estate ecosystem, where median home values exceed $2 million citywide. The immediate neighborhood cluster shows a median value around $800,744, reflecting the easternmost transition zone between Oakland and Piedmont proper.
Homes in this price band typically see reasonable competition but move steadily. Offer strength matters; pre-approval and clean contingencies are standard. Expect negotiation on inspections and appraisal contingencies, particularly if a property needs cosmetic updates.
Who Thrives in Highland Park
Highland Park offers a lower entry price than central Piedmont while preserving walkability, good schools, and community cohesion.
Additionally, with Crocker Highlands Elementary scoring 78 and strong middle-school options, plus parks and recreation centers like Manzanita Recreation Center, families find solid support.
Additionally, the proximity to Oakland's urban growth and Piedmont's stable premium market creates rental and appreciation opportunities for strategic investors.
Additionally, walkable streets, coffee shops like Peet's Coffee and Dimond Cafe, and a 14.6% work-from-home rate show the neighborhood supports flexible work arrangements.
Additionally, central location near healthcare (Highland Hospital), libraries, parks, and senior services make this area viable for active retirees seeking walkable access.
Property Types in Highland Park
Traditional Piedmont stock; most common, with good schools proximity as primary draw.
Lower maintenance appeal for first-time and downsizing buyers.
Increasing investor interest as Oakland gentrification spreads eastward.
Living in Highland Park, Piedmont
Daily life in Highland Park blends urban walkability with neighborhood calm. Additionally, the 68 walk score means groceries at Mandela MarketPlace or La Farine, coffee at Dimond Cafe or Haste Muerte, and evening meals at Taqueria el Cruzero are all pedestrian-friendly. Moreover, fitness options include Manzanita Recreation Center and nearby studio gyms; outdoor recreation centers on Manzanita Park and William D Wood Park. The median household income of $88,372 in the immediate area reflects a diverse, working professional community, though owner-occupancy sits at 42.8 percent, indicating healthy renters alongside owner-residents.
- Cafeteria · 7 min walk
- Taqueria el Cruzero · 9 min walk
- Flower Lounge Restaurant · 14 min walk
- Lucky Three Seven · 15 min walk
- La Hacienda · 15 min walk
- Peet's Coffee · 15 min walk
- Haste Muerte · 16 min walk
- Mohka House · 16 min walk
- Dimond Cafe · 16 min walk
- Starbucks · 19 min walk
- Manzanita Park · 6 min walk
- Morgan Plaza · 7 min walk
- Central Reservoir Recreation Area · 8 min walk
- William D Wood Park · 11 min walk
- Bella Vista Park · 15 min walk
- Mandela MarketPlace at Highland Hospital · 7 min walk
- La Farine · 16 min walk
- Wayland's Meat · 16 min walk
- Mi Tierra Super Mercado · 16 min walk
- Farmer Joe's · 16 min walk
- Manzanita Recreation Center · 7 min walk
- Functional Patterns Oakland · 19 min walk
- Sequoia Fitness · 26 min walk
- FM Smith Recreation Center · 30 min walk
- Franklin Recreation Center · 31 min walk
- Peralta Hacienda Historical · 24 min walk
- Eastside Cultural Center · 28 min walk
- Little Saigon · 31 min walk
- Cohen Bray House · 32 min walk
- East Bay Queer Arts Center · 33 min walk
Annual events: Piedmont community festivals (summer), Eastside Cultural Center exhibitions, local farmers market activations, neighborhood street fairs
Schools Near Highland Park, Piedmont
School quality ranks as a primary asset. Crocker Highlands Elementary scores 78 and sits near the neighborhood heart, while Edna Brewer Middle (50.5 score) serves the immediate zone. For high school, American Indian Public High (60) and Oakland Charter High (54.5) are realistic options, though some families look toward private alternatives including Head Royce School or Patten Academy of Christian Education.
