Real Estate in Oakland: Lake Merritt and surroundings

Adams Point - view from Lake Merritt
Kathie berg: Oakland Real Estate

Why Live around Lake Merritt

- walk to the lake!
- ready access to parks, recreation and outdoor activities
- a mix of architecturally distinctive homes and apartments
- ready access to downtown Oakland
- access to Bart; easy highway and commuter bus access

About Lake Merritt, Adams Point and Haddon Hill

Lake Merritt was originally part of San Francisco Bay; in 1869 a dam was built at the 12th Street bridge to create the current lake. The land and the money for this ambitious project was donated by Oakland mayor Dr. Samual Merritt; initially, the lake was called "Merritt's Lake"; over time the name changed to Lake Merritt.

The area was always an attraction for migratory birds; in 1869 the body of water was declared a National Wildlife Refuge. Bird islands were created in the first half of the 20th century; organized feeding of birds was initiated and fresh water ponds created on the islands for the birds.

Today, Lake Merritt is a favorite destination for East Bay residents who want to enjoy the outdoors and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Rowing and boating are favorite pastimes and a 3.5 mile joggin path around the lake is used extensively. At night, the lake is illuminated by over 3000 light-bulbs placed on over a 100 lampposts.

Residential housing around the lake dates mostly from the teens to 30's: most of the land was developed as part of the Lakeshore Heights development that spanned from the lake to the Piedmont border (and now includes the Trestle Glen and Crocker Highlands neighborhoods). The neighborhood towards the northern shore of the Lake is known as Adams Point. It contains numerous old houses and newer apartment buildings. It is also the home of Children's Fairyland. The area along the eastern part of the lake is known as Haddon Hill. Downtown Oakland lies towards the western part of the lake.