Is oakland safe ?
Straight up, people ask me this all the time. I’m born and raised in East Oakland and have traveled the world and this is what I tell them; Oakland has similar issues with crime as most major American cities and big cities worldwide. When I’m traveling internationally I use an awareness or to assess my surroundings and act accordingly. I am very protective of my self, my belongings, and the people I’m traveling with. People traveling to Oakland should use this awareness as well.
Photo credit DeAnna Taylor
Oakland is fun! It has a vibrant culture with really awesome and kind people. It carries a spirit of acceptance and having a good time. There are many creative and inspiring things to experience and the weather can feel like spring and summer most of the year. These are some of the reasons why people love it here. My beloved city has also suffers from poverty and terrible social conditions and with that comes crime in just about any neighborhood at any time of the day or night. So where ever you are, at all times use what’s called “street smarts”. Below is what google has to say. It’s interesting reading this and thinking of my behavior in the many cities I have visited world wide: New York, Stockholm, Montreal, Nashville, Germany, Jamaica, Madrid, Athens, Los Angeles, Paris, Houston, Amsterdam, Detroit, Atlanta, Martinique, Chicago, London, yeah, in all of these places I have had a great time but have always used street smarts.
Signs You Have Street Smarts
You Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings. ...
You Have A Self-Assured Walk. ...
You Know How To Blend In. ...
You Don't Get Easily Intimidated. ...
You Aren't Afraid To Tell People To Back Off. ...
You Don't Show Signs Of Weakness. ...
You Know How To Minimize Your Risk. ...
You Don't Confront People Unnecessarily.
I really like the West Oakland neighborhood where B-Love’s Guest House is located. As a child, I’ve visited here with my dad to see my great uncle. Now as a property owner of 16 years I appreciate the neighbors who are a mix of long time residents and newcomers all who coexist mostly drama free. I feel safe here. This feeling of safety and joy I experience in Oakland does not stop me from being protective. I never leave anything visible in my car anywhere in this city. I don’t walk alone at night. In the 15 years of B-Love’s there has only been 2 incidents where my guest has needed the assistance of local authorities. But, for the most part my guest have been able to have a great stay in Oakland without incident.
I hope you have a wonderful time in Oakland. I love it here. It’s my hometown and one of my favorite places in the whole wide world.
Traci “B-Love” Bartlow