Our Neighborhood
People
Residents of the neighborhoods on all sides of Head-Royce School represent the spectrum of diversity in Oakland. We are proud homeowners and renters who want to enjoy peace, quiet and the community spirit that brings us out for annual block parties, pancake breakfasts, dog walking, children playing, gardening, and sharing with each other. The Lincoln Highlands and Upper Dimond neighborhoods were once agricultural land, and most housing was built from 1923 through the 1980s. We live in single or multi-family homes, apartments, and shared living spaces. We are a long-established community of all ages, colors, genders and education levels. We are retired seniors and working people including, carpenters, tech workers, teachers, service workers, students, union organizers, artists, military vets, family business owners and entrepreneurs, and we raise children, care for elders, and practice our professions. We are known for being "clean and green" and as a great place for families. Some residents have lived in the neighborhoods for generations. We come from different cities, states and countries to make homes here and to put down roots. In short, we are Oaklanders.
Places
Families are served by two neighborhood public schools, Bret Harte Middle school with 550 students, and Sequoia Elementary school with 430 students. The Oakland California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral are landmarks in the community.
Outdoors, hikers retreat to the redwoods of Sausal Creek in Dimond Canyon, and Dimond Park hosts a recreation center, tennis courts, Lions Swimming Pool, lawns, and picnic sites.
The vibrant Dimond shopping district gives neighbors walking distance access to Farmer Joe's, Two Star Market, La Farine Bakery, and Peet's Coffee as well as restaurants offering cuisines including, American southern, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Ethiopian, and Puerto Rican. Oaktoberfest, the district's celebration of its German history and good beer, draws thousands of visitors each year. The newest jewel of the neighborhood is the Oakland Library's renovated Dimond Branch.
