Now that the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors is tied at two games apiece, this year’s series is turning into one of the more epic finals in recent memory. The rivalry between Cleveland vs Oakland is heating up, highlighted by Andrew Bogut pushing LeBron James into the camera crew (or Lebron jumping on his own volition, if you ask Bogut). Fans across the country are taking sides and debating the merits of each team and the cities they represent. Even Redfin real estate agents are weighing in on the action.
“Clevelanders are resilient and we don’t back down when pushed,” said Joe Rath, a Redfin real estate agent in Cleveland. “We survived many years of sports-related heartache, ‘The Decision’ and injuries to two of our big three. We’re ready for LeBron James to add a championship to his legacy as king of the Rust-Belt Kingdom.”
“Oakland doesn’t back down either, unlike Cleveland’s mayor who spurned the traditional NBA Finals wager,” said Tom Hendershot, a Redfin real estate agent in Oakland. “The ‘Dubs’ have this year’s MVP, an electrifying offense and an insanely cute Riley Curry on our side. This is Golden State’s year to win it all!”
But what is life like off the court in these cities? We looked at Census data, information Redfin gets from the multiple listing services in each city and a few other sources to find out what it’s like to live in Cleveland or Oakland.
Affording a Home: Cleveland – 1, Oakland – 0
Cleveland and Oakland have similar population sizes, but Cleveland is bigger geographically, which means the city has more sprawl. According to data from Redfin, the median sales price of homes in Cleveland is $122,000, or $78 per square foot. In Oakland the median sales price is MUCH higher, at $600,000 or $389 per square foot. According to Census data, the median household income is $26,217 in Cleveland and $52,583 in Oakland. Since you can afford a home in Cleveland with the median household income, we’re giving Cav’s fans the nod here.
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Education: Cleveland – 0, Oakland – 1
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Comparing the public school systems, Cleveland has a Greatschools score of 3, while Oakland has a 4. In terms of higher education, 38.1 percent of residents in Oakland have a bachelor’s degree or higher. That is more than two fold higher than percentage of Cleveland residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher (14.9 percent). Another point for Golden State!
Jobs: Cleveland – 0, Oakland – 1
Cleveland has an unemployment rate of 7.5 percent, and Oakland has an unemployment rate of 5.9 percent. In Cleveland, the average hourly wage for the workforce is $22.26, while Oakland’s average hourly wage $31.25. Since there’s a lower unemployment rate and higher hourly wage in Oakland, score one more point for the Warriors.
Getting Around: Cleveland – 0, Oakland – 1
It looks like Oakland beats Cleveland all around when it comes to Earth-friendly transportation options. Oakland has a Walk Score of 69, which is higher than Cleveland’s Walk Score of 57. The transit score for both cities is separated by only 7 points, with Cleveland scoring a 47 and Oakland at 54. Oakland has a Bike Score of 61, while Cleveland scores a 51. Another point for the Warriors!
Dating and Marriage: Cleveland – 1, Oakland – 1
Census data shows that both cities are similar when it comes to age. As a result, you’d expect the marriage rate to be about the same. However, that’s not the case. The data shows that 51.4 percent of Clevelanders have never married, while 27 percent are currently married. In Oakland, 46.5 percent have never married, while 38.9 percent are currently married. Look, we’re not here to talk about what lifestyle is best – we’re experts in real estate. Let’s call this one a tie.
Enjoying the Weather: Cleveland – 0, Oakland – 1
According to Weather.com, Oakland has more sunny days, higher average temperatures, less rainfall, and it rarely snows. Chalk up another point for Golden State!
Final Score: Cleveland – 2, Oakland – 5
Oakland is the winner…will this be a reflection of the NBA Finals? Below is a summary of all the data we looked at to arrive at this conclusion. Head over to Redfin.com to compare homes for sale in Cleveland and Oakland, or get in touch with a Redfin real estate agent today to book a home tour in either city.
Share this report and tell us which city you think is the best on Facebook, Twitter, G+ or in the comments below!
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