Longfellow - Oakland, CA

Sacred Heart Parish anchored the Longfellow neighborhood in the late 1800s after the church was founded in 1876. Church of the Good Shepherd also provided spiritual comfort for residents, and it held a museum that honored the accomplishments of some of the earliest people to settle in the area. The museum relocated in the 1980s, but the historic church still stands at 52nd and West Streets.

Along with many houses, several commercial buildings sprang up around both of these churches through the decades. As transportation hubs, such as Martin Luther King Jr Way, came through Longfellow, the dynamic of the neighborhood changed and some services moved elsewhere.

Longfellow has a few art galleries such as Royal Nonesuch Gallery, an artist-run community with local art, and Compound Gallery & Studios, with studios supporting artists in residence.

Some of the area's annual events include the East Bay Mini Maker Faire, an event for kids to use their creativity to make incredible projects, and Thrill the World Bay Area, a flash mob dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" simultaneously with other groups around the world.

No matter what you're hungry for, you can likely find it either in Longfellow or close by, including American, seafood, Burmese, Latin American, Asian fusion and more.

Cholita Linda provides locals with a chance to sample food with Cuban, Mexican, and Peruvian influences under the same roof. Though the menu can be simple with tacos, salads, sandwiches, and plates, it's the fresh ingredients and careful preparation that makes this a spot to enjoy. Kick back with a fresh fruit juice over lunch and you're good to go.

When in the mood for Burmese food, try Burma Superstar for award-winning dishes like salt and pepper calamari, pumpkin pork stew, or shan noodles. Vegetarians in particular are thrilled with the number of choices here, but meat-eaters don't leave hungry, either. It can get a little loud sometimes, but with food this good, you may find it doesn't matter.

Brick Pig's House supplies North Oakland with its barbecue needs, filling your plate with your choice of meat, two sides, two mini muffins, a dessert and choice of drink. Locals love the brisket and barbecue chicken, especially with baked beans and sweet potato pie.

In Longfellow, nightlife tends to get going on weekends and centers around the area's eclectic bar scene. Marc 49 has a back patio perfect for relaxing and chatting with friends whether eating, drinking, or both. The Avenue defines dive bar with a killer jukebox and genuine characters. Drinks come reasonably priced and strong, which goes over well here.

Eli's Mile High Club has pool tables and a dog-friendly atmosphere. Cheap drinks, pinball machines and greasy food add to the excitement. For live music, try Leo's in Rockridge for bands playing rock, funk, blues, and more. Other popular joints for good food and creative drinks include Homeroom and the Hog's Apothecary.

Residents of Longfellow have two primary ways of getting around. Most prefer to drive because the neighborhood provides easy access to the 580 Freeway and Route 24.

MacArthur provides the closest BART Station to Longfellow, and residents also use several bus lines to accomplish their errands. You'll find parking relatively easily and cheaply here. Cabs can be tough to hail on the street unless you're near a train or bus station, but residents easily call ahead or schedule an Uber. There are benefits to walking in Longfellow, though most prefer to drive to get their business done. Since this area has plenty of bike lanes, cyclists feel safe on the streets.

Longfellow has one primary park, the Temescal Creek Park in Emeryville. Here you find a safe, fenced-in area for dogs to run around, plus a playground and small basketball court. Other parks in the area include Grove Shafter Park, also great for dogs to run around and socialize with other pups.

Bushrod Park in Rockridge has a huge field for soccer or football, as well as tennis and basketball courts. Lots of pickup games get started here, so if you're looking to jump in, Sundays seems to be the day of choice for newbies.

All parks are free of charge and welcoming to kids, dogs, and fitness buffs. Some have parking on the premises or nearby.

Longfellow's cost of living sits lower than the Hayward average, but higher than the national average. A typical one-bedroom apartment in Longfellow rents for about $1,675 per month.

It costs $3.50 to get from the MacArthur BART station to Civic Center in San Francisco by train. A beer at a local pub runs about $6, and gas prices sit about 17 percent higher than the national average.

Longfellow residents have a variety of options when it comes to shopping, but the nearest shopping district is in neighboring Rockridge.

Pretty Penny sells vintage clothing, accessories, and furnishings in a space that feels like a friend's closet. The owners are only too happy to help you find something to suit your frame or put a cool outfit together.

Meanwhile, Standard & Strange carries fashionable men's clothing, accessories and shoes from denim to plaid shirts and more. While it's not required, there's usually a little sipping whiskey on hand while you shop, and the owners have been known to do a little personal tailoring if an item doesn't fit off the rack.

Most of Longfellow's grocery options come in the form of smaller providers like American Natural Food and Cafe. Longfellow has several farmers' markets to choose from for fresh produce and other artisanal foods. Phat Beets Farmers Market happens on Saturdays next to the North Oakland Farmers Market, also on Saturdays.

If you're in need of something on a Tuesday, try the Berkeley Tuesday Farmers Market off Adeline near the Ashby BART Station. All markets have organic and specialty items alongside fresh fruit and vegetables.