Oakland is an incredible city that has so much going for it. If you’re planning a vacation or considering moving to this amazing area, it’s easy to assume you know everything about it already: but Oakland is full of surprises.
These are five things most people don’t know about Oakland!
Has a Natural Saltwater Lake With a Monster
Home to the only natural saltwater lake within city boundaries in the entire world, this lake would already be an amazing landmark: but it’s made more interesting by what possibly lives within the oldest U.S. wildlife refuge. Called the Oak-ness monster, this creature has been making appearances since the 1940s, with most appearances at the docks of the Lake Chalet Restaurant.
Whether this is a real creature or a marketing ploy, all locals love to talk about this creature and tell you stories about someone they know who claims they saw it.
One of the Most Diverse Cities in the Country
Why visit another vacation town that has no diversity when you can visit one of the most diverse cities in the country? Oakland is split into 34% white residents, 28% black residents, and 25% Hispanic residents, with the remaining 16% Asian residents. This is awesome, allowing more communication of ideas, better community trust, and more of a chance to get to know people who aren’t exactly like you. If you want to be in an area where you can grow, it’s Oakland.
Is Home to Hundreds of Painted Gnomes
If you start looking at Oakland houses for sale: you’re going to notice the overabundance of gnomes. There are hundreds of painted gnomes throughout the city: and not all of them are on lawns. An anonymous artist has been placing hundreds of painted gnomes throughout the city, attaching them to utility poles. These have become a fun part of exploring the city, trying to keep track of how many gnomes you can spot, and picking a favorite you want to visit.
Has an Ideal Climate Year-Round
Although some prefer the cold: most people want sunny days. Oakland has a warm and comfortable climate year-round, encouraging locals to spend more time outside and stay active. This makes seasonal depression rarer in this area and allows you to stay in better shape than you could in other cities.
One of its Most Famous Parks is a Cemetary
When you visit a major city and check out its parks, they’re usually large empty green spaces with some trees and benches. Oakland’s top park is similar to that: but among all of this greenery, there are also tons of tombstones. The Mountain View Cemetery is one of the most picturesque areas of Oakland, with fantastic views for picnicking or exploring while you’re in town.
There are even some famous names buried here, like Elizabeth Short (the Black Dahlia), rapper Mac Dre, and Domingo Ghirardelli! This is an awesome space to stop and get to know the city even better.
Oakland is an Interesting City!
Whether you’re planning a vacation or considering moving to this amazing city, Oakland is a unique area! Get to know this city, and enjoy all of the interesting surprises it can offer,
