Where Elevation, Architecture, and East Bay Sophistication Converge
Rising above Oakland’s urban core, the 94611 ZIP code unfolds as one of the East Bay’s most distinctive residential enclaves. Encompassing portions of the Oakland Hills, Montclair Village, Upper Piedmont Avenue, and hillside neighborhoods bordering Rockridge and Piedmont, 94611 is defined by elevation, greenery, and architectural depth. It is a place where design and landscape are inseparable—and where daily life feels both grounded and elevated.
As the streets climb from the city floor into the hills, the environment transforms. Gridded blocks give way to winding roads shaped by topography. Towering trees create dense canopies. Homes are set back on terraced lots, framed by filtered Bay views, canyon vistas, or forested privacy. The effect is immediate: a sense of calm and retreat, just minutes from Downtown Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco.
For decades, 94611 real estate has drawn buyers who value natural surroundings, architecturally significant homes, and walkable neighborhood centers—all within one of Oakland’s most prestigious ZIP codes.
A Village Feel with Urban Intelligence
Despite its hillside geography, 94611 remains deeply connected to everyday neighborhood life. Residents often describe the area as intimate and village-like, anchored by long-standing commercial corridors and a strong sense of local identity.
Montclair Village serves as the heart of the community—an active, human-scale district filled with cafés, bakeries, bookstores, wine shops, and locally owned restaurants. Nearby, portions of the Piedmont Avenue corridor provide additional walkability, dining, and cultural energy. Neighborhood associations are active and engaged, reinforcing a culture of stewardship and connection.
Life here encourages movement and presence. Walking, hiking, and outdoor living are woven into daily routines, supported by quiet streets and immediate access to nature. The community itself reflects a thoughtful mix of longtime residents, professionals, creatives, and families—many of whom remain for decades, drawn by the quality of life and enduring character of the neighborhood.
Schools & Education: A Major Draw for Families
One of the strongest value drivers for homes in 94611 is access to highly regarded public and private schools. The area consistently appeals to education-focused households seeking long-term stability.
Public schools serving the neighborhood include:
Hillcrest Elementary School, known for academic rigor and strong parent involvement
Piedmont Avenue Elementary, valued for enrichment programs and community engagement
Claremont Middle School, a sought-after campus with robust academic and arts offerings
Oakland Technical High School, one of Oakland’s top comprehensive high schools, offering honors pathways, STEM programs, and respected arts education
In addition, families benefit from proximity to well-regarded private and parochial schools throughout Oakland, Piedmont, and Berkeley, expanding educational choice without long commutes.
Architecture & Homes in 94611
Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, and Classic Oakland Design
Architecturally, 94611 is among the most compelling ZIP codes in the East Bay. Its housing stock reflects both early Oakland development and post-war hillside expansion, resulting in a layered and design-rich residential landscape.
Common architectural styles include:
Mid-century modern hillside homes with post-and-beam construction and expansive glass
Contemporary and custom-designed residences oriented toward light, views, and indoor-outdoor flow
Classic Craftsman and traditional homes in lower elevations
Split-level and terraced designs adapted to sloping terrain
Architect-designed properties that integrate structure with landscape
Many homes feature decks, balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame trees, canyons, and distant Bay vistas—an architectural response to both setting and lifestyle.
Privacy, Views & Design Integrity
What truly distinguishes Oakland Hills homes in 94611 is a sense of privacy rarely found so close to an urban core. Homes are not built wall-to-wall; mature landscaping creates visual buffers, and elevation naturally limits through traffic.
Buyers are often drawn to:
Elevated lots with filtered or panoramic views
Quiet, winding streets
Architecturally cohesive homes integrated into the landscape
Opportunities for thoughtful modernization that respects original design intent
Renovations in 94611 tend to be design-driven rather than speculative, prioritizing light, flow, sustainability, and long-term livability.
Nature at Your Doorstep
Living in 94611 means immediate access to some of the East Bay’s most celebrated outdoor spaces. Residents enjoy proximity to:
Joaquin Miller Park, with miles of wooded hiking trails
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, known for towering redwoods and shaded paths
Skyline Boulevard, offering scenic drives and trailheads
Neighborhood stair paths and informal walking routes woven into the hills
This direct connection to nature is a defining lifestyle feature, allowing residents to step outside and hike, run, or reset—without leaving their neighborhood.
