Oakland

Longfellow, Oakland Neighborhood

JAMMI offers excellent connectivity with rapid transit stations and several bus lines located close to most residences, making travel convenient without the need for a private vehicle. The neighborhood features a well-developed cycling network and nearby bike share stations, supporting diverse transportation preferences. Access to primary and secondary schools, both public and private, is a notable benefit. Local amenities include grocery stores, specialty shops, restaurants, and bars found nearby for dining options. Green spaces are evenly distributed throughout the area, providing pleasant outdoor spots to spend time. Housing primarily consists of charming mid-century single detached homes and duplexes with two to three bedrooms.

JAMMI is a great neighborhood for home buyers who enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. Finding things to do is easy in this part of Oakland. Despite the fact that there is a poor selection of entertainment venues, the streets are very often busy with people, and with its a few bars, it is very easy to find a place to grab a drink as they are generally located very close by. Accessing parks is easy in the neighborhood since there are around 20 of them nearby for residents to discover.

Highlights of Longfellow

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🍝 Mama's Royal Café

A beloved, funky brunch spot on Broadway, Mama's Royal Café has served massive breakfast plates and strong coffee to Longfellow neighbors for decades, making it a mainstay for locals and weekend crowds alike.

🚃 MacArthur BART Station

Located at the southeastern edge of Longfellow, MacArthur BART serves as a vital transit hub, connecting residents to downtown Oakland, San Francisco, and the greater Bay Area—while fostering walkability and growth along 40th Street.

⛪ St. Columba Catholic Church

More than just a place of worship, St. Columba on San Pablo Avenue acts as a center for activism and community events, supporting neighborhood identity and social justice efforts throughout Longfellow.

🍜 Shan Dong Restaurant

A fixture on Broadway, Shan Dong Restaurant is famous for its hand-pulled noodles and northern Chinese cuisine, drawing both locals and food enthusiasts to Longfellow’s eclectic culinary landscape.

🖌️ Longfellow Community Mural

Adorning the side of Marcus Books on Martin Luther King Jr. Way, this vibrant mural celebrates Black history and local culture, serving as a colorful point of pride for Longfellow and a living tribute to the neighborhood’s heritage.

Longfellow

This October in Longfellow

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

October 2, 2026

Friday Nights at OMCA: Shanté, Drag Storytime, and Hands-On Art

Oakland Museum of California • 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

This nearby downtown Oakland evening combines live music, a DJ, gallery conversations, family-friendly drag storytime, and a creative mini-house activity. It is an easy BART or short drive from Longfellow and offers a relaxed way to enjoy Oakland culture after work or school.

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October 3–4, 2026

Oaktoberfest in the Dimond

Dimond District, Fruitvale Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard • October 3: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; October 4: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Oaktoberfest is a free, family-friendly neighborhood festival with German food, craft beverages, live music across multiple stages, vendors, and a children’s play area. Although south of Longfellow, it is a popular Oakland outing worth the short trip for a full weekend of food and entertainment.

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October 3–4 and October 10–11, 2026

Latinx Heritage Celebration

Children’s Fairyland

Families in Longfellow can make a seasonal day trip to Lake Merritt for Fairyland’s Latinx Heritage Celebration, with themed programming in one of Oakland’s most accessible children’s attractions. It is especially appealing for younger children who enjoy imaginative play, performances, and culturally focused family activities.

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October 6, 2026

Black Studies Collective Community Reading and Discussion Series

West Oakland Branch Library • 6:00 PM–7:15 PM

This free discussion series is a strong fit for Longfellow residents interested in Oakland history, Black studies, and community conversation. West Oakland is close by, and the library setting makes it an approachable weekday evening activity for adults, students, and neighbors who enjoy thoughtful local programming.

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October 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026

Old Oakland Farmers’ Market

485 9th Street, Oakland • 8:00 AM–2:00 PM

The weekly Old Oakland Farmers’ Market provides a convenient downtown option for fresh produce, prepared foods, juices, sauces, and local small businesses. Residents can combine market shopping with a walk through Old Oakland and Chinatown, making it a practical and enjoyable Friday outing from Longfellow.

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October 25, 2026

32nd Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration

Oakland Museum of California • 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

This major Oakland cultural celebration offers danza, ceremony, live music, hands-on activities, food, a mercado, and community-created ofrendas. It is a meaningful, multigenerational event near Longfellow, particularly for families and residents who want to experience local traditions while spending time in OMCA’s gardens.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Longfellow

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Longfellow

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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