Piedmont is a city in the Oakland Hills area in Alameda County. It is unique among other cities in the area due to the fact that it lies almost completely within Oakland. Because of this, Piedmont is often grouped with Oakland or is considered a neighborhood of the bigger city. In reality, it’s an independent community with its own mayor and local government.
Size-wise, Piedmont is one of the smallest cities in the East Bay, only covering a total area of approximately 2 square miles. Its size is one of its biggest draws. Piedmont is compact, conveniently located, and highly walkable. Then there’s the fact that residents enjoy spectacular vistas from its hilltop location.
For these and many other reasons, Piedmont is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the East Bay. According to the latest population estimates, the city is currently home to about 11,300 residents.
History
The land Piedmont is nestled on was once part of the Mexican land grant of Rancho San Antonio. Sparsely populated save for the occasional head of cattle, the area started to see urban development in the 1870s, when Walter Blair purchased over 800 acres of land. There, he built the Piedmont Springs Hotel, located near a local spring. Piedmont Springs Hotel became a favored destination among affluent San Franciscans.
At the start of the 20th century, Piedmont became a hub for the bohemian lifestyle, with Jack London one of its most prominent residents. The move to establish Piedmont as a city started at this time and it was finally incorporated in 1907. As the Roaring Twenties roared, Piedmont became a playground for the wealthy, with mansions lining Sea View Avenue and other streets.
Today, Piedmont remains an upscale enclave surrounded by some of Oakland’s oldest neighborhoods.
Real estate and property types in Piedmont
Piedmont is largely a residential community, with most of its lots zoned for single-family residences. Remnants of its past as the “City of Millionaires” still stand, with plenty of estates and mansions scattered throughout the community. That said, Piedmont’s housing market also offers more modest choices, with smaller yet well-appointed single-family homes located in the perimeter of the city.
Lots in Piedmont tend to be large, allowing for plenty of space to entertain indoors and outdoors. Popular architectural styles in the cityinclude Period Revival and Craftsman.
Living in Piedmont
- Excellent schools – Piedmont is served by the Piedmont Unified School District, which oversees a total of six public schools in the city. This includes Wildwood Elementary School, Piedmont High School, and Beach Elementary School. Looking for higher learning options?Piedmont is just under an hour’s drive away from Stanford University in Palo Alto and UC Berkeley.
- Abundance of green spaces – Although Piedmont is only about 2 square miles in size, the city offers plenty of recreational sites and park facilities. Right at its heart is Piedmont Park, the largest park in the city. More parks and outdoor recreation spots are located beyond its borders, including Shepherd Canyon Park and the Temescal Regional Recreation Area.
Find your dream home in Piedmont
Piedmont is full of fantastic real estate investment opportunities. We can help you find the right ones. Browse our website for more information about Piedmont and San Francisco luxury real estate.
You can also contact us today at 925-389-8920 or Zach@TheKnappTeam.com.
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