Talk of the Town: What are three reasons you live in Oakland?

Oakland has a reputation as being dangerous. Life in the Town can be frightening and chaotic sometimes, which begs the questions: why do people live in Oakland? 

I asked people, “What are three reasons you live in Oakland?”

Khamani Lamar

“I was born and raised here, there’s a strong culture, and it’s a beautiful city.”

Khamani Lamar

Jody Jackson

“Diversity, greenery, and it’s a legal zone.”

Jody Jackson

Maya Mitchell

“Washington, D.C. was way too expensive for my parents when I was little, there’s a lot more family here, and my parents inherited the house in this city which makes it affordable.”

Maya Mitchell

Victor Dominguez 

“It has always been a dream to live in the Bay and I finally did it, and second, Oakland gave me the hospitality at the time I needed it when I needed it, and thirdly, Oakland gave me my family that I have now: my son and my wife.” 

Victor Dominguez 

Stephanie Zakharia 

“Racial diversity, art and culture, and the environment, like the nature and good weather.” 

Stephanie Zakharia