Welcome to Piedmont
An idyllic city where suburban, residential serenity reigns supreme.
An enclave city set within Oakland, Piedmont was officially incorporated in 1907 after a tumultuous vote among the residents. Rather than become part of the urbanized Oakland, Piedmont chose to maintain its strictly residential and rural atmosphere, blended with a quiet suburban lifestyle. Its culture is heavily influenced by those who populated the area before it was ever incorporated, including revered author Jack London and a group of bohemians who helped to develop the artistic, sophisticated vibe of the city.
Those early residents tended to build their own homes, and consequently, Piedmont is a unique amalgamation of historic, quaint craftsman bungalows like the one built by Jack London, and the more palatial residential homes established in the 1920s and 30s when the population bloomed and became more prosperous. The millionaires who migrated to the area built sprawling mansions in the foothills, ranging from Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, Spanish Colonial, and streamline modern houses, all with spectacular views. The neighborhoods are dominated by luxurious single-family homes, and with commercial businesses limited, the community is a charming escape from city life.
What to Love
- Exceptional school system
- Close-knit vibe of the community
- Gorgeous vistas and nearby outdoor recreation
People & Lifestyle
Piedmont has maintained its small-town charm even as it’s grown, and the city of fewer than 14,000 residents is an ideal place for those who crave community. Here, you’ll always find a familiar face at the local market, a quiet grassy knoll to picnic on, safe streets to stroll, all while being just minutes away from the amenities and entertainment of Oakland and nearby urban areas.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Piedmont is conveniently located within minutes of several large shopping malls and retail districts, including Bay Street in Emeryville. Home to stores like
Express,
Banana Republic, and
Lush, the Bay Street mall also has several spas, chain restaurant eateries, and a movie theater with the latest showings. Residents of Piedmont are also just minutes away from
Jack London Square in Oakland, where upscale shopping, dining, and recreational activities are plentiful.
For local produce, make sure you check out
Mulberry’s Market, the one-stop-shop for your coffee, groceries, ice cream, and gourmet sandwich needs, all run by a community-driven team that has a heart for the residents of Piedmont. Craving a sweet treat? Head over to
Otete for the best of European and Asian pastries and desserts. Their decadent options like the tiramisu tart—filled with heavenly coffee ganache—make the perfect celebratory indulgence for every occasion.
Things to Do
Despite its smaller size, Piedmont still offers plenty of entertainment, recreation, and community events for its residents.
Piedmont Park—one of over four local park locations—is the geographical center of the town and has around 15 acres for exploration. A resplendent exedra marks one of the park’s entrances with white marble and a ceramic blue vase, and the park features a children’s play area in addition to a grassy stretch that hosts several of the city’s festivals and events. The nearby
Dracena Quarry Park is more informal, built on 8 acres of land in an abandoned stone quarry, and is another lovely spot for picnicking. Piedmont is also within minutes of several waterfront parks, including Mclaughlin Eastshore State Park.
In addition to its 4th of July parade and party in Piedmont Park, which draws in residents for a day of celebration, great food, and fun, Piedmont also hosts the annual
Piedmont Turkey Trot, a community 5k in which all of the proceeds go to the school track and field teams.
Schools
Piedmont is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Beach Elementary School, K-5, one of the top-rated public elementary schools in the state
- Piedmont Middle School, 6-8, one of the top-rated public middle schools in the state
- Piedmont High School, 9-12, highly-rated public high school