94611 Real Estate Market Overview
Market Characteristics
The 94611 housing market consistently ranks among Oakland’s strongest, supported by limited inventory, architectural desirability, and location. As of 2025:
Median home prices remain among the highest in Oakland
View properties, architect-designed homes, and proximity to Montclair Village command significant premiums
Well-executed renovations sell quickly and often attract multiple offers
Inventory remains tight due to long-term ownership and low turnover
The market reflects a balance of luxury buyers and long-term investors seeking quality, scarcity, and appreciation.
Long-Term Value Drivers
Enduring demand for 94611 homes for sale is supported by:
Scarcity of buildable land in the hills
Strong public and private school access
Proximity to Berkeley, Piedmont, and San Francisco
Architectural significance and design quality
A lifestyle that blends nature, culture, and convenience
Together, these factors position 94611 as a blue-chip Oakland ZIP code.
Why Buyers Choose 94611
Lifestyle Highlights
Forested surroundings and cooler hillside climate
Architecturally distinctive homes with privacy and character
Walkable village amenities paired with hillside serenity
Immediate access to parks, trails, and open space
Strong neighborhood pride and stability
Exceptional Connectivity
Despite its retreat-like feel, 94611 offers efficient access to:
Highway 13, Highway 24, and I-580
Downtown Oakland and Berkeley within minutes
BART stations in Rockridge and Downtown Oakland
San Francisco via multiple transbay routes
It is this rare balance—seclusion without isolation—that defines the appeal of the Oakland Hills.
Living Well in 94611: Amenities & Local Favorites
Daily life in 94611 is supported by a rich mix of local amenities, including:
Montclair Village shops, cafés, and weekly farmers market
Piedmont Avenue dining, theaters, and boutiques
The nearby Rockridge retail and restaurant scene
Cultural institutions, libraries, and community centers
Easy access to the broader East Bay arts and food culture
Residents can live locally and intentionally, while still enjoying the full range of Bay Area offerings.
The Boyenga Team — Mid-Century Modern Experts & Oakland Property Nerds
When it comes to buying or selling architecturally significant homes in the Oakland Hills and the 94611 ZIP code, experience with design truly matters. Eric and Janelle Boyenga, founders of the Boyenga Team at Compass, are widely regarded as mid-century modern specialists and unapologetic property nerds—the kind who obsess over architecture, floor plans, sightlines, renovation decisions, and long-term value.
With over $2.5 billion in career sales volume and more than 2,200 homes sold, the Boyenga Team brings a rare combination of scale and specialization. Their expertise extends far beyond pricing and marketing; it includes a deep understanding of how mid-mod design, hillside construction, orientation, views, and materials influence both livability and resale value—especially in nuanced markets like 94611.
They are known for an exceptional command of mid-century modern and architect-designed homes, detailed knowledge of Oakland Hills micro-markets, street by street, and sharp insight into which renovations enhance value—and which quietly erode it. Additionally, they maintain access to Compass Private Exclusives and off-market opportunities and data-driven strategies paired with genuine enthusiasm for great design
Clients often describe the Boyenga Team as trusted advisors who can explain why a house works—not just how much it costs. From original post-and-beam construction to thoughtful modern updates, they understand how architecture and lifestyle intersect in the Oakland Hills.
For buyers and sellers who care about design, context, and long-term value, the Boyenga Team offers something increasingly rare: deep expertise, intellectual honesty, and a genuine love of well-built homes.
Explore Homes in Oakland’s 94611 ZIP Code
If you’re considering buying or selling in Oakland’s 94611, informed representation matters.
Connect with Eric & Janelle Boyenga for:
Early access to Montclair and Oakland Hills listings
Insight into view properties and architecturally significant homes
Personalized neighborhood tours
Confident, strategic guidance throughout the transaction
Stay informed: Sign up for 94611 Home Alerts to receive updates on new listings, market trends, price changes, and neighborhood insights.