Reinforcing what others have said-
Diverse (many languages spoken)
Colorful
Mostly smaller older charming (20'/30's) homes on small lots
Urban (dense, lively, packed with people and businesses)
Mostly middle to lower income
Crime (check the maps as suggested)
Easy transportation (near BART station, buses, 2 major freeways)
Close to Alameda
Short drive to Downtown Oakland & Jack London Square

Have you been to the Mission district in San Francisco? Different architecture, but similar feel.

Now a question - why would you ever purchase a property without visiting to see it? Not a good idea! A picture is worth a thousand words, and standing in a neighborhood in front of the property is worth millions (or at least the price of the asset you purchased). No amount of photos and online stats can compare tell you what being there in person will.

Diverse? These are code words for the diverse ways you can get shot or robbed. If you have kids, this is not the place to be. Look at the 'murder map' at sfgate.com to see where you have a lower chance of being a victim of diversity. Let's not couch words just to get a commission

Hi Gethin
Fruitvale is one of the most established, recognized neighborhoods in Oakland. Fruitvale is overall a solid area with a diverse population. There are inexpensive and expensive houses. There are good schools and not so good schools. One of the best private schools in the city is located in Fruitvale. Fruitvale boasts fantastic ethnic restaurants, a strong hispanic community, lower-Glenview/Dimond connection with numerous shopping areas. If you go close to MacArthur, you have Peets, La Farine, Farmer Joes, Longs, Gelato Ice Cream and boutique shops.. also Dimond Library, Dimond Park with wonderful outdoor (heated) swimming pool. Ignacio De La Fuente is the Council Person for this district, and you can always call the office for specifics abouy schools, crime, etc.. http://www. idelafuente.com
Good luck! Just drive around and trust yourself! I love the Fruitvale! I've sold a few houses there.. and live just a couple of miles away.

I would strongly, strongly, strongly encourage you to look up the Oakland crime map via the internet. It will give you a lot of answers.

There are great and sketchy parts of Oakland, and this tool more than anything else, helped me decide where to consider, and where to definitely stay away from.

I would agree that Fruitvale is a very diverse and vibrant community. I would add that the character of the area can vary street by street (as in most urban areas) so I would recommend you connect with someone locally who can do some research (and drive by the house at different times of the day) to give you a true feel of what your experience would be like owning on that or any particular street.

I live in the nearby Allendale district which is very residential and tends to have a little less hustle and bustle, but again your experience will vary street by street and sometimes even block by block.

Good luck in your home search!

Fruitvale is a very urban and in some cases low income area of Oakland. Portions are plagued by gang and drug activity, moreso than other more upscale areas of Oakland. As with any place you plan on living, I would seriously urge you to visit the area and see if you would be comfortable there.

Hi Gethin,

The Frutivale district as already mentioned, is an extremeley diverse and vibrant community. Near the Fruitvale BART Station there are shops, great Mexican food and easy access to public transportation. The Fruitvale district covers a pretty diverse area with a mix of nationalites and architecture, so it is really hard to define the exact nature of the area.

Are you planning on purchasing the home for income purposes or for you to come live in? You mentioned that you can't visit, but if you do plan to come here to live I would strongly encourage you to try to take the time to visit so you can make your own opinons about the area where you plan on investings your money.
Also you can vist the Oakland Police Department's webisite to see crime stats for the area: http://gismaps.oaklandnet.com/crimewatch/ .

If you would like I could take some pictures of the area and email them to you. As the saying goes a picture says a thousand words.

Lisa Cartolano
Lisa@LisaCartolano.com
510.213.1139

I have lived in the Fruitvale district and owned property there - Fruitvale is one of the most diverse and international neighborhoods, which I love. Architecture is mixed, with alot of turn of the century homes and 20's and 30's homes. It is not a quiet, suburban city like Danville - for goodness sakes. Live in the West Village in NYCity, and you will experience a similar feel. Schools are not the upscale "best score" schools, and many languages are heard in the small stores. The BART station development is wonderful, like a small village with "transit village" being the feel. Retail, housing, and public transportation, one of the first of its kind in the US. I love Fruitvale, but I am an Urban Pioneer - are you? All the Best, Liz

Fruitvale is a unique area, how close is it to the bart station? Is it a single family or a condo? Also what is the draw of Fruitvale for you?
You can reply here or directly to me at ajcohen@apr.com.
Have a good evening,
AJ Cohen