The area around the Fruitvale/MacArthur intersection of the
In June 2006, after over a year of exciting buzz, new energy came into the neighborhood with the opening of a mammoth, second
at 3426 Fruitvale Avenue (the original one is in the neighboring Laurel District). Replacing a former Lucky's supermarket, "New Joe's" has been a revelation, not only for those in the Dimond, but for appreciative customers from all over Oakland. This store instantly became the anchor business that has attracted many other shops and restaurants to the district.
Across the parking lot driveway from Farmer Joe's, in the former home of Mel's Diner, is the just-opened
bakery came in directly opposite not long ago.
Down the street is the soon-to-be-opened Shaan, serving north and south Indian cuisine. Continuing around the corner and a short way down MacArthur, El Jaliciense Mexican restaurant has replaced the Vietnamese eatery previously at that spot. Close by is the Flower Lounge Chinese restaurant. Although it qualifies as a neighborhood landmark of many years standing, it deserves mention as one of the better Chinese restaurants in Oakland, serving huge portions at very reasonable prices. On the opposite side of the street, Romano pizza parlor and the next-door, Ram's Barber Shop have been nicely spiffed up.
To top things off, the first annual
Success such as this is likely to foster further success. There is a strong possibility that the retail establishments and positive, neighborhood activities will serve as magnets for home buyers who would like to live near a special shopping area and convenient transportation hub, furthering the popularity for Dimond and Upper Dimond District homes. You know good things are happening when so many Realtors mention the proximity of the businesses listed in this article as a positive feature when describing homes in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
Will the Dimond be the next Rockridge or Piedmont Avenue? Who knows? Meanwhile, those who live here are happy their neighborhood keeps getting better and better. At a time of so much negative news, the Dimond District is a big success story.
