Oakland is all about indoor-outdoor living. Find the place that’s perfect for you.
Known for its natural beauty, stellar weather and eclectic population, Oakland is one of those cities that’s high up on a lot of people’s dream lists. As the eighth most populous city in California, there’s certainly no shortage of apartment complexes within the city limits. That said, if a communal rooftop is at the top of your list of must-haves, you may have a more difficult time finding your perfect place.
The apartments listed below have been hand-selected because they represent the best of the best when it comes to apartment rooftops in Oakland. Whether you want a pool with a view, a cool place to sip on your morning cup of coffee under the sun or just a good spot to breathe in some fresh air after a long day, these places have what you’re looking for. Pick your favorite and fill out an application today.
Source: Rent. / Forma
Forma is a 223-unit apartment community in Uptown that was designed to help residents enjoy indoor-outdoor living at its finest. There’s no better example of this than the well-equipped indoor lounge and outdoor terrace. While not on the roof, these upscale communal hangouts are elevated well up off the street level making it a calming place to be, even while the sounds and stresses of rush hour rage below.
The outdoor terrace boasts a large circular fire pit, multiple gas grills under Edison lights and a covered eating area that’s perfect for entertaining. Head inside and you’ll find stunning views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, a top-quality demonstration kitchen with an eight-person dining table and multiple flatscreen TVs, this private perch provides more opportunity for fun than the average night out on the town.
Source: Rent. / Vespr
The rooftop terrace at Vespr is beautifully designed, intelligently laid out and surrounded by some of the most stunning views in all of Oakland. Whether you’re enjoying a morning cup of coffee under the sun and far above the city street or capping off your week with a glass of wine by the fire, this is the place to be if you’re looking for fresh air and fantastic scenery.
Located in the highly coveted Broadway Valdez District, the communal rooftop at this 437-unit community is equipped with plenty of tables, comfortable seating and even a bar area that’s perfect for charcuterie boards, cold beers and anything in between. Suffice it to say, stress has no way of finding you up here.
Source: Rent. / Avalon Public Market
The large rooftop deck at Avalon Public Market makes the most of its massive footprint by providing residents with a number of different pockets throughout the space that are perfect for socializing with friends and neighbors or reflecting on life on your own. Capable of comfortably accommodating a crowd on a beautiful day, this is simply a cool and comfortable place to enjoy a sunny day in California.
Just inside from the rooftop terrace, residents are able to enjoy the indoor lounge. This well-equipped elevated Emeryville hangout boasts a professional-grade demonstration kitchen and an accordion window wall that makes the type of indoor-outdoor living California is famous for possible in an apartment.
Source: Rent. / Lydian
Boasting what is undoubtedly one of the best rooftops in Downtown Oakland, apartment complex or not, the expansive communal rooftop at Lydian is an outdoor lover’s dream. With a massive patch of artificial turf underfoot, cornhole boards at the ready and Adirondack chairs peppered throughout, this private perch provides everything residents need to enjoy a full day outside without having to leave home.
The Lydian rooftop also houses an indoor lounge in addition to the massive outdoor space. This indoor area boasts great views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and provides an undeniably comfortable vibe all year long due to the sizable fireplace surrounded by plush furniture. Sounds like a pretty nice place to unwind in peace just steps away from your apartment door.
Source: Rent. / Alta Star Harbor
Does love at first sight apply to rooftops? Because the rooftop at Alta Star Harbor is downright gorgeous. With meticulously manicured greenery, designer seating and even a hammock with quite possibly the best view in all of Oakland, this elevated oasis is second to none and an undeniably luxurious perk for all the residents lucky enough to call this 375-unit community home.
Located south of Downtown Oakland in beautiful Alameda, Alta Star Harbor boasts views of Oakland Inner Harbor and the downtown area as well. This gives residents here the best of both worlds when it comes to soaking up those stellar coastal views that many people move to California to enjoy.
Source: Rent. / 1717 Webster
Located in the innovative Oaksterdam area, 1717 Webster is a 247-unit community that boasts multiple beautiful communal outdoor areas elevated off the street level. The first of which is a stunning outdoor terrace complete with mature trees surrounded by manicured wild grasses, multiple seating areas spaced out to provide ample room for more than one group at a time and stellar views regardless of where you look, this place truly has it all.
In addition to the well-equipped terrace, 1717 Webster also features a stunning rooftop pool surrounded by tall glass walls designed to block the windy conditions that come with living life high up off the ground. This pool is perfect for floating around freely on a lazy Friday or maintaining your tan on a sunny Saturday. Just inside from the pool, this community also boasts an indoor lounge complete with a kitchen and dining area, comfortable seating, a pool table and more.
Source: Rent. / Aero Apartments
The elevated indoor lounge at Aero Apartments is one of the more elegant communal spaces you’ll ever find in an apartment complex. Adorned with designer furniture, equipped with a top-of-the-line kitchen and surrounded by views of beautiful Alameda, this is the perfect spot to entertain old friends, meet new neighbors or impress that special someone on date night.
Located on the West End of Alameda, this 200-unit community also boasts a good-sized rooftop terrace situated on a corner of the building under string lights. This area is complete with comfortable outdoor furniture and boasts surprisingly stunning views from only four floors up.
Source: Rent. / 17th Street Apartments
Located right on Lake Merritt and its three-plus miles of pristine shoreline, the rooftop at 17th Street Apartments is an undeniably peaceful place to be on a beautiful day in Oakland. Situated within walking distance of Downtown Oakland, this 24-unit complex is right in the mix but somehow still feels miles away from the stresses of city living.
Located in the appropriately named Lakeside Apartments District, residents of this boutique apartment community enjoy unobstructed views of the blue waters of Lake Merritt to one side and the stunning sights of downtown to the other. Regardless of where you look while you’re up here, you’re in for a real treat.
Source: Rent. / Artizan Oakland
Artizan Oakland boasts one of the best views from a pool you’ll ever find. Benefitting from ample shade coverage, the courtyard-style pool may not be on the roof but it is elevated up off the ground level and looks out onto the beautiful blue waters of the inner harbor. With lounge chairs all around and plenty of room to space out and enjoy a little time to yourself, Artizan Oakland is designed to facilitate fun in the sun.
Located right on the water in East Peralta, this 241-unit apartment community also boasts a patio off the back of the pool. This area features multiple seating areas under umbrellas, tables that are perfect for outdoor meals and a state-of-the-art grilling station. Needless to say, the outdoor amenities at Artizan Oakland leave residents wanting for nothing.
Source: Rent. / Parc on Powell
Not on the roof but up off the street level, the outdoor pool and spa area at Parc on Powell is a truly serene place to find yourself in the middle of a lazy Sunday afternoon or after a long Monday at work.
Another excellent outdoor setup in Emeryville, the communal courtyard-style outdoor setup at this 175-unit community is lined with tables under umbrellas as well as ample lounge chairs situated under the sun. This area also features a gorgeous rectangular pool and circular spa to top it all off. However you’re looking to soak up the sun, Parc on Powell makes it easy and enjoyable.
Live the highlife on your Oakland rooftop
Whether you’re a Sunday morning swimmer, an everyday tanner, or just someone that needs a little taste of the great outdoors each day to stay sane, the apartments featured on this list all provide the resources residents need to live the indoor-outdoor life Oakland is known for. Pick your favorite apartment from the selection above and get ready to enjoy your new view of the city you love.
Featured image source: Rent. / Vespr
Source: rent.com