Comments on: Condo conversions return to Council

By: James Robinson

James Robinson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:29:48 +0000

I might have to check out Food Maxx if they have prices that cheap!

By: David

David — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:18:10 +0000

You can tell where the border is, the lots in SL are usually 5000+ sq ft, but the Oakland side rarely has lots>4000 sq ft. And the SL police have little tolerance for squealing your tires etc on their side of the border.

As for schools, there’s Reach, Elmhurst and Castlemont, if I remember and something else for elementary above MacArthur. All terrible (Reach=10-20% “proficient” on any subject). But, like Maxwell Park used to be, the area is cheap enough to send kids to Catholic schools, i.e., that $200K (or less-!) house payment is around <$1200/month, plus $1000/month for 2 kids in catholic school

Just enjoyed another Food Maxx trip last night. $32 for enough food to feed the family for a week.

By: Livegreen

Livegreen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:49:57 +0000

David, Which elementary & middle schools serve the area?

I drove around there a year or so ago and couldn’t tell the difference bet Oakland and San Leandro. Very diverse, multi-racial area and stable middle and working class families…

By: David

David — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:30:58 +0000

Nothing unfortunate about it James. If you have the scratch, though, since you’re close by the neighborhood, I think it has good investment potential. Of course I’m biased, but still it has all the elements for gentrification–close to higher-priced area (San Leandro), nice housing stock, convenient to all parts of Bay Area and mass transit to SF and the OAK airport, local shopping (a little sparse on this front, but at least there’s groceries etc), crime subsiding (if we can get rid of the hyphy trains on MacArthur and 100th)…if only the school could improve a bit, but it’s so cheap, private schools are affordable with the money saved from the mortgage.

By: James Robinson

James Robinson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:48:56 +0000

This is good information. Unfortunately, I bought a townhouse in Covington Manor, so I’m kinda married to it for the foreseeable future.

By: David

David — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:47:31 +0000

James,

Dutton Manor is right behind (East) of Durant Square. It’s a nice little ‘hood with older–1920′s to 1930′s, with a few 1940′s houses thrown in closer to Bancroft. I don’t know all the stats on home ownership in the area etc but it seems like a lot of people own and take care of their houses, it’s convenient (SL is just a couple blocks away, E.14th is near, the 106th ave 580 exit is near, as is 98th ave for airport, 880 connections), and it’s relatively affordable–a 1200-1500 sq ft house that’s livable, but could use some updating will probably run $160-$220K, depending on condition. Cheaper than renting if you have the cash for a down payment, although if you want modern appliances & cabinets etc, you’ll have to have the cash for that too. Again, crime isn’t bad as long as you’re off the main drags of Bancroft, etc. Compared to, say, the Fruitvale which costs twice as much and has worse crime in parts, it’s a relative bargain. Or heck, the Laurel, which costs more than twice as much and still has its crime issues…

By: James Robinson

James Robinson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:02:27 +0000

Yeah, I wanted something new, although my first choice was Durant Square right there at the Food Maxx. What’s Dutton Manor like?

By: David

David — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:56:47 +0000

That Safeway is pretty bad. Food Maxx is better in my opinion, especially for generic stuff (the brand name cereal and such is actually cheaper at Safeway)…but I’ll reiterate my point on the produce & meat. Ice cream is cheaper at Safeway too. Safeway for boxed branded stuff, Food Maxx for generic stuff & produce.\

PS. Why’d you go up to 98th and Mac? Just wanted the new house smell? Dutton Manor (behind Food Max, 104th-SL & E. 14 to Bancroft) has some great 1920′s & 30′s houses..

By: James Robinson

James Robinson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:22:45 +0000

Hey David, great recommendation! I live a little closer to the Safeway on Bancroft in San Leandro than the Food Maxx, but I will check it out one day.

By: David

David — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:58:24 +0000

Hey James, what’s wrong with the Food Maxx on the SL border, just swing down to E. 14th and turn left? Not close enough? I think their produce & meat is better & cheaper than Safeway’s.

the area between 98th and San Leandro, from E.14th to 580 is rapidly improving. It’s becoming more diverse (it’s not 100% monochromatic anymore), and crime, as long as you’re off Mac, E. 14th and Bancroft is not bad. heck, I think there’s less crime than Fruitvale.