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Piedmont, CA

Frequently asked questions

Piedmont, CA

Piedmont is a small city located in Alameda County, California, United States, completely surrounded by the city of Oakland. Its residential population was 11,270 at the 2020 census. The name comes from the region of Piedmont in Italy, and it means 'foothill'. Piedmont was incorporated in 1907 and was developed significantly in the 1920s and 1930s.

The original neighborhood of Piedmont was larger than the current municipality of Piedmont, with the Mountain View Cemetery considered a full part of the Piedmont neighborhood.

Residents initially sought incorporation in 1907. Two elections were held among the citizens of Piedmont in 1907, both of which narrowly upheld the decision for Piedmont to become a separate city, rather than become a neighborhood within the city of Oakland.

Like surrounding Oakland, Piedmont has a history of racial segregation. In 1924, the city's first African-American homeowners, Sidney and Irene Dearing, got around the city's restrictive housing covenants by purchasing a home using a white family member as a proxy. They could not count on the city of Piedmont to protect them from violent threats against their lives—the chief of police at the time, Burton Becker, was an active member of the Ku Klux Klan. While the Dearings initially refused to leave, bombs were left around their property. They sold it to the city for $25,000 after a mob surrounded their home and demanded that they leave.

Before 1968, restrictive housing covenants and redlining were used to exclude non-whites in the city for many years. The American sociologist and historian James W. Loewen identified Piedmont as a "probable" sundown town, meaning that non-whites were not welcome after dusk and could face violence and intimidation. While surrounding Oakland is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the United States, Piedmont has a less racially diverse population than Oakland. Attempts to ethnically and culturally diversify the city and allow for higher density and affordable housing are typically met with resistance from the city's residents.

Piedmont is located at 37°49′19″N 122°13′53″W. It is located near the Hayward Fault, a geological fault line that runs through the East Bay region. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.7 square miles (4.4 km2), all land.

Piedmont emphasizes health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Piedmont Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Fit Evolution, FLEX Circuit Gym, and Jazzercise. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Piedmont, such as the Piedmont Park Loop and the Overlook and Round Top Loop. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Piedmont, CA are Chabot Space & Science Center, Morcom Rose Garden, and Paramount Theatre Oakland.

Population: 11,107 (2021). Area: 1.699 mi². Elevation: 331′. ZIP code: 94611. Area Code: 510, 341.

FAQ

What is the history of Piedmont, CA?

Piedmont was inhabited in early historic times by Celtic-Ligurian tribes such as the Taurini and the Salassi. They were later subdued by the Romans (c. 220 BC), who founded several colonies there including Augusta Taurinorum (Turin) and Eporedia (Ivrea). After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the region was successively invaded by the Burgundians, the Ostrogoths (5th century), East Romans, the Lombards (6th century), and the Franks (773).

Is Piedmont, CA expensive?

Piedmont, California's cost of living is 142% higher than the national average. Piedmont's housing expenses are 392% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 30% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 34% higher than the national average.

Is Piedmont, CA a good place to live?

Piedmont is in Alameda County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Piedmont offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Piedmont, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Residents of Piedmont tend to be liberal. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Piedmont

Piedmont Recreation and Community Services Department

Fit Evolution

FLEX Circuit Gym 

Jazzercise

Piedmont Park Loop 

Overlook and Round Top Loop

Chabot Space & Science Center

Morcom Rose Garden

Paramount Theatre Oakland

Payscale

Niche

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