Montclair

Nestled amongst the pine trees in the upper Oakland hills, the friendly Montclair District maintains a refreshing and laid back mountain atmosphere reminiscent of Mill Valley in Marin County. Winding streets dotted with trees and gardens bursting with flowers lead to large homes hidden among mini-forests that look out over the distant bay.

Adding to its rural appeal, Montclair is tidy, very residential, and decidedly a bedroom community, yet exciting enough for the active crowd. Close to many East Bay parks, it offers endless biking and hiking opportunities to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.

Montclair's real estate runs up and down the canyons, and the architecture is designed to showcase the natural character of the area. Some lot sizes can stretch into acres. Styles of homes range from large Craftsman bungalows, shingled cottages, and Prairie homes, to period revivals, ranch, and split-level style homes from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Fernwood is one of the many beautiful winding, flora-rich neighborhoods that make Montclair the serene oasis it is. The Storybook Houses of the Fernwood Walking Tour visits a favorite trick-or-treating route in Oakland. The tour takes place every October through some of the most beautiful and well-crafted homes in the area.

At the northern edge of the neighborhood is Lake Temescal Park, a superb venue for picnics, Frisbee games, and short woodsy walks. The commercial center is Montclair Village, a quaint area of small shops serving most local needs. The Montclair Egg Shop on Medau off just off of Mountain Blvd. is a fun and whimsical stop for a hearty breakfast.

The storybook tour of Oakland continues daily down Mountain Blvd. at the Oakland Library Montclair Branch. This beautiful building offers a cozy and magical children's reading room for story time. The original 900 square foot library was built in 1930 in the Oakland hills, about half a mile from the just emerging Montclair Village. To meet the rising demand for children's services, two additions have since transformed Montclair Library into a busy 3,900 square foot branch serving a well-established, bustling community.

Other attractions include the Chabot Space and Science Center, a cultural arts center, a weekly farmer's market, a delightful public park offering fun for everyone from toddlers to tennis players, and annual street fairs in the village center.