Montclair

Oakland, CA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$1,464,650 (May 2025)
Median Home Price
Montclair Village core: 75–80 (Very walkable); hillside areas: 20–40 (car-dependent).
Walkability Score
Montclair and Thornhill Elementary are highly rated (GreatSchools 8–9/10); Montera Middle is above average.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Montclair is located in the Oakland Hills, generally bounded by Highway 13 to the west, Shepherd Canyon Road to the north, Skyline Blvd to the east, and Joaquin Miller Park to the south. The core commercial area is Montclair Village.

Zip Codes

94611

Market Data Summary

Price RangeMost homes range from $1.1M to $2.5M, with some luxury properties exceeding $3M.
Price per Sq Ft$467 (June 2025)
Inventory LevelsLow inventory with homes selling quickly; median days on market is typically under 30 days.[3]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesLuxury estates

Architectural Styles

Mid-century modernContemporaryTraditionalCraftsmanMediterranean

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes6,000 to 20,000+ sq ft, with larger lots in hillside areas.
Home Age Range1920s–1970s (many updated); some newer custom builds.
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many homes featuring custom details, quality materials, and extensive renovations.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Predominantly professional, affluent, and highly educated residents. Many families with children, as well as established professionals and retirees.

Community Vibe

Suburban, tranquil, and leafy with a strong sense of neighborhood pride. Montclair Village serves as a vibrant community hub.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Artists

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly, with excellent schools, parks, and a safe, community-oriented atmosphere.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Montclair Park
  • Joaquin Miller Park
  • Shepherd Canyon Park
  • Redwood Regional Park

Dining Options

  • Italian, Thai, Japanese, and American restaurants
  • Cafés and bakeries

Shopping Centers

  • Montclair Village
  • Nearby Rockridge and Piedmont Avenue districts

Local Businesses

  • Montclair Village shops
  • Independent boutiques
  • Grocery stores (Safeway, Lucky)
  • Fitness studios

Education & Schools

Montclair and Thornhill Elementary are highly rated (GreatSchools 8–9/10); Montera Middle is above average.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Montclair Elementary
  • Thornhill Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Montera Middle School

High Schools

  • Oakland Technical High School (serves area)

Private Schools

  • St. John's Episcopal School
  • Head-Royce School (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • AC Transit bus lines to Rockridge BART and downtown Oakland

Major Roads

  • Highway 13
  • Highway 24
  • Skyline Blvd

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15–25 minutes to downtown Oakland; 30–45 minutes to San Francisco (via car or BART).
WalkabilityHigh in Montclair Village, low in hillside residential areas.
ParkingGenerally good; most homes have garages or driveways, but street parking can be limited near the Village.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Affluent families
  • Bay Area professionals
  • Move-up buyers
  • Relocators from SF

Key Selling Points

  • Excellent schools
  • Safe, quiet environment
  • Access to nature and parks
  • Vibrant Village center

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively based on recent sales and condition; staged, updated homes command premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High home prices and property taxes

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term value, school quality, and neighborhood safety.

Objection: Wildfire risk in hills

Response Strategy:

Discuss local fire mitigation efforts, insurance options, and recent safety upgrades.

Objection: Limited walkability in some areas

Response Strategy:

Highlight proximity to Village amenities and availability of transit options.

Objection: Older home stock

Response Strategy:

Showcase recent renovations and high construction quality.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate to high long-term, though recent data shows a slight dip after years of strong growth.[4]

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for families and professionals seeking top schools and amenities.

Buyer Competition

High; multiple offers are common for well-priced homes.

Best For

  • Families
  • Move-up buyers
  • Long-term investors

Potential Concerns

  • Wildfire risk
  • High entry price
  • Limited walkability in hills

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage school ratings and family amenities in marketing materials.

2

Stage homes to highlight outdoor living and flexible spaces.

3

Educate buyers on wildfire safety and insurance options.

4

Network with relocation specialists and Bay Area tech employers.

5

Price homes based on most recent comparable sales and condition, not just list price history.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Rockridge
  • Piedmont
  • Upper Dimond

Market Positioning

Premium, family-oriented neighborhood with strong community and outdoor lifestyle.

Competitive Advantages

  • Top schools
  • Natural beauty and parks
  • Village lifestyle with local shops

Price Comparison

Montclair is more affordable than Piedmont but pricier than Upper Dimond; similar to Rockridge but with larger lots and more nature access.

Investment Metrics

2.5%–3.5% (typical for East Bay premium neighborhoods)
Cap Rates
3%–4% gross annual yield
Rental Yields
High (indicates better for owner-occupants than pure investors)
Price-to-Rent
Generally negative for leveraged investors; positive for cash buyers or long-term holders.
Cash Flow
Stable to moderate growth over next 3–5 years, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high prices; best suited for buyers with significant down payments or family assistance.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for those seeking more space, top schools, and a community feel.

Downsizers

Attractive for those seeking tranquility and amenities, but limited smaller home inventory.

Investors

Best for long-term appreciation and stable rental demand, not short-term cash flow.

Relocators

Popular with San Francisco buyers seeking more space, nature, and family-friendly environment.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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