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 53 with 48% math and 58% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 52 with 47% math and 57% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 50.5 with 47% math and 54% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 25.5 with 25% math and 26% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 60 with 65% math and 55% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 54.5 with 47% math and 62% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 24.5 with 12% math and 37% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 20.5 with 13% math and 28% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Private Schools Nearby
- The Renaissance International School (PK-8) — 19-minute walk
- Patten Academy Of Christian Education (KG-12) — 24-minute walk
- Fred Finch-Oakland Hills Academy (6-12) — 30-minute walk
- Head Royce School (KG-12) — 37-minute walk
Feeder pattern: Families should confirm school boundaries with Piedmont USD, as some Highland Park addresses feed into Oakland schools while others stay within Piedmont attendance zones.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from Highland Park
Additionally, highland Park's location at Piedmont's eastern edge provides quick access to both Piedmont's walkable downtown and Oakland's job centers. Transit score of 57 indicates some car dependence, though public transit options exist for cross-Bay commutes.
AC Transit bus lines serve the neighborhood with connections to BART; 55.6 percent of residents drive, reflecting Piedmont's car-oriented layout despite the above-average transit score.
Neighborhoods Near Highland Park
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Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Park
What is the average home price in Highland Park, Piedmont?
Median home values in the immediate Highland Park area range from $750,000 to $1.2 million, with some variation by block. This is notably lower than Piedmont's overall median exceeding $2 million, making it one of the more accessible entry points for the city. Additionally, rental properties median around $1,774 per month, offering flexibility for non-buyers. Always verify current listing prices with a local agent, as market conditions shift seasonally.
Is Highland Park a good place to live in Piedmont?
Yes, for buyers seeking walkability, good schools, and diverse community character. Additionally, the neighborhood scores 68 in walkability and 57 in transit access, compared to Piedmont's broader average of 55 walk score. Families appreciate nearby Crocker Highlands Elementary (score 78) and Manzanita Park recreation options. The tradeoff is slightly less suburban quiet than western Piedmont and proximity to Oakland borders, though many residents view this as an asset rather than a drawback.
What schools serve Highland Park in Piedmont?
Crocker Highlands Elementary (78) is the standout elementary option, with Edna Brewer Middle (50.5) serving the middle-school years. Additionally, high school assignments vary by address; American Indian Public High (60) and Oakland Charter High (54.5) are nearby alternatives. Many families also consider private schools like Head Royce School or Patten Academy of Christian Education. Always confirm your address's specific school assignment with Piedmont USD before purchasing.
Is Highland Park safe?
Safety varies by specific block and time of day, as is typical in East Bay neighborhoods bordering Oakland. Piedmont overall reports strong police presence and community engagement; Highland Park benefits from its integration into Piedmont's neighborhood watch network. Walking during daylight hours is generally comfortable, with good street lighting and foot traffic along main corridors. Check local crime maps and speak with neighbors and a local agent for block-specific insights.
Who is Highland Park best suited for?
Highland Park appeals most to first-time homebuyers and families prioritizing good schools and walkability over maximum square footage. The neighborhood also suits remote workers attracted to coffee shops and parks, and investors recognizing the area's growth trajectory. Retirees may appreciate proximity to Highland Hospital and the walkable downtown corridor. Less ideal for buyers seeking ultra-quiet, car-free suburban living or properties over $1.5 million.
What dining and shopping options are near Highland Park?
The neighborhood hosts diverse dining within walking distance: Taqueria el Cruzero, Flower Lounge Restaurant, La Hacienda, and Cafeteria provide casual to mid-range options. Additionally, coffee lovers can reach Peet's Coffee, Dimond Cafe, or Haste Muerte for daily caffeine. Moreover, grocery shopping includes Mandela MarketPlace, La Farine, and Mi Tierra Super Mercado. Oakland's Little Saigon corridor is just minutes away, adding Vietnamese restaurants and Asian markets. For retail, Piedmont's downtown offers boutiques and services a short drive or bus ride west.
Where this Highland Park 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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