San Antonio

With a cost of living that is 10 percent less than that of greater Oakland, San Antonio provides affordable housing in a diverse setting. There are a variety of housing options available, from Pueblo-styled and Victorian single-family homes to duplexes, apartments, and shared living. Foodies should check out the area around the Alameda Marketplace, which features inexpensive produce and kitchen staples from a large selection of ethnic grocery stores all under one roof. Families with children will appreciate the kid-friendly area surrounding San Antonio Park for family-oriented activities and events.

San Antonio residents enjoy access to the best Southeast Asian and Mexican food in Oakland. International Boulevard, running along the southern border of San Antonio, boasts a bounty of inexpensive ethnic eateries, cafes, bars, and food trucks. Locals craving more fancy dining fare can cross the tidal canal into Alameda or head out for swanky eats in the Grand Lake neighborhood.

ks. Locals craving more fancy dining fare can cross the tidal canal into Alameda or head out for swanky eats in the Grand Lake neighborhood. Expect to see: People participating in diverse cultural or artistic activities or events. Cultural events include the Guatemalan Cultural Festival, the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival, and May Day events in Oakland's oldest city park, San Antonio Park. On Fridays from May through November, you'll likely see plenty of people shopping at the East Oakland Farmers Market, searching for the freshest local and organic produce and edibles.

For nightlife, San Antonio locals typically head over to Fruitvale, Grand Lake, or the nearby island of Alameda for barhopping in venues ranging from dive bars to swanky clubs. Entertainment options abound; Rhythmix Cultural Works in Alameda brings together residents for a variety of all-ages cultural performances such as Flamenco shows. Film buffs will enjoy watching flicks in the architecturally opulent historic Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. If you are a fan of vino, take your date out for an evening of wine tasting. Grand Lake features a winery specializing in organic California wines, as well as selections from Germany, Italy, and France.

For parents with kids, spend a fun-filled day at the basketball courts, soccer field, playgrounds, and walking paths, then visit the community garden. San Antonio is close to Lake Merritt, so take your friends and your dog for a walk or run along some of the most beautiful shoreline in town or go bird-watching, bicycling, or rent a boat for fun on the water.