Sunday, February 17, 2008

Oakland California Retirement

Oakland California

Not nearly as well known as San Francisco, Oakland offers many of the same amenities that are common throughout the Bay Area of California. These include numerous airports (OAK is Oakland), great public transportation systems, several colleges and universities, cultural diversity, access to professional sports, and much more. Many locals would say that Oakland's appeal depends on where you live in the city. There are areas of high crime and poverty as well as affluence and luxury homes.

City of Oakland website: www.oaklandnet.com

Retirement Communities and Oakland Retirement information:

Lake Park Retirement Residence www.cnmh.org (510) 835-5511
St Paul's Towers Retirement Residence (510) 835-4700
Mercy Retirement & Care Center www.mercyretirementcenter.com (510) 534-8540
Claremont House Retirement www.crmscommunities.com (510) 658-9266
Mark Twain Retirement Center (510) 261-4760
Housing Authority of the City of Oakland: General Information www.oakha.org (510) 874-1500
Lakeside Park www.lakesideparkalz.com (510) 444-4684
Elder Care Alliance www.eldercarealliance.org (510) 434-2800
Salem Lutheran Home www.salemlutheranhome.com (510) 534-3637
Unity Council www.unitycouncil.org (510) 534-6200

Oakland, California Population: 397,000

Climate: Moderate. Cool winters, cool to hot summers. The climate throughout the Bay Area is influenced by proximity to the Pacific, fog, and urban factors.

Cost of Living: High

Housing Costs: With a median home price of about 550,000 Oakland is expensive, though considerably less than San Franciso houses: Zillow has more.

Taxes: California generally has high taxes compared to other states.
California Tax details are here: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/

Colleges and Universities: Oakland University Oakland Community College

Transportation: Bay Area Transit www.transitinfo.org


Health care:
Alameda County Medical Center: Highland www.acmedctr.org (510) 437-4800
Alameda Hospital www.alamedahospital.org (510) 522-3700
Kaiser Foundation Hospital (510) 752-1000
Alta Bates Medical Center www.altabates.com (510) 204-2700
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center www.altabatessummit.com (510) 204-1303
Children's Hospital: Volunteer Services www.childrenshospitaloakland.org (510) 428-3471

Travel and tourism: Destination Oakland is the Visitor Bureau website: www.oaklandcvb.com