South Oakland/Orpwood St - Safe for a young family? (Pittsburgh: rental, crime)

[spitale22]

Hello all! Does anyone have insight into South Oakland, particularly Orpwood St? I'm thinking of setting up an appointment to see a rental in that area, but I see mixed reviews on whether it is safe or not.

The address is 3734 Orpwood in Oakland. The owner says it is a dead end street with mostly familes, but unfortunately, doesn't have any pics of the inside, etc.

Thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[Moby Hick]

I don't know that specific street, but it gets rough looking by that playground on Frazier. Also, it's a bit of a bad sign if there are no interior pics.

[speagles84]

Originally Posted by spitale22

Hello all! Does anyone have insight into South Oakland, particularly Orpwood St? I'm thinking of setting up an appointment to see a rental in that area, but I see mixed reviews on whether it is safe or not.

The address is 3734 Orpwood in Oakland. The owner says it is a dead end street with mostly familes, but unfortunately, doesn't have any pics of the inside, etc.

Thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I live in South Oakland right now. Recently there has been a large surge in crime on the student of the university of Pittsburgh. Two of my friends have been jumped in Oak Cliffe (South Oakland) and one in Central Oakland (south of Forbes/Fifth). The area you are looking at is generally considered the worst part of Oakland. Down by Fraizer Park, there is a little gang activity and I've heard of multiple robberies and burglaries in the area.

I would seriously reconsider moving into this area with a family. Students are pushing farther and farther into South Oakland, and honestly I wouldn't walk through that area at night and I'm a 23 year old big guy. I wouldn't consider it a "Bad" area, but at the same time it is not very desirable area for raising a family. If you want a safer area, try nearby Greenfield. It'll be a lot better.

[spitale22]

Yikes! Thanks so much for letting me know. We will pass on that area!

[Uptown kid]

I would avoid that area

[selltheburgh]

Orpwood is a nice street for the most part, but Frazier St has been notoriously rough for the past 20+ years.

If you were buying and the price was right, I'd say go for it. There's a lot of development planned for Oakland. Since you are renting and safety is a concern, I'd say to keep looking.

[Bert Peters]

The surrounding area is bad, but Orpwood itself from what I've heard is safe. I have a friend who lives on that street.

[brand03]

To everyone who has stated that the Frazier St area is not safe.... please. I'm in that area every week at different times of the day.You really can't get much safer than that area and it is really close to everything. And there is a nice park nearby at Dan Marino Field. Home prices have been going up in the area and rents are increasing. Oakland Planning and Development Corporation is purchasing, refurbishing, and selling houses to families and there is a strong neighborhood feeling to that area. Most of the crime in Oakland takes place in Central Oakland. To be fair, the area used to be what would be considered a "bad" area in the past, with shootings taking place years ago. But it is perfectly safe nowadays.

Though I can't speak for the specific house, Orpwood is a quiet street that is pretty much removed from where any loud college party activity would take place. You do have to be careful with Oakland landlords though. Make sure you give the house a thorough inspection before renting.

Only thing I would be concerned about with a family would be loud, drunk college students on other streets in in the neighborhood.