Oakland CA Moving Companies

Oakland, California

Located in beautiful Northern California, the city of Oakland offers a charming mix of attractive hillside neighborhoods, diverse architecture, unparalleled bay views and more parks and open space per capita than any other city in the Bay Area. Oakland’s diverse population, hip arts scene, moderate climate, bustling nightlife and varied job market make the city an ideal destination for anyone considering relocating to Oakland.

History:
Settlement and development occurred in the city following California being conquered by the U.S. during the Mexican-American War. The California state legislature incorporated the town of Oakland on in 1852. The town quickly grew with the railroads, becoming a main rail station in the late 1860s and 1870s. Oakland's rise to industrial prominence and need for a seaport led to the digging of a shipping and tidal channel in 1902. In 1906, the city’s population doubled with refugees made homeless after the San Francisco earthquake fleeing to Oakland. By 1920, Oakland was the home of several manufacturing industries, including metals, canneries, bakeries and shipbuilding. Oakland grew significantly during the 1920s. And during World War II, the East Bay Area was home to numerous war-related industries. The war attracted large numbers of laborers from around the country, many of whom were African Americans from the western South, who enjoyed great prosperity during the war years. Soon after the war, the shipbuilding and automobile industries disappeared, as did the jobs that came with it. Many who came to the city did not leave, while many of the city's wealthy residents left the city to move into newly developing suburbs. Nonetheless, by the late 1960s, Oakland, which had been quite prosperous before the war, found itself with a population that was increasingly poor. Today, Oakland is a bustling city proud of its diverse population, rich culture and stable economy.

Economy:
Located in Alameda County, the city's leading industries include business and health care services, transportation, food processing, government, arts, culture and entertainment. The Port of Oakland is one of the busiest ports in the world for container ships, and it provides nearly 200,000 jobs related to the movement of cargo through Oakland marine terminals. Oakland's principal imports include auto parts, computer equipment, wearing apparel, items made of plastic, processed fruits and vegetables and lumber products. Approximately 13 percent of Oakland's workforce is employed in the wholesale and retail trade. The city has hundreds of manufacturing plants employing nearly nine percent of the city's workers. In the mid-2000s, Oakland benefited from a sturdy and diverse business environment. Among its major corporations were Kaiser Permanente, Clorox, Cost Plus, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream and APL Limited. According to the Landauer Realty Group, out of the 60 largest office markets in the U.S., Oakland was expected to have the strongest market in coming years.

Tourism:
Head over to the Oakland Museum of California, which brings together collections of art, history and natural science under one roof. Next, experience the natural beauty of Oakland’s waterfront jewel, Jack London Square, where you will enjoy inventive dining opportunities open lawns, picturesque piers and sunny walking paths. For the sports fan, the city of Oakland is home to a NBA basketball team, a NFL football team and a major league baseball team. When there are no home games in the city, head over to the Oakland Zoo. A non-profit organization, managed by the East Bay Zoological Society, the Oakland Zoo offers a collection of exhibits and attractions to keep the family entertained throughout the day.

Colleges/Universities:

• Laney College
• Merritt College
• California College of Arts and Crafts
• Mills College
• Samuel Merritt College
• Holy Names College
• Sierra Academy of Aeronautics Technical Institute

Interesting Facts:

• Lake Merritt was the first official wildlife refuge in the United States.
• Oakland makes more sourdough bread than any other city in the world.
• Author Jack London, who wrote "The Call of the Wild," once ran for mayor of Oakland on the Socialist ticket.