Waverly, Oakland

Updated · 670 residents

Waverly is a high-density urban enclave in Oakland characterized by its exceptional walkability and immediate proximity to the recreational trails of Lake Merritt. The neighborhood features a vibrant, concrete-dominant landscape with high-rise residential buildings, offering a lively atmosphere for those who prioritize city convenience and outdoor accessibility.

Key Highlights

Limited PrivacyHighly WalkableStandard Urban DensityLimited Pet SpaceDense Urban CoreVibrant Urban EnergyHigh Noise LevelsClean AirLow Industrial PresenceLow Insurance CoverageStrongly LiberalDiverse Age MixHigh Flood Risk
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About Waverly

Waverly functions as a dense urban core, defined by its proximity to the waterfront and a high-energy environment. According to iHuus data, the area offers high walkability, placing residents within easy reach of local dining options such as Agave Uptown and the green spaces of Snow Park. The architectural character is primarily defined by high-rise commercial and residential structures that create a tightly packed, urban aesthetic with limited ground-level soil.

While the neighborhood excels in accessibility and vibrancy, it presents specific trade-offs for potential residents. The high-density environment results in limited personal privacy and a consistent level of road traffic noise. Furthermore, the area faces significant challenges regarding infrastructure safety, including low scores for flood and fire resilience, and the local school district is currently experiencing documented financial and operational instability. This location is best suited for individuals who value a fast-paced, walkable lifestyle over suburban quiet or expansive private space.

Neighborhood Scores Across 15 Qualities

Privacy Index
Score: 2.9 out of 10

Close proximity between structures and narrow alleyways create a dense urban environment with less separation than the Oakland average. Residents in multi-family and commercial zones may experience minimal buffer between buildings according to iHuus data.

Ranked #98 in Oakland →
Walkability
Score: 10 out of 10

Continuous sidewalks and numerous marked crosswalks make navigating the dense street grid easy for pedestrians. This level of walkability is even more pronounced here than in the rest of Oakland, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Oakland →
Visual Appeal
Score: 6 out of 10

The landscape consists of functional multi-unit housing and commercial towers. This mix of boxy architecture and small residential lots is slightly below the Oakland average for visual variety.

Ranked #45 in Oakland →
Dog Friendliness
Score: 4.6 out of 10

Limited public green space and minimal street verges make it challenging for pet owners. This area offers fewer opportunities for outdoor exercise compared to the Oakland average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #84 in Oakland →
Urban-Rural Index
Score: 2 out of 10

High-density buildings and major highways define this landscape, creating a much more built-up environment than the Oakland average. According to iHuus data, the area is characterized by multi-story structures and limited access to natural green space.

Ranked #129 in Oakland →
Neighborhood Vibe
Score: 8.1 out of 10

Dense clusters of dining and retail options create a highly active atmosphere that is significantly more lively than the Oakland average. This high-energy environment is characterized by a diverse range of restaurants and mid-rise urban density near major transit corridors.

Ranked #5 in Oakland →
Acoustic Comfort
Score: 1.6 out of 10

Frequent sounds from nearby railroad tracks and major freeway traffic characterize this area. According to iHuus data, acoustic comfort is significantly lower than the Oakland average.

Ranked #113 in Oakland →
Air Quality
Score: 8.7 out of 10

Air quality remains consistently high with infrequent periods of poor circulation. According to iHuus data, these levels are notably better than the Oakland average.

Ranked #36 in Oakland →
Industrial Proximity
Score: 7.8 out of 10

Residential and commercial uses dominate the area with no heavy industrial plants or large warehouses visible. While the neighborhood is mostly free of industry, a nearby EPA Superfund site is noted in iHuus data.

Ranked #91 in Oakland →
Health Insurance Coverage
Score: 3.3 out of 10

Health insurance access is significantly lower in Waverly compared to the Oakland average. Residents may face greater challenges accessing covered medical services according to iHuus data.

Ranked #128 in Oakland →
Ideological Lean
Score: 10 out of 10

Voting patterns and census indicators show a very strong liberal leaning, which is slightly more pronounced than the Oakland city average according to iHuus data.

Ranked #1 in Oakland →
Population Age Profile
Score: 5.2 out of 10

Residents live alongside a balanced spread of young professionals, families, and older adults. This demographic variety is slightly more diverse than the Oakland city average, according to iHuus data.

Ranked #34 in Oakland →
Flood Safety
Score: 0.1 out of 10

Flood risk in this area is significantly higher than the Oakland average, according to iHuus data. Residents should be aware of increased vulnerability to heavy rainfall and drainage issues.

Ranked #107 in Oakland →

Address-Level Insights for Waverly

iHuus Neighborhood Intelligence Insights

Get address-level neighborhood insights for Waverly

  • Street-level scores — see how individual blocks compare, not just neighborhood averages
  • Micro-zone boundaries — identify quiet pockets, flood boundaries, and walkable clusters before you visit
  • 15 dimensions in full — walkability, noise, air quality, school quality, insurance coverage, population age profile, urban/rural index, and more
  • Boundary risk alerts — know if your address sits near a block boundary where scores drop, the kind of detail no listing will ever mention
  • School insights — individual school ratings and insights, not just district-level data
  • Compare before you commit — side-by-side data across neighborhoods, down to block precision

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Compare with Any Neighborhood

Compare with
DimensionWaverlyAcorn
🚶
Walkabilityavg 8.99
Score: 10 out of 10
Score: 7.7 out of 10
🔊
Acoustic Comfortavg 3.24
Score: 1.6 out of 10
Score: 2.1 out of 10
🤫
Privacy Indexavg 3.74
Score: 2.9 out of 10
Score: 2.9 out of 10
🎨
Visual Appealavg 6.28
Score: 6 out of 10
Score: 5.6 out of 10
🐕
Dog Friendlinessavg 5.74
Score: 4.6 out of 10
Score: 5.3 out of 10
🗺️
Urban-Rural Indexavg 6.02
Score: 2 out of 10
Score: 6.5 out of 10
Neighborhood Vibeavg 5.22
Score: 8.1 out of 10
Score: 2.9 out of 10
🏥
Health Insurance Coverageavg 7.4
Score: 3.3 out of 10
Score: 6.8 out of 10
🌿
Air Qualityavg 8.06
Score: 8.7 out of 10
Score: 8.8 out of 10
🏭
Industrial Proximityavg 8.37
Score: 7.8 out of 10
Score: 1.1 out of 10
🌊
Flood Safetyavg 2.61
Score: 0.1 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: 5.2 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 Waverly

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

School Insights for Waverly

School Insights

See what's really behind every school rating near Waverly

  • Individual school ratings — each school's own score with outcome context, not just a district average
  • Enrollment & class size data — student-to-teacher ratio and how it compares to the state average
  • Full demographics breakdown — ethnicity and gender composition for every school in the enrollment zone
  • Every school in the district — all schools within the enrollment boundary ranked by rating, not just the closest one
  • Grade levels & benchmarks — elementary through high school, with below/above state-average flags

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Waverly a walkable neighborhood?
Yes, Waverly is exceptionally walkable. The dense grid layout provides wide sidewalks and direct access to lakeside recreational trails, making it easy for residents to navigate the area on foot.
What is the noise level like in Waverly?
The neighborhood experiences a moderate level of ambient noise, primarily driven by road traffic. With an average of 59 decibels, it reflects the typical acoustic environment of a high-density urban core.
How does the local school district perform?
The neighborhood is served by the Oakland Unified School District, which currently faces significant challenges. The district is managing a large budget deficit and ongoing labor disputes, which have impacted its overall stability and academic performance ratings.