Welcome to Rockridge
A vibrant city with a strong sense of community at the foot of Oakland Hills.
Nestled at the foot of Oakland Hills is the quaint and commuter-friendly neighborhood of Rockridge. The community is named for the rock outcroppings that can be seen at an abandoned quarry near the Rockridge Shopping Center. The quarry, operated until the 1950s, is used as a reservoir for the Claremont Country Club, a 100-year-old club with a stunning golf course, tennis courts, pools, restaurants, and more. A quiet retreat in the heart of Rockridge with an abundance of amenities makes this place an asset to the neighborhood. If that’s not enough, the convenience of several urban amenities, mom-and-pop style retail shopping, and restaurants on College Avenue—a quaint, walkable main street—should seal the deal.
College Avenue's residential streets are beautifully lined with old trees, lush landscaping, and beautifully maintained gardens. A number of the homes are more prominent and date back to the 1920s and 1950s, but there are also a variety of smaller bungalows and historic cottages that are well-loved. There is plenty of charm and community to make you want to call Rockridge home.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Residents love the strong sense of community found in Rockridge. It is the perfect neighborhood for your family with a sense of quaint charm, an incredible restaurant and shopping scene, and lively weekends and summer afternoons. At the center of the town, the Rockridge BART station provides a quick commute to San Francisco and the airport. A stroll along College Avenue—full of coffee shops, boutiques, and independent bookstores—offers a small-town feel. Nearby, Lake Temescal provides hiking trails and picnic areas for active outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
With College Avenue at the center of this beautiful neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of shopping and dining. Several independent bookstores, boutiques, and restaurants await you for an afternoon of exploring. Mrs. Dalloway’s is a book lover’s dream with floor-to-ceiling shelves that line every wall with books in various genres. There are also plenty of events, from book readings to release parties. Another beloved bookstore in the area, a staple since the late 1960s, is Pegasus Books, loved for its vast selection and eccentric atmosphere. Maison d’Etre is a boutique home store with unique finds, from vintage chandeliers to hand-painted greeting cards. For an impressive selection of high-end women’s clothing, check out Pretty Penny.
The restaurant scene is well-loved by residents and visitors alike, and you’ll find some of the best food around right along College Avenue. Cactus Taqueria is a family-friendly Mexican restaurant with quaint, laid-back vibes. La Méditerranée serves award-winning Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. As a restaurant that has been consistently voted “Best Mediterranean” and “Best Middle Eastern” in the San Francisco Bay Area, this is one you’ll want to check out. Soi 4 serves elevated Thai cuisine in a stylish setting.
Things to Do
In addition to the number of stores and restaurants within the area, you’ll find plenty to do around Rockridge and the Oakland area. Check out the Botanical Gardens at UC Berkeley which has 10,000 types of plants organized geographically, making it one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. Community-built Frog Park has two children’s play areas and a greenbelt that offers a variety of redwood groves, butterfly gardens, benches, and more. Given that Rockridge is in Oakland, there are plenty of things to see and do in the nearby areas.
Schools