Lincoln Highlands, Oakland

Updated · 1,851 residents

Lincoln Highlands is an affluent residential enclave in the Oakland Hills known for its architectural diversity and proximity to major landmarks like the Oakland California Temple. The area offers a quiet, suburban atmosphere with excellent air quality and abundant greenery, though residents should expect moderate noise levels from local road traffic.

Key Highlights

Moderate PrivacyHighly WalkableUpscale AestheticGreat for Dog WalkingSuburban CharacterModerately ActiveFrequent Traffic NoiseExcellent Air QualityPurely ResidentialHigh Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalDiverse Age RangeModerate Flood Risk
Map showing the location of Lincoln Highlands, Oakland, CA

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About Lincoln Highlands

Situated on a gentle hillside in the Oakland Hills, Lincoln Highlands evolved from agricultural land into a residential enclave starting in the 1920s. During that decade, the area hosted a pheasant hunting resort on Potomac Street for weekend travelers. Most of the neighborhood's diverse housing stock was constructed between 1923 and the 1980s, featuring an eclectic mix of Craftsman, Tudor, mid-century modern, and split-level ranch homes, including several pre-fabricated "Ward-Way" homes built in 1940. Lincoln Highlands is defined by its prominent local landmarks along Lincoln Avenue, most notably the towering Oakland California Temple and the Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which hosts the annual Oakland Greek Festival. The neighborhood is also bordered by Peralta Creek Park.

The neighborhood is defined by its hilly terrain and well-maintained properties, which contribute to a high visual appeal. It maintains a dense suburban feel with significant tree canopy and private outdoor spaces, providing a peaceful environment for its residents. While the area lacks a high density of commercial businesses, it benefits from a strong institutional presence and well-kept streets that support a comfortable, if quiet, lifestyle. According to iHuus data, the neighborhood provides a stable, high-income environment that effectively balances privacy with a strong sense of community.

Prospective residents should weigh the benefits of high air quality and strong community health insurance coverage against certain environmental risks. Specifically, the area faces significant fire safety challenges, which is a common concern in the Oakland Hills. Additionally, while the local school district faces systemic financial instability, the area remains a desirable choice for those prioritizing a serene, residential setting with convenient access to the broader East Bay region.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 4.3 out of 10

Residential spacing varies between densely clustered homes and detached houses with private yards and foliage. This level of separation is slightly higher than the Oakland average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #37 in Oakland →
Walkability
Score: 8.8 out of 10

Pedestrian movement is supported by an established sidewalk network and low-traffic residential streets. This level of connectivity and safety is nearly identical to the average found throughout Oakland.

Ranked #81 in Oakland →
Visual Appeal
Score: 7.2 out of 10

Large homes with well-manicured grounds and private pools characterize much of the area. This level of visual appeal and architectural complexity is notably higher than the Oakland average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #24 in Oakland →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 6.5 out of 10

Abundant greenery and nearby wooded slopes provide ample space for pet exercise. According to iHuus data, these connected natural areas make the neighborhood more dog friendly than much of Oakland.

Ranked #43 in Oakland →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 5.7 out of 10

Residential streets feature a balance of single-family homes and significant mature tree canopy. This area presents a slightly more suburban landscape compared to the Oakland average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #101 in Oakland →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 6.2 out of 10

Social and local hubs provide a noticeable level of activity that is higher than the Oakland average. While some blocks remain calm and suburban, other areas near major transit corridors feature more constant movement and accessible dining options.

Ranked #31 in Oakland →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 3.5 out of 10

Persistent sounds from nearby railroad tracks and heavy freeway traffic characterize the area. According to iHuus data, acoustic levels are slightly higher than the Oakland average.

Ranked #51 in Oakland →
Air Quality
Score: 9.8 out of 10

Air quality in this area is consistently high and presents little to no health concern. According to iHuus data, the air quality here is significantly cleaner than the Oakland average.

Ranked #16 in Oakland →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 10 out of 10

Industrial presence is non-existent here, as the area consists entirely of residential and recreational spaces without any detectable warehouses or heavy industrial hazards. According to iHuus data, this lack of industrial proximity is notably higher than the Oakland average.

Ranked #1 in Oakland →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 8.4 out of 10

Health insurance access is more prevalent in this area than the Oakland average, according to iHuus data. Most residents have access to medical coverage through employer-sponsored or private plans.

Ranked #42 in Oakland →
Ideological Lean
Score: 10 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators show a predominantly liberal community, which is slightly more pronounced than the average seen across Oakland. According to iHuus data, political leanings in this area align closely with the broader citywide trend.

Ranked #29 in Oakland →
Population Age Profile
Score: 5.4 out of 10

Residents live alongside a balanced mix of young adults, families, and older individuals. This demographic distribution is slightly more varied than the Oakland average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #23 in Oakland →
Flood Safety
Score: 4.5 out of 10

Flood risk in this area is notably higher than the Oakland average, though specific details remain uncertain because FEMA has not yet completed a detailed study for this location.

