Dimond District, Oakland, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dimond District
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The Dimond Library, in the heart of the Dimond District
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Location of the Dimond District in Oakland
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Alameda |
| City | Oakland |
| Elevation | 218 ft (65 m) |
| ZIP code |
94602
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| Area code(s) | 510 |
The Dimond District (/ˈdaɪmənd/) is a lively neighborhood in East Oakland, California, in the United States. It's located about two miles east of Lake Merritt. You can find it north of the Fruitvale District and west of the Laurel District. This area sits about 213 feet (65 meters) above sea level. The Dimond District is known for being a place where many different cultures come together. It's where the hills meet the flatlands, creating a unique mix of people and backgrounds. Dimond Park, a popular green space, is also found here. The ZIP code for Dimond is 94602.
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Discovering Dimond District's Past
The Dimond District gets its name from a man named Hugh Dimond. He arrived in California during the exciting Gold Rush days. In 1867, he bought the land that is now the Dimond District. Later, in 1897, Hugh Dimond built a small house. He used special adobe bricks from an old home built by the Peralta family way back in 1827. These same bricks were used again to build the Boy Scout hut that you can still see in Dimond Park today.
Early Settlements and Growth
Oakland's Camp Dimond was once located at the start of Dimond Canyon. This is where Montera Middle School stands today. The Dimond area was originally a separate settlement from Oakland. It even had its own post office, which opened in 1891. By 1908, this post office became a branch of the main Oakland post office.
Dimond District Today: What to See and Do
The Dimond District is home to several interesting old buildings. One of these is the Altenheim. It was originally a retirement home for German Americans. The building you see now was built in 1909. It was designed by an architect from San Francisco named Oscar Haupt. The original building had been destroyed by a fire.
Celebrating German Heritage: Oaktoberfest
Every October, the Dimond District hosts a fun event called "Oaktoberfest." This festival celebrates the area's German heritage. You can enjoy German beer, delicious food, and lively entertainment. It all takes place in a big tented beer hall.
Shopping and Services in Dimond
The Dimond Business District is located near several other Oakland neighborhoods. These include Oakmore, Glenview, and Lincoln Highlands. Here, you'll find a mix of well-known stores like Safeway and CVS Pharmacy. There are also local favorites such as Farmer Joe's Marketplace and Grand Lake Kitchen. You can also visit unique local shops and "mom-and-pop" restaurants. For example, La Farine is a famous French bakery. The district also has major banks, a U.S. post office, and a branch of the Oakland Public Library.
Getting Around Dimond District
The Dimond District is easy to reach by car because it has great access to Interstate 580. The intersection of Fruitvale Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard is a major hub for AC Transit buses. These buses can take you all over the area, including Transbay lines that go to San Francisco. There's also a casual carpool service. This service operates across from a CalTrans park & ride lot on Montana Street.