Ranked #29 in Oakland →

Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionLincoln HighlandsAcorn
🚶
Walkabilityavg 8.99
Score: 8.8 out of 10
Score: 7.7 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 3.24
Score: 3.5 out of 10
Score: 2.1 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 3.74
Score: 4.3 out of 10
Score: 2.9 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 6.28
Score: 7.2 out of 10
Score: 5.6 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 5.74
Score: 6.5 out of 10
Score: 5.3 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.02
Score: 5.7 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
✨
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.22
Score: 6.2 out of 10
Score: 2.9 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 7.4
Score: 8.4 out of 10
Score: 6.8 out of 10
🌿
Air Qualityavg 8.06
Score: 9.8 out of 10
Score: 8.8 out of 10
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 8.37
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 1.1 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 2.61
Score: 4.5 out of 10
Score: not available
🗳️
Ideological Leanavg 9.95
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 10 out of 10
👥
Population Age Profileavg 4.92
Score: 5.4 out of 10
Score: 4.5 out of 10
🔥
Fire Safetyavg 0.17
Score: not available
Score: not available
🏫
School Quality
Score: not available
Score: not available

School Districts Serving Lincoln Highlands

Oakland Unified School District
Grades K–1281 schoolsRatings 1–10/10
3/10
Chabot ElementaryElementary
10/10
Lincoln ElementaryElementary
10/10
Young Adult ProgramHigh
10/10
Redwood Heights ElementaryElementary
9/10
Claremont MiddleMiddle
9/10
Crocker Highlands ElementaryElementary
9/10
HillcrestElementary
9/10
Peralta ElementaryElementary
9/10
Glenview ElementaryElementary
8/10
Thornhill ElementaryElementary
8/10
Edna Brewer MiddleMiddle
8/10
Franklin ElementaryElementary
7/10
Montclair ElementaryElementary
7/10
International Community ElementaryElementary
7/10
Burckhalter ElementaryElementary
7/10
Melrose Leadership AcademyElementary
7/10
Joaquin Miller ElementaryElementary
6/10
Piedmont Avenue ElementaryElementary
6/10
Madison Park Academy ElementaryElementary
6/10
Carl B. Munck ElementaryElementary
6/10
Independent Study Sojourner TruthOther
6/10
Life AcademyHigh
6/10
Emerson ElementaryElementary
5/10
Cleveland ElementaryElementary
5/10
Hoover ElementaryElementary
5/10
Global Family ElementaryElementary
5/10
Sequoia ElementaryElementary
5/10
Montera MiddleMiddle
5/10
Oakland HighHigh
5/10
Oakland Technical HighHigh
4/10
Skyline HighHigh
4/10
Highland CommunityElementary
4/10
Bella Vista ElementaryElementary
3/10
Manzanita Seed ElementaryElementary
3/10
Coliseum College Prep AcademyHigh
3/10
Elmhurst United MiddleMiddle
3/10
Oakland International HighHigh
3/10
Think College Now ElementaryElementary
3/10
West Oakland MiddleMiddle
3/10
Gateway To College High At Laney CollegeHigh
3/10
Laurel ElementaryElementary
2/10
Fruitvale ElementaryElementary
2/10
Fremont HighHigh
2/10
Acorn Woodland ElementaryElementary
2/10
Bret Harte MiddleMiddle
2/10
Garfield ElementaryElementary
2/10
Reach Academy ElementaryElementary
2/10
Encompass Academy ElementaryElementary
2/10
Mcclymonds HighHigh
2/10
GreenleafElementary
2/10
La EscuelitaElementary
1/10
Manzanita Community ElementaryElementary
1/10
Brookfield ElementaryElementary
1/10
Oakland Academy Of Knowledge ElementaryElementary
1/10
Horace Mann ElementaryElementary
1/10
United For Success Academy MiddleMiddle
1/10
Markham ElementaryElementary
1/10
Rudsdale Continuation HighHigh
1/10
Street Academy Alternative HighHigh
1/10
Madison Park Academy 6-12High
1/10
Allendale ElementaryElementary
1/10
Dewey Academy HighHigh
1/10
Frick United Academy Of Language MiddleMiddle
1/10
Grass Valley ElementaryElementary
1/10
Sankofa United ElementaryElementary
1/10
Lockwood Steam Academy ElementaryElementary
1/10
East Oakland Pride ElementaryElementary
1/10
Castlemont HighHigh
1/10
Roosevelt MiddleMiddle
1/10
Esperanza ElementaryElementary
1/10
Westlake MiddleMiddle
1/10
Urban Promise Academy MiddleMiddle
1/10
Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy ElementaryElementary
1/10
Ralph J. Bunche Continuation HighHigh
1/10
Martin Luther King Jr. ElementaryElementary
1/10
Bridges @ Melrose Academy ElementaryElementary
1/10
Prescott ElementaryElementary
1/10
Infant And Preschool ProgramElementary
Not rated
Burbank Preschool Center
Not rated
Kaiser Early Childhood CenterElementary
Not rated
Home And Hospital ProgramOther
Not rated

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lincoln Highlands a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, it features an established sidewalk network and low-traffic streets, resulting in a high walkability score. While most daily errands require a vehicle due to the limited number of local businesses, the residential streets are safe for walking and exercise.
What are the primary environmental risks in Lincoln Highlands?
The neighborhood is located in a high-risk zone for wildfires, which is a critical consideration for homeowners in the Oakland Hills. While air quality and flood safety scores are generally positive, residents should maintain awareness of fire safety protocols.
How is the school situation in this area?
The neighborhood falls under the Oakland Unified School District, which currently faces significant financial and administrative challenges. While some schools in the district are high-achieving, the overall system is experiencing instability, and prospective families should research specific school performance before moving.

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